Only men have a prostate gland. The gland weighs around an ounce (28g) and is about the size of a walnut. It sits underneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra - the tube through which urine and semen pass.

The gland supports the neck of the bladder and helps produce some of the fluid in sperm.

There are three main prostate disorders, which can all cause similar symptoms:

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is caused by infection or inflammation of the prostate gland. It can effect men of any age. Symptoms may include fever, chills, low back pain and burning when passing urine. It is usually treated with antibiotics or anti inflammatory drugs, depending on the cause of the symptoms.

BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy)

BHP is a common prostate problem that affects men over the age of about 40. The prostate gland slowly grows over time. As it gets bigger, it presses on the urethra, causing problems passing urine.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer that affects men. It develops when cells in the prostate start to grow in an uncontrolled manner. Prostate cancer may cause problems with passing urine. Some men do not have any symptoms and do not feel unwell, so may be surprised by their diagnosis. 

Normally the body automatically controls cell growth. As cells become worn out and die, they are replaced by new cells in an organised way. When cancer develops the cells grow and multiply in an incontrolled way. If this happens in the prostate gland, prostate cancer may develop.

How is prostate cancer treated?

There are several treatment options available for prostate cancer. They depend on:

• the stage of the prostate cancer
• personal preference for treatment

Prostate cancer can be cured when treated in its early stages (localised cancer). Treatments include removing the prostate, hormone therapy and radiotherapy (using radiation to kill the cancerous cells).

If the cancer has spread just outside the prostate gland (locally advanced cancer) or to other parts of the body (advanced cancer), readiotherapy along side hormone therapy may be offered.

All the treatment options carry the risk of significant side effects including loss of sexual desire (libido), the inability to maintain or obtain an erection (sexual dysfunction) and urinary incontinence. For this reason some men decide to delay treatment untill there is a significant risk that the cancer might spread.

Hormone therapy

Prostate cancer depends on the male hormone testosterone for growth. Hormone therapy stops testosterone from reaching the cancer and can cause the tumer to shrink. Hormone therapy does not cure prostate cancer but may keep it and its symptoms under control for a number of years.