PROSTATE BASICS

The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate gland is located in MALES ONLY and is below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries semen and urine out of the body. A healthy prostate gland is about the size of a chestnut. 

The prostate produces fluid that is part of your semen. It nourishes sperm and helps lubricate the urethra. The fluid contains enzymes (like PSA), citric acid and Zinc. PSA is often measured as part of the screening for prostate cancer. 

The prostate's muscles contract and help push semen into the urethra and out of the body during ejaculation.

Some common problems with the prostate gland include enlargement, inflammation, and cancer. Symptoms may include pain, difficulty urination, and blood in the urine. 

Prostatitis 

Common in men over 50, inflammation of the prostate can cause burning while urinating, pain, and the need to urinate frequently. 

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Common in men over 50, an enlarged prostate can cause the need to urinate frequently, especially at night. 

Prostate cancer

Abnormal cells in the prostate that grow into a malignant tumor. Risk factors include age, black/African ancestry, family history, and inherited genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome and BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations. 1 in 8 men in the United States will be diagnosed in their lifetime.