With your doctor
Discover our animated video!
Symptoms, risk and screening
Are you over 50 years old, or have you been having urinary problems for some time now? This video is for you! Several diseases can affect your prostate, and it’s important to detect them early. Let’s take a closer look.
Consultation
Meeting with your doctor
If you have symptoms, your doctor will want to know:
- How long have you been suffering symptoms?
- Are your symptoms getting worse over time?
- To what point are your symptoms affecting your daily life?
- What is your family history?
- What is your medical history?
Your doctor will see if your symptoms are actually because of:
- another health problem that is not prostate cancer
- the medication you are taking
- your chosen lifestyle
Finding the cause of your symptoms
To determine the cause of your symptoms and to help decide on a course of treatment, your doctor may decide to proceed with:
- A urine analysis. Antibiotics will be prescribed if the test detects an infection.
- A physical examination. This examination evaluates your general health and checks for any sign of illness, including any signs associated with prostate cancer. During this exam, your doctor will perform a digital rectal exam.
- A bladder diary assessment. In a journal, record your drinking habits (quantity and type) and frequency of urination.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
Why? A digital rectal exam checks for changes in size and appearance. While the majority of prostate cancers affect parts of the prostate that are closer to the rectum, other abnormalities can be detected with a simple touch.
How? To check your prostate, your doctor will ask you to either stand and bend forward or lie on your side with your knees brought up to your chest. He will insert a gloved and lubricated finger into your rectum, pressing against your rectum wall, to feel your prostate to determine its size and detect any hard or abnormal areas. This exam can be uncomfortable for some men, but does not last longer than 10 to 15 seconds.
Results. If your doctor finds that the size of your prostate is larger than expected for your age, it is possible that you are suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, if your doctor finds lumps or abnormalities on the surface of your prostate, it could be cancer. This exam is not fool-proof — a cancerous prostate may feel normal to the touch.
What happens next? If your doctor detects an abnormality, they may order a prostate‑specific antigen (PSA) test. Depending on your PSA results, your doctor may refer you to a specialist, usually a urologist, who will conduct other tests such as a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) prostate biopsy.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures PSA levels in the blood. A new blood sample is drawn each time you take a PSA test.
Depending on the results, it is possible that you and your doctor may decide to monitor your PSA levels on a regular basis to see if it changes with time.
If the total level of PSA in your blood is extremely high compared to the norm for your age, a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) prostate biopsy may be suggested.
Expectations and results
You will need to wait about a week before obtaining the results of your PSA test. While the PSA test is one of the best screening tools for prostate cancer, “false positive” or “false negative” results are still possible.
False-positive
- A false-positive PSA test result is possible when there is no cancer present if a man has elevated PSA levels. Such results can not only cause anxiety for the man and his family, but can also lead to more tests which have additional side effects. A prostate biopsy, for example, can cause infections, pain, and bleeding.
- Most men with an elevated PSA level do not have cancer. Only about 25% of men who underwent a prostate biopsy because of elevated PSA levels actually had prostate cancer.
False-negative
- A false-negative PSA test result occurs if a man shows normal PSA levels despite the presence of prostate cancer.
- Such results can give the patient a false sense of security and the impression that he does not have cancer even though medical attention or treatment may be required.
The next step
If your doctor believes that other tests are needed to confirm whether or not you have prostate problems, he will refer you to a urologist who will make you retake certain tests. It is possible that you will be asked to undergo another PSA test in the near future to see if your PSA levels are increasing. Depending on the results, you will decide together with your doctor what step to take next.
We are here for you
You have questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate. Contact us at 1-855-899-2873 to discuss with one of our nurses specialized in uro-oncology. They are there to listen, support and answer your questions, and those of your family or your loved ones. It’s simple and free, like all of our other services.
Also take the time to visit each of our pages on this website, as well as our YouTube channel, in order to get familiar with the disease, our expert lectures, our section on available resources, the support that is offered to you, our events and ways to get involved to advance the cause.
Staying Informed
Pages that might interest you
Want to know more? Just click on one of the links below.
The latest PROCURE news that might interest
Every week we publish a blog article. Here’s some we chose for you.
- Prostate cancer: Did you say zero symptoms?
- Scared stiff of having a prostate biopsy?
- Can an MRI of my prostate replace a biopsie?
The medical content and editorial team at PROCURE
Our team is composed of urologists, and nurses certified in uro-oncology with a deep knowledge of prostate cancer and other diseases related to the genitourinary system. Meet our staff by clicking here.
Sources and references
- Prostate Cancer – Understand the disease and its treatments; Fred Saad, MD, FRCSC and Michael McCormack, MD, FRCSC, 4th et 5th editions
- Canadian Cancer Society
- Prostate Cancer Foundation-PCF.org
- National Cancer Institute-USA
- American Cancer Society
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Prostate Cancer UK
Last medical and editorial review: September 2023
Written by PROCURE. © All rights reserved
With your doctor
With your doctor
Meeting with your doctor
If you have symptoms, your doctor will want to know:
- How long have you been suffering symptoms?
