The prostate is a muscular, walnut-sized gland that surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that transports urine and sperm out of the body. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It secretes seminal fluid, a milky substance that combines with sperm produced in the testicles to form semen. The muscles in the prostate push semen through the urethra and out of the penis during sexual climax.
Where is the prostate located?
The prostate is located directly beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. The upper portion of the urethra passes through the prostate; if the prostate becomes enlarged, it can obstruct the passage of fluid through the urethra.
What is prostate disease?
There are three different types of prostate disease. Although these diseases have different causes, they share many of the same symptoms. Because of these similarities, it is important to make screenings for prostate cancer a part of your yearly physical examination and to see a urologist if you experience symptoms of any of the following diseases:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, commonly called BPH, is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that affects approximately half of all men before the age of 50 and 80% of men over age 60. Symptoms include difficulty urinating; urgency (an urge to urinate even when the bladder is empty); a need to urinate frequently, especially at night; a weak or intermittent urine stream; or a sense of incomplete emptying and dribbling.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer, in its early stages, may not cause any urinary symptoms. As it progresses, prostate cancer can cause the following symptoms: a need to urinate frequently, especially at night; difficulty starting urination; inability to urinate; weak or interrupted flow of urine; painful or burning urination; painful ejaculation; blood in urine or semen; and pain in the back, hips, or extremities.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the United States, with approximately 180,000 new cases diagnosed each year. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men. Yet when detected in its early stages, prostate cancer can be effectively treated. In more than 60% of men, prostate cancer will be found while it is still contained, before it has metastasized (spread). When this type of cancer is found and treated early, the five-year survival rate is greater than 90 percent. Early detection is vital to protecting yourself.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate that may be caused by bacterial infection. This condition can affect men of all ages and can occur in any prostate regardless of its size. Some of the symptoms of prostatitis are similar to those caused by an enlarged prostate and include the frequent urge to urinate and difficulty in doing so. Prostatitis also may be accompanied by chills and fever and by pain or burning during urination.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 5/10/2005
