The Prostate
The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder in the male reproductive system. The prostate is the size of a chestnut, and surrounds the upper portion of the urethra. Both urine and semen pass through the prostate.

Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland in men. The prostate sits directly below the bladder, and urine and semen flow through the prostate. If the prostate becomes inflamed, men can experience pain and problems with urination and ejaculation. Prostatitis can be caused by dehydration, sex -- either too much or too little -- and stress.

Prostate Exam
A prostate exam is a test performed on men to screen for prostate cancer. The goal is to detect cancer early, when treatment is most successful. The most common prostate exam is the digital rectal exam (DRE). A doctor inserts his or her gloved, lubricated finger into a man's rectum to blindly feel the prostate gland and surrounding tissue.

A PSA test measures prostate-specific antigens (PSA), a substance produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer or a noncancerous condition such as prostatitis, or an enlarged prostate.

Using Pro Uro Care technology, E.R. physician Dr. Travis Stork describes how a prostate exam is performed and illustrates the abnormalities doctors look for. 

Experts recommend annual prostate exams beginning at age 45, and a prostate exam accompanied by a PSA blood test for the following:
• All men beginning at age 50
• African-American men beginning at age 40
• Men with a family history of prostate cancer, beginning at age 40 (or younger, if recommended by a doctor)
• Men who develop persistent urinary symptoms

Prostate Cancer Facts
• Prostate cancer is a malignancy that originates within the prostate.

• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. Over 200,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in the United States, and about 40,000 men die of prostate cancer per year.

• Risk factors for prostate cancer include a diet rich in fatty foods, family history of prostate or breast cancer and older age. Risk of prostate cancer is lower in Asian countries than in the U.S., presumably due to Asian diets being rich in Bioflavanoids (found in soy beans).

• Screening for prostate cancer includes a blood test called PSA and a digital rectal exam (DRE), whereby the physician palpates the prostate through the patient's rectum. Ultrasonography of the prostate is performed in some situations to look for abnormal areas in the prostate.

• Diagnosis of prostate cancer requires performing a biopsy of the prostate with the guide of an ultrasound probe placed in the rectum.

• Treatment of prostate cancer depends on the physiologic age and health of the patient, the degree of aggressiveness (Gleason Score) of the cancer and the stage of the cancer. Treatment options for prostate cancer include active surveillance, hormone therapy, cyrotherapy, various types of radiation therapy, open prostatectomy, robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy and chemotherapy. Only after a careful evaluation and discussion between a physician specializing in prostate cancer and the patient, should the patient decide on the proper course of therapy for his prostate cancer.

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