- Are your symptoms getting worse over time?
- To what point are your symptoms affecting your daily life?
- What is your family history?
- What is your medical history?
Your doctor will see if your symptoms are actually because of:
- Another health problem that is not prostate cancer
- The medication you are taking
- Your chosen lifestyle
Finding the cause of your symptoms
To determine the cause of your symptoms and to help decide on a course of treatment, your doctor may decide to proceed with:
- A urine analysis. Antibiotics will be prescribed if the test detects an infection.
- A physical examination. This examination evaluates your general health and checks for any sign of illness, including any signs associated with prostate cancer. During this exam, your doctor will perform a digital rectal exam.
- A bladder diary assessment. In a journal, record your drinking habits (quantity and type) and frequency of urination.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
Why? A digital rectal exam checks for changes in size and appearance. While the majority of prostate cancers affect parts of the prostate that are closer to the rectum, other abnormalities can be detected with a simple touch.
How? To check your prostate, your doctor will ask you to either stand and bend forward or lie on your side with your knees brought up to your chest. He will insert a gloved and lubricated finger into your rectum, pressing against your rectum wall, to feel your prostate to determine its size and detect any hard or abnormal areas. This exam can be uncomfortable for some men, but does not last longer than 10 to 15 seconds.
Results. If your doctor finds that the size of your prostate is larger than expected for your age, it is possible that you are suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, if your doctor finds lumps or abnormalities on the surface of your prostate, it could be cancer. This exam is not fool-proof — a cancerous prostate may feel normal to the touch.
What happens next? If your doctor detects an abnormality, they may order a prostate‑specific antigen (PSA) test. Depending on your PSA results, your doctor may refer you to a specialist, usually a urologist, who will conduct other tests such as a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) prostate biopsy.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures PSA levels in the blood. A new blood sample is drawn each time you take a PSA test.
Depending on the results, it is possible that you and your doctor may decide to monitor your PSA levels on a regular basis to see if it changes with time.
If the total level of PSA in your blood is extremely high compared to the norm for your age, a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) prostate biopsy may be suggested.
You will need to wait about a week before obtaining the results of your PSA test. While the PSA test is one of the best screening tools for prostate cancer, “false positive” or “false negative” results are still possible.
False-positive
- A false-positive PSA test result is possible when there is no cancer present if a man has elevated PSA levels. Such results can not only cause anxiety for the man and his family, but can also lead to more tests which have additional side effects. A prostate biopsy, for example, can cause infections, pain, and bleeding.
- Most men with an elevated PSA level do not have cancer. Only about 25% of men who underwent a prostate biopsy because of elevated PSA levels actually had prostate cancer.
False-negative
- A false-negative PSA test result occurs if a man shows normal PSA levels despite the presence of prostate cancer.
- Such results can give the patient a false sense of security and the impression that he does not have cancer even though medical attention or treatment may be required.
The next step
If your doctor believes that other tests are needed to confirm whether or not you have prostate problems, he will refer you to a urologist who will make you retake certain tests. It is possible that you will be asked to undergo another PSA test in the near future to see if your PSA levels are increasing. Depending on the results, you will decide together with your doctor what step to take next.
Additional Information - All about screening
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Is prostate cancer hereditary?
Understanding the hereditary and genetic aspects of this disease can provide valuable information to both individuals affected and their families.
Prostate cancer: Tests, imaging and biomarkers
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Expert Opinion: Prostate Cancer and Sexual Disorders
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Prostate Cancer Study Results Summaries (2023 ASCO-GU)
Summary of clinical trial results on promising prostate cancer research.
Advanced Prostate Cancer Triple Therapy Study Results (2023 ASCO-GU)
Clinical trial results on triple therapy for advanced hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.
Expert Opinion: Prostate Cancer and Hormone Therapy
What you need to know about hormone therapy and how to manage the side effects of this treatment.
Cancer and Nutrition with Dr. Isabelle Huot
This conference provides concrete examples of recommended foods and products for patients.
Cultivating intimacy during and after prostate cancer
How can couples maintain intimacy during and after prostate cancer treatment? Is it possible to cultivate intimacy?
Radical surgery with Kevin Zorn
Learn about robotic radical surgery for prostate cancer and whether it is an option for you.
Advanced prostate cancer treatment strategies
Strategies for treating advanced cancer have significantly evolved, offering new options and hope for patients.
Sexuality and intimacy in 5 points
Sexuality and intimacy in 5 points addresses specific challenges and opportunities that may arise after treatment for prostate cancer.
Orchiectomy? Never heard of that word!
Orchiectomy, a form of hormone therapy, involves surgically removing the testicles, depriving the cancer of testosterone.
Do you have a curved penis?
Is your penis curved? Does it curve to the left, right, upward, or downward? You have a curved penis and you or your partner want to know why?
Orgasm without erection?
It is entirely possible for a man to achieve orgasm without an erection or penetration and there are several ways to achieve this.
Sources and references
Last medical and editorial review: April 2024. See our web page validation committee and our collaborators by clicking here.
