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The prostate gland is a small, walnut-sized organ in males that plays a crucial role in the reproductive system by producing seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. Its health is vital, as conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer can significantly impact quality of life and require medical attention.
The male reproductive system is responsible for producing, maintaining, and transporting sperm and protective fluid (semen), as well as discharging sperm within the female reproductive tract during sex. It also produces male sex hormones that maintain the male reproductive system and influence secondary sexual characteristics.
Seminal fluid, also known as semen, is a complex mixture that plays a crucial role in human reproduction, primarily facilitating the transport and nourishment of sperm. It is produced by several glands in the male reproductive system, including the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands, each contributing specific components that enhance sperm viability and motility.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, commonly affecting older men, leading to urinary symptoms such as difficulty in starting urination and increased frequency. It is caused by hormonal changes and can be managed through lifestyle modifications, medications, or surgical interventions depending on severity.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the prostate gland. Early detection through screening methods like PSA testing can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates.
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Androgens are a group of hormones that play a crucial role in male traits and reproductive activity, with testosterone being the most well-known. They are also present in females and influence various bodily functions, including muscle and bone mass, behavior, and metabolism.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by both normal and malignant cells of the prostate gland, commonly used as a biomarker in screening and monitoring prostate cancer. Elevated levels of PSA in the blood can indicate prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or inflammation of the prostate, necessitating further diagnostic evaluation.
A digital rectal exam (DRE) is a clinical procedure where a healthcare provider inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to check for abnormalities in the lower rectum, pelvis, and prostate gland. It is commonly used as a screening tool for prostate cancer and to assess other conditions such as rectal tumors or hemorrhoids.
Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is a diagnostic imaging technique primarily used to visualize the prostate gland and surrounding tissues, aiding in the detection and evaluation of prostate abnormalities, including cancer. The procedure involves inserting an ultrasound probe into the rectum, providing real-time images that help guide biopsies and assess prostate health with minimal invasiveness.
A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure for the partial or complete removal of the prostate gland, often performed to treat prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia. The surgery can be done using various techniques, including open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted methods, each with its own implications for recovery and potential complications.
Hormone therapy involves the use of hormones in medical treatment to balance or replace hormones in the body, commonly used in contexts such as menopause, transgender healthcare, and cancer treatment. It requires careful monitoring due to potential side effects and is tailored to individual needs to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.
An enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition in aging men where the prostate gland increases in size, potentially causing urinary symptoms such as difficulty in urination and increased frequency. While not cancerous, BPH can significantly impact quality of life and may require medical or surgical treatment depending on symptom severity.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by both normal and malignant cells of the prostate gland and is commonly measured through blood tests to screen for prostate cancer. Elevated levels of PSA can indicate prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or prostatitis, but the test is not definitive for cancer diagnosis, necessitating further investigation.
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, often causing painful urination and pelvic pain, and can be classified into acute bacterial, chronic bacterial, chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, and treatment varies depending on the type, ranging from antibiotics to pain management strategies.
The urogenital tract, also known as the genitourinary system, is a complex system in humans and other animals that includes both the urinary and reproductive organs. It is responsible for the production, storage, and elimination of urine and plays a critical role in reproduction and sexual function.
PSA Density is a way doctors check how much of a special protein is in a boy's or man's body compared to the size of a small part called the prostate. It's like seeing how much juice is in a cup compared to how big the cup is to make sure everything is okay.
The prostatic urethra is a segment of the male urethra that passes through the prostate gland, playing a crucial role in both the urinary and reproductive systems. It is responsible for transporting urine from the bladder to the outside of the body and also serves as a conduit for semen during ejaculation.
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