Prostate Health

Prostate massage is a technique where the prostate gland is gently stimulated and pressed, either from inside the rectum or externally through the perineum. Research shows it is a real clinical procedure used by doctors to collect fluid samples, but its use as a home therapy for prostate health is far less supported by evidence. … Read more

An enlarged prostate is common as men age, but it is not something you have to silently manage. The most reliable way to tell if your prostate is enlarged is to recognize the specific urinary symptoms and confirm them with a medical exam. You cannot diagnose this condition yourself based on feeling alone, but you … Read more

Most men should start talking with their doctor about prostate exams at age 50. If you are Black or have a father or brother who had prostate cancer, the conversation should start at age 45. Men at very high risk, such as those with multiple close relatives diagnosed before age 65, may need to start … Read more

After prostate removal surgery, called a radical prostatectomy, the goal is an undetectable PSA level, typically below 0.1 ng/mL. A PSA level that rises above 0.2 ng/mL on two consecutive tests is considered a biochemical recurrence, which means prostate cancer cells may still be present. A level of 0.4 ng/mL or higher is often the … Read more

Prostate milking, medically known as prostate massage or digital rectal stimulation, is a technique used to release fluid from the prostate gland. While it is sometimes discussed for sexual pleasure, it is also performed by medical professionals to collect fluid samples or help relieve symptoms of chronic pelvic pain. The basic steps involve gently stimulating … Read more

An enlarged prostate is a common problem for men as they age, and the question of whether it can be shrunk is a fair one. Yes, you can shrink an enlarged prostate gland with specific medications and certain procedures, though not all treatments work by shrinking it. Many effective therapies instead relax the prostate muscles … Read more

Prostate exams are a common source of confusion for men over 40. The question of how often you need one depends on your age, your risk level, and what the test is actually looking for. Most men do not need an annual prostate exam. The current standard of care is a shared decision between you … Read more

Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to shrink an enlarged prostate and improve urinary symptoms. It is not right for every man with an enlarged prostate. Men with severe kidney failure, active prostate cancer, or certain bladder conditions are generally not candidates. Additionally, men whose prostate arteries are too narrow or … Read more

The average prostate is about the size of a walnut. For most adult men, it weighs between 20 and 30 grams and measures roughly 3 by 4 by 2 centimeters. This small gland sits just below the bladder and wraps around the urethra. While that is the medical norm, the prostate often grows larger with … Read more

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, but the decision of when to start screening is not a simple one. The answer depends on your age, your family history, and your race. Most medical groups recommend that men discuss screening with their doctor starting at age 50, but men at higher … Read more