Prostate Health

The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that sits below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that passes urine and semen from the body. The prostate makes secretions that are important for protecting sperm.

The most common prostate conditions are benign prostate enlargement (BPH), inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis), and prostate cancer.

Men who have problems urinating should be evaluated by their doctor. There are two tests to check prostate health, the digital rectal exam (DRE) and the blood test called prostate-specific antigen (PSA).

1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Prostate cancer is routinely diagnosed before symptoms develop. African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer have a higher chance of developing prostate cancer. Men who do not have these risk factors benefit most from screening between the ages of 55 to 69. You should talk to your doctor to find out the best prostate cancer screening strategy for you.