Prostate

The prostate gland is unique to men. It is a gland that resembles a walnut in both size and appearance, although it will increase in size as you get older. It can be found underneath your bladder, surrounding the urethra, which is the tube through which men urinate and ejaculate. The main job of the prostate gland is to help make semen, the fluid in which sperm is carried.

Why might I need a prostate test?

With older men, the prostate gland can become a serious threat for their health. The most common prostate problems are:

• an enlarged prostate – this is the most common prostate problem
• prostatitis – an inflammation or infection in the prostate
• prostate cancer

Catching prostate problems early will increase the chance of successful treatment. We recommend that men aged between 45 and 70 years old should get into the habit of testing their prostate periodically.