Prostate
What is the prostate?
The prostate is a gland of the male urinary and reproductive system a little larger than a walnut. It is located between the bladder and the penis, behind the intestine, with the urethra running through it.
What does the prostate do?
The main function of the prostate is to produce prostatic fluid, which is then secreted into the urethra. The prostatic fluid is part of semen along with seminal vesicle fluid and spermatozoa. Prostatic fluid contains the necessary elements to extend the lifespan of sperm. The muscles of the prostate help to create the force needed to expel semen during ejaculation.
The prostate is also responsible for controlling the urine stream via muscle contraction around the urethra, which carries urine from the bladder to the penis. It is therefore able to decrease or interrupt the urine stream.
What conditions can affect the prostate?
Men can be affected by several conditions of the prostate:
- Prostatitis – inflammation of the prostate. This can be caused by infection.
- Benign prostate enlargement/benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – growth of the prostate with age can affect urination and cause other symptoms.
- Prostate cancer – the most common cancer in men, but also very treatable, with a high survival rate.
Prostatitis usually affects younger men, while other conditions are more common in adults and in the elderly.
How can such conditions be treated?
Treatment will vary according to the specific condition:
- Prostatitis may be treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, and the patient may have to follow a specific diet (focusing on making sure they get enough nutrients and liquids).
- Benign prostate enlargement may be treated with α1-blockers, which relax the muscles around the urethra and 5α-reductase inhibitors, which will inhibit the transformation of testosterone. If medication is ineffective, there are also surgical options.
- Prostate cancer may be treated in a number of different ways, depending on the nature of the cancer and the patient’s choice. Some may choose to wait and observe to see if the cancer is growing. Others may opt for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, prostate brachytherapy, hormone therapy or surgery to remove part or all of the prostate (prostatectomy). The doctor might also recommend a combination of these treatments to ensure the cancer is eradicated.
Which doctor should I see?
You should see a specialised urologist.


PSA monitoring after radical prostatectomy
By Mr Neil Haldar
2022-05-26
We found out from leading urologist, Mr Neil Haldar, what measures should be taken once a radical prostatectomy is completed. We found out exactly what undetectable PSA after radical prostatectomy is and more information about checking whether there are remaining cancer cells after radical prostatectomy. See more


Prostate cancer: warning signs, diagnosis and treatment
By Mr Rick Popert
2022-05-26
Prostate cancer is unique to men and occurs when abnormal cells grow in the prostate. Find out how prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated with expert urologist, Mr Rick Popert. See more


SpaceOAR® Hydrogel: reducing the side-effects of prostate cancer radiation therapy
By Mr Jaspal Virdi
2022-05-26
SpaceOAR® Hydrogel protects the quality of life for men undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Mr Jaspal Virdi, an expert urological surgeon based in Essex and Hertfordshire, details the benefits of using this absorbable implant and how it can reduce some of the unpleasant side-effects of radiation exposure allowing men to go continue their usual daily-activities during therapy. See more


Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP): how is it performed?
By Mr Andrew Ballaro
2022-05-25
HoLEP is the operation of choice for men with large prostates causing obstruction to their urine flow. Senior consultant urologist, Mr Andrew Ballaro provides us with an overview of this minimally invasive procedure and what you can expect during the operation and recovery. See more
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Mr Sarb Sandhu
UrologyExpert in:
- Bladder cancer
- Bladder problems
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- Prostate
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Professor Hashim Uddin Ahmed
UrologyExpert in:
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- Prostate
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- Prostate cancer
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Mr Marc Laniado
UrologyExpert in:
- Holmium laser (HoLEP)
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- Prostate
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Mr Gordon Muir
UrologyExpert in:
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Mr Andrew Ballaro
UrologyExpert in:
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The Urology Partnership
The Urology Partnership
11 Kendrick Road Reading, RG1 5DU
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Spire Little Aston Hospital
Spire Little Aston Hospital
Little Aston Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield, B74 3UP
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The Urology Partnership
11 Kendrick Road Reading, RG1 5DU,Expert in:
- Kidney stones (Urolithiasis)
- Prostate Cancer
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Spire Little Aston Hospital
Little Aston Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield, B74 3UP, Sutton ColdfieldExpert in:
- Bariatric Surgery
- General Surgery
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