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What Does The Prostate Do In A Man

Treatment For Urinary Problems

What is the prostate? | Ask a Nurse

If your urinary problems are caused by infection or enlargement of the prostate gland, treatment may include:

  • a long course of antibacterial medication because infection is difficult to get rid of, the antibacterial medication will need to be taken for many weeks
  • medication to improve urine flow and other symptoms
  • surgical procedures the type of surgery required depends on the size of the prostate and the condition of the urethra. Types of procedures include:
  • transurethral resection of the prostate
  • transurethral incision of the prostate
  • laser resection of the prostate
  • open surgery prostatectomy
  • removal of prostate tissue using water jets or steam
  • UroLift® for men for whom medication has not been successful but their prostates are not so enlarged that they need more invasive surgery. This procedure involves the transurethral insertion of staples to separate the lobes of the prostate. It has minimal side effects and preserves ejaculatory and erectile function
  • a number of other procedures that have been developed to reduce urinary symptoms. Talk to your doctor about your options.
  • Anatomy Of The Prostate

    The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system. It is situated in front of the rectum, below the bladder, and surrounds the urethra, which is the tube through which urine flows out of the body. The main function of the chestnut-sized prostate is to secrete part of the seminal fluid that combines with sperm to form semen.

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    • The prostate gland is a male reproductive organ that produces fluids to feed and protect sperm cells.
    • Many men experience urinary changes as they age. In many cases, these changes do not need specific treatment.
    • When urinary changes cause problems, they can be treated successfully by lifestyle changes, medication, surgery or a combination of the three.
    • For problems such as blood in the urine, pain on urination, inability to urinate or uncontrollable urine flow, see your doctor promptly.

    Read Also: Ct Scan For Prostate Enlargement

    Urinary Tract Infections In Men: Symptoms Diagnosis And Treatment

    Nonbacteria microbes may cause a different type of chronic prostatitis, known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, which may also develop as a result of chemicals in the urine, a urinary tract infection, or pelvic nerve damage.

    Affecting 10 to 15 percent of the U.S. male population, chronic pelvic pain syndrome is the most common type of prostatitis, but also the least understood.

    Symptoms vary depending on the type of prostatitis, but can include urination problems, pain , fever, and body aches, among other things.

    Some people develop asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis, in which the prostate is inflamed but doesn’t produce any symptoms or require treatment.

    Bacterial prostatitis is most often treated with antibiotics. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome may require drugs, surgery, and lifestyle changes.

    Over time, prostatitis may cause sexual dysfunction, abscesses in the prostate, inflammation of nearby reproductive organs, and infection of the bloodstream.

    Learn More About Prostate Problems and Complications

    So If Drugs And Surgery Are A Bad Option How Do You Effectively Treat And Defeat Bph

    Prostatitis: What You Need to Know

    Simple.

    Its time for a new approach.

    One that doesnt rely on outdated medical treatments but uses the latest research studies to map out an action plan.

    A step-by-step action plan that lets you take back control of your prostate health.

    We have the exact game plan that will help you lower your PSA level, shrink your prostate , and get rid of your prostate problems once and for all.

    Also Check: Prostate Cancer With Normal Psa

    Is It Possible To Reduce Psa Levels And Shrink The Prostate Naturally Without Drugs Or Side Effects

    First off, let’s look at a chart showing the normal PSA level by age.

    Keep in mind these PSA levels are taken from western men, whose levels tend to be higher because of the standard western diet. Also keep in mind there are slightly different PSA levels by age for different racial groups due to different prevalences of prostate disease.

    Prostate Specific Antigen Testing

    Prostate Specific Antigen is a protein made by the cells in your prostate. Your PSA levels can be measured using a blood test and give an indication of your prostate health.

