Prostate Conditions and Treatment
As men age, the risk for prostate problems increases. With careful monitoring and expert skills, our team helps you maintain prostate health and reduce the risk of complications.
What Is the Prostate?
The prostate is a small gland that males possess, located between the bladder and penis. It is separate from the penis, scrotum and testes.
What Does the Prostate Do?
The prostate makes seminal fluid that protects sperm and helps them travel from the testes to the penis.
When the gland doesn't function as it should, it can impact your bladder function. You may experience prostate symptoms, including:
- Urinary retention
- Urgency
- Incontinence
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Blockage
- Unusual urine color or odor
- Pain after ejaculation or during urination
Prostate Conditions We Treat
Our experts can help restore your prostate health, no matter how mild or complex the condition. We treat:
- Infections
- Prostatitis
- Prostate cancer
Prostate Enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH)
BPH is a common prostate condition. The prostate gland grows throughout a man's life. As you get older, it may begin to press on the urethra. An enlarged prostate can cause uncomfortable symptoms. You may not be able to empty the bladder completely, or you may experience more frequent or urgent urination.
BPH is not cancerous, and having an enlarged prostate does not seem to increase the risk for cancer. However, since some of the symptoms of BPH are similar to those of prostate cancer, it's important to see your doctor for a full evaluation.
At Cedars-Sinai, we typically try conservative treatment options first, usually medications. If the medications don't provide full relief, you may need surgery. Our expert urological surgical team will discuss your options with you. Surgery involves either shrinking the prostate tissue or removing the prostate. We work with you to find the best treatment options for your needs.
Diagnosis
In addition to asking about your medical history, we will ask you:
- What are your symptoms?
- When did your symptoms start?
- What medications do you take?
- How much fluid do you drink every day?
- How much caffeine and alcohol do you consume?
- Do you have any history of surgeries or illnesses?
We also run several important diagnostic tests. These tests help identify which condition is affecting your prostate. Tests may include:
Digital Rectal Exam
Your doctor physically examines the inside of your rectum using a gloved, lubricated finger as a probe.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test
We draw a small sample of blood to determine if you have a high level of PSA. A small amount is normal, but a high level could indicate a problem.
Imaging Scans
Ultrasounds, MRIs and CTs give us pictures of the prostate gland.
Transrectal Ultrasound with Prostate Biopsy
We use an ultrasound wand through the rectum to take a small sample of tissue to analyze for abnormalities.
MRI-Ultrasound Fusion Prostate Biopsy
We combine an MRI with ultrasound to get the best possible view of the prostate gland. This method allows us to perform a precise biopsy, using the MRI images to guide the biopsy needle into a tumor.
Treatment
Our team offers a wide range of prostate care and treatment options, including advanced surveillance and the most sophisticated technology available. We provide several treatment options.
This method involves carefully monitoring your prostate cancer using regular blood tests, physical exams, MRI and biopsies. The goal of active surveillance is to delay active treatments such as radiation therapy and surgery, and maximize your quality of life. In many cases, active surveillance may allow you to avoid other treatments.
We use a green light laser to vaporize excess prostate tissue and provide a larger channel for urine to pass through. This sophisticated treatment option can provide relief from symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. Green light therapy may result in short hospital stays, less time with a catheter, less bleeding and faster recovery.
During a minimally invasive procedure, we insert a transducer (or wand) in the rectum. The wand focuses energy to destroy cancer in the prostate. Find out more about high-intensity focused ultrasound.
During this sophisticated biopsy procedure, we insert an ultrasound device in the rectum. At the same time, we inject dye into your bloodstream that helps us visualize the prostate better. This process results in a more precise biopsy. We collect the most appropriate samples of tissue for testing so we can plan the best treatment for you.
We perform water vapor therapy in an outpatient setting. We use water vapor (steam) to remove extra tissue in the prostate, which may relieve symptoms like bladder urgency and irregular urine flow.
Robotic prostatectomy is a minimally invasive method of removing the prostate gland using a robotic assist device. The robotic instruments provide detailed, real-time images of the area and result in a precise, effective surgery.
Transurethral electro-resection is a method of removing prostate tissue using minimally invasive techniques. Your surgeon inserts a scope through the penis and removes the prostate gland (in pieces) through the urethra.
When an enlarged prostate blocks the flow of urine through the urethra, we use a special device that lifts and holds prostate tissue out of the way. The device does not need to stay in your body. Once removed, it leaves the urethra open, providing long-term relief.
Have Questions or Need Help?
To make an appointment or refer a patient, call the Department of Urology team. You can also have us call you back at your convenience.