Prostate & Urological Health

The urology team at SSM Health provides expert prostate care, working with you to find the best individualized treatment for your prostate condition.

What Is the Prostate?

The prostate is a gland within the male reproductive system. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, and wraps around the upper part of the urethra, which carries urine out of the body.

What Does the Prostate Do?

The prostate produces some of the seminal fluid used during ejaculation. The gland itself isn’t that big – about the size of a walnut – but it plays an important role in men’s reproductive health. Because of its placement, the prostate can affect urination and sexual function.

What Are the Signs of a Prostate Problem?

If you’re like most men, your prostate will naturally enlarge as you age. Symptoms may include:

• Weak or slow urinary stream
• Incontinence
• Pain when urinating
• Feeling as if your bladder is never completely empty
• Difficulty starting urination
• Frequency and/or urgency to urinate

Additional symptoms of a prostate problem include pain or discomfort in the genitals, low abdomen, or back, blood in your urine or semen, and erectile dysfunction. At SSM Health, our doctors are among the most highly trained specialists renowned for their research and innovations in medicine – including how to treat prostate complications.

Signs & Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Early, localized prostate cancer does not typically cause noticeable symptoms. However, as the cancer grows, symptoms may appear that are similar to those found in other prostate conditions, such as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) or prostatitis:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Interrupted urine flow
• Slow stream
• Burning during urination

Note that a sudden onset of symptoms, over a few weeks, may indicate a more serious issue, like prostate cancer. Call your SSM Health  primary care physician or your nearest urologist for any major concerns or questions. Our health care professionals offer the latest in prevention, detection, and treatment of urological and prostate-related health conditions, including prostate cancer.

Types of Prostate Cancer Screenings

Our health care professionals offer the latest in prevention, detection and treatment of prostate-related health conditions including prostate cancer. It is also one of the most treatable cancers, which is why it is crucial to seek annual screenings if you are a male over the age of 50. Ask your primary care doctor to put in a screening request at your next yearly wellness exam or reach out to a urologist directly to schedule an appointment.

• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA Test) - This blood test measures your level of PSA. PSA is a substance produced by the prostate which can be higher in the blood of a man with prostate cancer. PSA levels can also be elevated by other conditions affecting the prostate, as well as certain medical procedures, some medications, infections, or an enlarged prostate gland. Your doctor is the best person to interpret your PSA test results.
• Digital rectal exam - During this exam a doctor or nurse inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the patient’s rectum to estimate the size of the prostate gland and feel for lumps or abnormalities.
• Biopsy - Removal of a small amount of tissue that is examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells. Common types of biopsy procedures include needle biopsies, image-guided biopsy, surgical (excisional) biopsy, shave/punch biopsy, and endoscopic biopsy. 

Prostate Health Resources

Although men can’t control some of the factors related to prostate health –including age, race, and family history – lifestyle choices can have a role to play in prostate health and cancer prevention, and treatments continue to evolve for those who suffer from a prostate condition.

Learn more about recent updates in prostate health medicine, what you can do to protect your prostate, and the experiences of other men dealing with prostate problems.