The Prostate

The prostate is a male gland that produces fluid that helps the flow and survival of sperm on its journey to impregnate an egg called the ovum. The prostate also has nerves that can enhance pleasure during sexual activity. The prostate (often misspelled prostrate or prostat) surrounds the urethra just below the bladder. The seminal duct runs from the testes where sperm are transported to the prostate. During ejaculation the sperm travels through the seminal vesicles, Cowper’s gland and the prostate during which more fluids are added. This combination of sperm and fluids are called semen which travels into the urethra where it is ejaculated through the penis.

The prostate size has been compared to the size of a walnut, a kiwi fruit, and a small plum. The prostate size commonly enlarges later in life. At around 40 years of age the prostate can start getting larger due to metabolic influences in the ageing process (hormone and/or enzyme production). This growth occurs from hyperplasia (increased cell production). The urology specialists call it benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH which is the main cause of urinary retention in older men. Other urinary symptoms can be contributed to BPH such as urinary frequency, a weak stream, urinary hesitancy, and a urine flow that stops and starts. You can go to the prostate enlargement surgery page or visit our “What is BPH?” website for more information on prostate enlargement.

The prostate can also have increased cell production from cancer. Prostate cancer (cancer de prostata) is detected in men when they go for their regular medical checkups or yearly prostate exam.  Simple diagnostic tests such as a digital rectal exam that presents with a prostate nodule (a hard bump in the prostate) and/or a blood test with an elevated prostate specific antigen (elevated PSA) indicate that a more in depth diagnosis needs to be pursued with the urologist. Often a second PSA is taken to confirm the first elevated PSA is still present. The definitive diagnosis is made from a prostate biopsy. Prostate cancer surgery to remove the prostate called a radical prostatectomy (prostatectomia) is also performed by the urologist using both the classic open radical prostatectomy surgery and with da Vinci surgery (robotic surgery) called a da Vinci prostatectomy. You can go to the prostate cancer surgery page or visit our “da Vinci prostatectomy?” and the “what is prostate cancer?” websites for more information on prostate cancer surgery.

The prostate can become inflamed which is irritating and may lead to frequent urination, microscopic hematuria and even gross hematuria (sangre orina). This inflammation of the prostate is called prostatitis. Prostatitis can be difficult to diagnose since the majority of cases occur from unknown sources. This makes it difficult for the urologist to treat. For more information on prostatitis you can go to the prostate symptoms page or visit our “prostate symptoms” or “sintomas prostata” websites.

The prostate website will cover the prostate doctor, the prostate symptoms, the prostate diagnostics, the prostate cancer surgery, and the prostate enlargement surgery. Our international Urology Specialists Center has patients from around the world. Having the best robotic prostate cancer surgeons, a large multi-lingual experienced staff, and the ambiance of Miami for a few days of recovery, has made our medical center the favorite for people from around the US and the world.
You can make an appointment online for the day and time that suits your schedule or call up for an appointment at 305 822 7227. Our international numbers are: Argentina: 6090-2397, Chile: 581.3467, Colombia: 508.2419, Mexico: 4624.2465, Panama: 836.5419, and Venezuela: 335.5080.
If you have questions you can go to our Ask the Doctor blog and post a question which our urologists will answer for you. Our comprehensive medical websites include a natural alternative medicine supplements store and the Urology Specialists have created an adjoining center that focuses on preventive medicine using holistic specialists. Our medical website series includes how can I lose weight, what is acupuncture, how can I be healthy, Chinese medicines, what is homeopathy, how can I diet, and what are natural remedies (remedio natural). Clinical research trials are ongoing and our urologists are always involved with finding the best medical solutions for their patients so feel free to ask the doctors what is available today.

The Prostate (continued)