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What is the function of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)?
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PSA helps liquefy semen post-ejaculation.
Which procedure might a physician perform to physically examine the prostate?
A Digital Rectal Exam, where a finger is inserted into the rectum to feel the prostate.
What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
BPH is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland, common in men over 50 and often considered a normal part of aging.
What surgical option is available for removing part or all of the prostate?
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the prostate.
What is the role of the prostate gland in ejaculation?
The prostate gland releases prostatic fluid which nourishes sperm and helps in the ejaculation process.
At what age range is the prevalence of BPH significantly high, and what are the percentages?
By age 60, 50% of men have BPH, and by age 85, 90% of men have BPH.
Explain the pathophysiology of BPH related to hormone changes with aging.
With aging, there is a decrease in testosterone and an increase in 5α-reductase activity, leading to higher levels of DHT which causes prostate cells to live longer and multiply.
How does Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) affect urinary function?
BPH can cause urinary obstruction, bladder dilation, bladder hypertrophy, weak stream, dribbling, dysuria, hesitancy, and nocturia.
How can BPH be treated using medications?
BPH can be treated with 5α-reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride) that shrink the prostate and α1-antagonists (e.g., phenoxybenzamine) that relax the muscles in the bladder neck, prostate, and urethra.
Describe the microscopic structure of the prostate gland.
The microscopic structure includes a basement membrane (mainly collagen), basal cells (cube-shaped), neuroendocrine cells (scattered), and luminal cells (columnar, secreting alkaline prostatic fluid).
Which zone of the prostate gland contains the majority of the glandular tissue?
The Peripheral Zone contains 70% of the prostate gland's glandular tissue.
Does BPH increase the risk of prostate cancer?
No, BPH does not increase the risk of prostate cancer.
What role do androgens play in the prostate?
Androgens like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are essential for prostate cell survival.
What are the symptoms of BPH-related urinary issues?
Symptoms include weak stream, dribbling, dysuria, hesitancy, and nocturia.
What enzyme converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT)?
The enzyme 5α-reductase converts testosterone to DHT.
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