Alpha-1 blockers
Medications used to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia by relaxing the smooth muscles of the prostate and bladder neck
Benign
Not cancerous; a benign growth does not invade surrounding tissue or spread to other parts of the body
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Abnormal growth of the prostate not due to cancer or infection
Bladder
The organ that stores urine
Cancer
An abnormal, uncontrolled growth in any tissue or organ in the body that can spread to surrounding or distant organs
Digital rectal exam
Test in which the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the anus to feel the prostate for any unusual features such as hardness, bumps or swelling
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
A hormone derived from testosterone and thought to be involved in prostate enlargement
Ejaculation
The sudden release of semen through the penis during sexual climax
Enlarged prostate
Common name for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Gland
An organ that makes and secretes substances used by the body
Hyperplasia
Benign enlargement or growth
Impotence
Inability to sustain an erection sufficient for intercourse
Kidney
Either of a pair of organs in the dorsal region of the vertebrate abdominal cavity, functioning to maintain proper water and electrolyte balance, regulate acid-base concentration, and filter the blood of metabolic wastes, which are then excreted as urine
Prostate cancer
The presence of cancerous cells in the prostate
Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA)
A protein in semen produced by the prostate gland and measured in the blood in patients with BPH or prostate cancer
Prostatic (adj)
Related to the prostate
Retrograde ejaculation (dry climax)
A condition in which semen enters the bladder during ejaculation and is later flushed out during urination
Semen
The fluid, containing sperm, which exits the penis during ejaculation
Testes
Male reproductive glands where sperm are produced. Also the main source of testosterone in males
Testosterone
The most potent male hormone
Urethra
The tube that carries urine and semen out through the penis
Urinary flow test
Measure of the amount of urine voided per second
Urinary tract infection
Infection of an element of the urinary system, including the urethra, the bladder, the ureters or the kidneys
Watchful waiting
Period of time after diagnosis of a disease during which no active treatments are pursued; rather, the condition is monitored at frequent intervals