prostate treatment

The prostate is a small gland that sits between the penis and the bladder. It functions as part of the male reproductive system.

If the prostate becomes enlarged, it can place pressure on the bladder and the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out through the penis. The medical term for an enlarged prostate is benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH.

• Digital rectal exam. The doctor inserts a finger into the rectum to check your prostate for enlargement.
• Urine test. Analyzing a sample of your urine can help rule out an infection or other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
• Blood test. The results can indicate kidney problems.
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. PSA is a substance produced in your prostate. PSA levels increase when you have an enlarged prostate. However, elevated PSA levels can also be due to recent procedures, infection, surgery or prostate cancer.