    A PSA test isnt a test for cancer. Higher levels of PSA might indicate prostate cancer, but a high reading could also be caused by other conditions. It is also possible to have low level readings and have prostate cancer. This means that a PSA test isnt enough to definitively diagnose or rule out prostate cancer. Your PSA levels can vary, so your doctor might run this test a few times to compare your results and help determine your risk of prostate cancer.

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    The Prostate Gland Is The Size Of A Walnut

    The prostate is a walnut-sized gland situated just below the bladder between the root of the penis and the anus.

    In older men with prostate problems it may swell from the size of a walnut to that of a plum. If the prostate grows too big, urine flow may be weaker, but prostate size is not related to prostate cancer.

    Functions The Prostate Gland Performs

    What Is a Normal PSA for a Man Without Prostate Cancer? | Ask a Prostate Expert, Mark Scholz, MD

    The prostate is something that every man knows about, but few realize the various functions this walnut-sized gland is responsible for in the male reproductive system. Weve put together a list of 10 amazing functions the prostate gland performs based on information from bewellbuzz.com.

    It helps produce semen.

    The main function of the prostate is to help produce semen. It makes an alkaline fluid which mixes with sperm during ejaculation to create semen. The alkaline fluid helps to protect the sperm once it reaches a womans vagina as this is an acidic environment.

    It produces prostate-specific antigen .

    The prostate produces a fluid called prostate-specific antigen which also helps the sperm by acting like a glue to attach it to a womans cervix. The glue then dissolves and the sperm is free to swim into the uterus to find an egg.

    The high levels of PSA in a man can also be an indication of prostate cancer. Men over a certain age should have their PSA levels checked on a yearly basis. This is done through a simple blood test.

    It pumps sperm.

    As well as helping to make semen, the prostate gland helps to pump out sperm during intercourse. The pumping action ensures that the sperm can travel far enough into the uterus to possibly find an egg. This experience helps make sex pleasurable for men.

    Its the G-spot.

    It acts as a filter.

    It creates erections.

    It controls urine flow.

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    How Fast Does Prostate Cancer Spread To The Bones

    Early detection can catch prostate cancer even before there are any symptoms. Some types of prostate cancer grow very slowly.

    There are four main stages of prostate cancer. Within each stage, the cancer is graded based on factors like the size of tumor, prostate-specific antigen level, and other clinical signs.

    If the cancer has spread to the bones, its considered to be the most advanced, or stage 4.

    Newer lab tests look at the genes inside cancer cells. This can provide more information on how quickly the prostate cancer may progress.

    Theres also a grading system known as the Gleason system, which assigns the cancer into a grade group based on how closely it resembles normal tissue.

    During the biopsy to diagnose prostate cancer, the cells are closely examined. The more abnormal cells that are in the biopsy sample, the higher the Gleason score and grade group.

    When more abnormal cells are present, the cancer is more likely to spread quickly.

    Other Possible Side Effects

    Anorgasmia is the inability to achieve orgasm regardless of the level of stimulation.

    2) Penile shrinkage

    Removal of the prostate seems to initiate a phase of penile shrinkage that varies between 2 to 3 cm. For men with large organs, this may have little effect. But a man that starts on the small side might be very dismayed about it.

    Early penile rehabilitation may avoid structural endothelial and smooth muscle damage by improving penile oxygenation.

    3) Urine leakage or pain during intercourse

    4) Urine leakage at orgasm

    5) Pain or discomfort at orgasm

    Also Check: Cost Of Prostate Biopsy Without Insurance

    Surprising Prostate Cancer Statistics

    2020-07-3030 July 2020

    Prostate cancer is common, but did you know that its the second most common cancer diagnosed in American men? Here are eight other surprising prostate cancer statistics, according to the American Cancer Society:

    • Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in American men.
    • 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
    • Prostate cancer has race-related risk factors and is diagnosed more frequently in African American men.
    • Men under 40 are rarely diagnosed with prostate cancer.
    • More than half of prostate cancer diagnoses are men who are 65 or older.
    • The average age of diagnoses is 66.
    • This year, 200,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed.
    • 34,000 men will die from prostate cancer this year.

