Prostate Gland Facts

Prostate Gland - a part of the male reproductive system and is not directly a part of the urinary tract.

In men over 50, enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy) is common and it can sometimes result is pressure on the urethra and bladder, which interferes with urination, precipitating urinary retention and kidney disease.

Many symptoms of BPH stem from obstruction of the urethra and gradual loss of bladder function, which results in incomplete emptying of the bladder while peeing. Common symptoms of BPH involve changes or problems with urination, such as:

• Weak stream
• Leaking or dribbling
• More frequent urination, especially at night

When BPH is found in its earlier stages, there is a lower risk of developing such complications, so if you feel you may be at risk, you may do well to contact your doctor.

Diagnosing Enlarged Prostate Before Problems Occur

When BPH is suspected, you may be referred to a urologist, a doctor who specializes in problems of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. Several common tests help the doctor identify the problem and determine treatment:

• Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) - usually the first test done, the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum and feels the part of the prostate next to the rectum to get a general idea of the size and condition of the gland.
• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test - rules out cancer as a cause of urinary symptoms.

Female Prostate Gland

Many people think women do not have a prostate gland, but they do and it is sometimes also called the Skene's gland or the paraurethral gland. The female prostate, like the male prostate, secretes PSA and levels of this antigen rise in the presence of carcinoma of the gland. The gland also expels fluid, like the male prostate, during orgasm.[8] Researchers argue that the organ should therefore be called a female prostate and not "Skene's gland".