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Understanding
the Prostate
The
prostate is a walnut-sized gland that forms part of the male reproductive
system. The prostate secretes fluid that carries sperm. It surrounds
the urethra, the canal which carries urine from the bladder out of the
body.
With
age and time, the prostate enlarges causing pressure on the urethra,
similar to a clamp on a garden hose. This causes problems with urination.
Words To Know
• Prostate
- A walnut-sized gland that secretes prostatic fluid which
carries sperm
• Benign
Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - A non-cancerous enlargement of
the prostate
that restricts urine flow
• Incontinece
- Inability to control or hold back urine
• Impotence
- Failure to achieve or to maintain an erection
• Retrograde
Ejaculation - When semen travels up the urethra towards the
bladder
instead of outside of the body
• Catheter
- A thin, flexible tube inserted through the penis used to
drain urine from
the bladder
• Cystoscope
- An instrument that allows the doctor to examine the bladder
and
prostate