    Recommended Reading: What Happens To The Prostate Later In Life

    How Radical Prostatectomy Affects A Relationship

    Prostate Cancer: What You Need to Know

    A 2011 study of 63 men that had undergone a radical prostatectomy found that about 75 percent of them sought treatment for erectile dysfunction. Additionally, more than 50 percent reported having less sexual desire, and roughly an additional 40 percent were unable to have a satisfying orgasm.

    The mental health effects of these symptoms were worse in highly sexually motivated participants. 52 percent reported that this had affected their self-esteem, and 36 percent said having performance anxiety.

    Additionally, the last three items on the list above can be show-stoppers for a relationship. Few women can tolerate a high degree of urine leakage during sexual activity, and few men can handle the pain during intercourse.

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    Side View Of The Prostate

    The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located between the bladder and the penis. The prostate is just in front of the rectum. The urethra runs through the center of the prostate, from the bladder to the penis, letting urine flow out of the body.

    The prostate secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. During ejaculation, the prostate squeezes this fluid into the urethra, and itâs expelled with sperm as semen.

    The vasa deferentia bring sperm from the testes to the seminal vesicles. The seminal vesicles contribute fluid to semen during ejaculation.

    Psa Level Risk Analysis

    • 15% of men with a PSA level less than 4 ng/ml go on to develop prostate cancer.
    • 31% of men with PSA levels between 4 10 ng/ml have shown to develop prostate cancer.
    • 50% 65% of men with psa scores over 10 ng/ml develop prostate cancer.

    An important part of the your results is finding both the

    1. Total amount of PSA in your blood.

    2. Ratio of free vs bound PSA.

    Read Also: New Jersey Prostate Cancer Center

    How Common Is Prostate Cancer

    About one in nine men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis during his lifetime. Prostate cancer is second only to skin cancer as the most common cancer affecting males. Close to 200,000 American men receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer every year. There are many successful treatments and some men dont need treatment at all. Still, approximately 33,000 men die from the disease every year.

    What Does The Prostate Do

    What Is The Prostate And What Does It Do?

    The prostate is a male gland that releases prostate fluid, one of the components of semen.

    The muscles of the prostate gland help propel this fluid into the urethra during ejaculation.

    It is a muscular gland that is often described as walnut or small apricot-sized.

    An enlarged prostate can be a sign of prostate cancer, the third biggest cancer killer.

    Also Check: What Age To Get Checked For Prostate Cancer

    What Are The Stages Of Prostate Cancer

    Your healthcare provider uses the Gleason score and Grade Groups to stage prostate cancer based on its projected aggressiveness. To get this information, the pathologist:

    • Assigns a grade to each type of cell in your sample. Cells are graded on a scale of three to five . Samples that test in the one to two range are considered normal tissue.
    • Adds together the two most common grades to get your Gleason score .
    • Uses the Gleason score to place you into a Grade Group ranging from one to five. A Gleason score of six puts you in Grade Group 1 . A score of nine or higher puts you in Grade Group five . Samples with a higher portion of more aggressive cells receive a higher Grade Group.

    Tests Used To Check The Prostate

    This first step lets your doctor hear and understand the “story” of your prostate concerns. You’ll be asked whether you have symptoms, how long you’ve had them, and how much they affect your lifestyle. Your personal medical history also includes any risk factors, pain, fever, or trouble passing urine. You may be asked to give a urine sample for testing.

    Recommended Reading: What Are The Early Warning Signs Of Prostate Cancer

    Hydration Could Be Linked To Prostate Health

    Japanese and Chinese men have very low levels of prostate cancer and green tea is thought to be one reason why. Green tea is rich in polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties which could potentially reduce cancer risk.

    Alcohol and fizzy drinks are rich in sugar, which can pile on the pounds. We know obesity is linked to cancer so switch to water instead to reduce calories, help flush out the kidneys and keep the body hydrated.

