Prostate

The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system.  It is about the size of a walnut and is below the bladder and in front of the rectum.  The prostate surrounds the initial part of the urethra, the tube in which the urethra carries urine from the bladder out through the penis.  The main function of the prostate is to make fluid for semen.  During ejaculation, sperm made in the testicles moves to the urethra.  At the same time, fluid from the prostate and the seminal vesicles also moves into the urethra.  This mixture – semen – goes through the urethra and out of the penis.

Later on in life the prostate gland can sometimes become enlarged affecting the function of the bladder, commonly referred to as bladder outlet obstruction, and at other times the prostate gland can become cancerous.  Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australia. 

A PSA blood test and digital rectal examination are used to assess the risk for prostate cancer.  If there is any concern about your risk, your GP may refer you to a urologist for a prostate biopsy which involves small amounts of tissue being taken from the prostate and analysed under a microscope.

Some common conditions and treatments involving the prostate are shown below.  Click on the links to learn more.

• Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

• MRI/TRUS Fusion guided Transperineal Prostate Biopsy

• Transrectal Ultrasound Biopsy (TRUS)

• Prostate Cancer

The information on this website is provided to reinforce any advice you have received from your GP and others involved in your care and is not intended to replace discussions with your doctor.