The Prostate
The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It is a small gland located in the pelvis below the bladder surrounding the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). Its rear side lies next to the rectum.
What does the Prostate do?
The prostate is unique to the male population and it normally has the size of a walnut. It is located underneath the bladder and encloses parts of the urethra (the tube men do urinate and ejaculate through).
The main function of the prostate gland is to help produce semen, the fluid that will carry the sperm. It is a crucial role for fertility by nourishing and helping sperm to move.
Besides this, the prostate also is producing the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA). PSA levels may be important for early detection of prostate cancer, if its value is increased, it may be a sign of cancer.
The main function of the prostate gland is to help produce semen, the fluid that will carry the sperm. It is a crucial role for fertility by nourishing and helping sperm to move.
Besides this, the prostate also is producing the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA). PSA levels may be important for early detection of prostate cancer, if its value is increased, it may be a sign of cancer.
What problems can occur?
Prostate issues can fit into three categories: Those can be benign, inflammatory or malignant. All of these conditions are associated with an increase in the PSA value. Therefore additional tests (i.e. MRI Scans,…) are needed to verify the diagnosis. No conclusions can be drawn as to the underlying cause on the basis of an abnormal PSA value alone.
Benign Disorders
One common disorder that affects many elderly men is benign prostate enlargement (BPE), also know as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). In men with this disorder, the prostate is found to increase in volume. One of the first indicators of benign prostate enlargement is an increased urge to urinate.
Inflammatory Process
Inflammatory processes can develop in the prostate, regardless of the patient’s age. Urologists refer to this as prostatitis. One common first indicator of this disorder is a burning sensation when urinating. This disorder may be acute or chronic. In some men, this form of inflammation may also result in an increase in PSA value.
Malignant Disease
As Prostate cancer is associated with raised PSA values, which we know grows with age, the possibility of developing prostate cancer increases as well. Prostate cancer is categorised into different stages depending on how aggressive and advanced it is.
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