Discover our animated video!
Symptoms, risk and screening
Are you over 50 years old, or have you been having urinary problems for some time now? This video is for you! Several diseases can affect your prostate, and it’s important to detect them early. Let’s take a closer look.
Anatomy
What is the prostate
The prostate is a gland:
- Located between the bladder and the penis, just in front of the rectum;
- Formed of 2 lobes which surround the urethra, a canal that runs through the center of the prostate, from the bladder to the penis, letting urine and sperm flow out of the body;
- The size of a walnut, which grows larger in size in your forties;
- That has a soft, spongy texture to the touch like a small, ripe plum.
The prostate is made of:
- Gland cells that secrete liquids for ejaculation;
- Muscle cells that participate in the evacuation of your sperm during ejaculation;
- Fiber cells that maintain the structure of the gland.
Around the prostate, we find:
- The seminal vesicles, glands that produce sperm and that are located on either side of the prostate;
- The vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm from the testicle to the seminal vesicles;
- The nerve bundles that control your bladder and erectile function and that are located on either side of your prostate.
Structure
Three main zones of the prostate
Peripheral zone
- The peripheral zone is the largest area of the prostate. It can easily be felt by the doctor during a digital rectal exam (DRE).
- Most prostate cancers start in the peripheral zone.
Transition zone
- This is the area located in the middle of the prostate, between the peripheral and central areas. It surrounds your urethra that runs through the prostate.
- With age, the transitional area increases in size until it becomes the largest portion of your prostate. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate.
Central zone
- It is the part of the prostate that is farthest from the rectum. This is why prostate tumors located in this area can not be felt by the doctor during a digital rectal examination.
- If the doctor is in doubt, the following information will help decide if additional investigation is necessary:
- Your PSA level
- Your age and family history
- Your ethnic origin
Fonction
In short
Your fertility and natural fertilization
- It produces … a prostatic fluid rich in enzymes, proteins and minerals that nourishes and protects your spermatozoa.
- It makes … a protein (APS) that is used to liquefy your sperm to facilitate the mobility of your spermatozoa.
- It allows … ejaculation by contracting.
- It promotes … fertility through its enzymes facilitating the penetration of sperm through the cervix.
- It is not related to the mechanism of erection. Therefore, the origin of erectile dysfunction lies elsewhere.
Additional details
Exocrine Function
The prostate is made up of thousands of tiny fluid-producing glands. Specifically, the prostate is an exocrine gland. Exocrine glands are so-called because they secrete through ducts to the outside of the body (or into a cavity that communicates with the outside). Sweat glands are another example of an exocrine gland.
The fluid that the prostate gland produces forms part of semen, the fluid that carries sperm during orgasm. This fluid, produced in the prostate, is stored with sperm in the seminal vesicles. When the male climaxes, muscular contractions cause the prostate to secrete this fluid into the urethra, where it is expelled from the body through the penis.
Urine Flow
The prostate wraps itself around the urethra as it passes from the bladder to the penis. Prostatic changes can affect urine flow. Increasing the size of the prostate or muscle tone may impede the flow of urine due to the close anatomical relationship between the urethra and the prostate.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
The prostate also produces a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). PSA is released with the ejaculatory fluid and can also be traced in the bloodstream. The testing of PSA levels in the blood is used to detect prostate cancer. The level of PSA in the blood is usually measured in nanograms of PSA per milliliter of blood (ng/mL).
A raised PSA level
Usually, a PSA rate of less than 4 nanograms per milliliter of blood is normal, but age should also be taken into consideration as PSA levels gradually increase with age. A rise in PSA concentration may indicate the presence of:
- An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
- An inflammation or infection of the prostate (prostatitis)
- A prostate cancer
Your doctor will have you undergo other tests to determine the exact cause of the increase in your PSA.
We are here for you
You have questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate. Contact us at 1-855-899-2873 to discuss with one of our nurses specialized in uro-oncology. They are there to listen, support and answer your questions, and those of your family or your loved ones. It’s simple and free, like all of our other services.
Also take the time to visit each of our pages on this website, as well as our YouTube channel, in order to get familiar with the disease, our expert lectures, our section on available resources, the support that is offered to you, our events and ways to get involved to advance the cause..
Staying Informed
Pages that might interest you
Want to know more? Just click on one of the links below.
The latest PROCURE news that might interest you
Every week we publish a blog article. Here are some for you.
The medical content and editorial team at PROCURE
Our team is composed of urologists, and nurses certified in uro-oncology with a deep knowledge of prostate cancer and other diseases related to the genitourinary system. Meet our staff by clicking here.
Sources and references
- Prostate Cancer – Understand the disease and its treatments; Fred Saad, MD, FRCSC and Michael McCormack, MD, FRCSC, 4th et 5th editions
- Canadian Cancer Society
- Prostate Cancer Foundation-PCF.org
- National Cancer Institute-USA
- American Cancer Society
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Prostate Cancer UK
Last medical and editorial review: September 2023
Written by PROCURE. © All rights reserved