    Average Psa Test Doubling Time

    San Antonio Urolift Treatment

    Another red flag. This calculation denotes the time it takes your PSA values to double.

    Therefore it may signify the aggressiveness of any prostate abnormalities, whether it’s an enlarged prostate, prostatitis, or prostate cancer.

    If your average PSA readings double in less than three years your doctor will most likely order a biopsy, to look in to the problem further and discuss possible prostate cancer treatment options.

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    What Are The Constituents Of Prostatic Fluid

    The prostate secretes a milky fluid, the prostatic fluid, which makes up about 30 percent of the total fluid thats ejaculated. The prostatic fluid contains various ingredients, such as enzymes, citric acid and zinc, which keeps sperm alive and protects them and the genetic codes they carry. PSA is one of the enzymes in the fluid that, after ejaculation, makes semen runnier and helps sperm travel through semen more easily, which increases the likelihood of successful fertilization of an egg. While prostatic fluid is weakly acidic, the other constituents of semen turn it alkaline overall, which helps to counteract vaginal acidity and prevent damage of sperm.

    Prostate Cancer In New Zealand Men

    Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Kiwi men. Every year nearly 4000 men are diagnosed and about 650 die from the disease the third highest cause of death after lung and bowel cancers.

    Mori men have a slightly lower incidence of prostate cancer but have a higher death rate than other New Zealand men. The reasons for this may be a later diagnosis or treatment choices offered to them.

    Overall, the number of men diagnosed in New Zealand is increasing, largely due to increased rates of testing and the death rate is slowly dropping, largely due to better outcomes from early diagnosis and improved treatments available.

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    Monitoring And Pharmacologic Therapy

    Ordinarily, in patients in whom only a single focus of PIN, particularly HGPIN, has been identified, therapy may not be necessary. In patients with multiple areas of HGPIN or ASAP on the initial biopsy or on subsequent biopsies, therapy may be considered, as the risk of cancer in these patients is 15 times that in patients without these entities. Prostate cancerprevention studies indicate that 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, antiandrogens, and selective estrogen receptor modulators are usually not effective in eliminating HGPIN and ASAP,. .

    Tests To Diagnose And Stage Prostate Cancer

    What is prostate cancer? | Cancer Research UK

    Most prostate cancers are first found as a result of screening. Early prostate cancers usually dont cause symptoms, but more advanced cancers are sometimes first found because of symptoms they cause.

    If prostate cancer is suspected based on results of screening tests or symptoms, tests will be needed to be sure. If youre seeing your primary care doctor, you might be referred to a urologist, a doctor who treats cancers of the genital and urinary tract, including the prostate.

    The actual diagnosis of prostate cancer can only be made with a prostate biopsy .

    On this page

    Read Also: What Is Perineural Invasion In Prostate Cancer

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    What Does Prostate Cancer Do

    Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men.

    Beside this, can Prostate Cancer kill you?

    Prostate cancer is very common, showing up in 240,000 U.S. men every year. It kills about 30,000 a year. In most men, prostate cancer isn’t likely to kill them before something else does. But since prostate cancer still kills so many men, it’s important to find out which men are most at risk of dying early.

    Subsequently, question is, what are the 5 warning signs of prostate cancer?

    • A painful or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation.
    • Frequent urination, particularly at night.
    • Difficulty stopping or starting urination.
    • Sudden erectile dysfunction.
    • Blood in urine or semen.

    Also, what happens when you have your prostate removed?

    Radical prostatectomy risksUrinary incontinence. Erectile dysfunction Injury to the rectum Narrowing of the urethra or bladder neck.

    What do prostate cancer cells feed on?

    In many cases, prostate cancer is a slow-growing cancer that does not spread beyond the prostate gland before the time of diagnosis. Once prostate cancer forms, it feeds on androgens and uses them as fuel for growth.

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