Introduction

The prostate is a small muscular gland.  Its main job is to make the milky liquid that helps bring ejaculate, or “cum,” out of your penis.  Stimulation of the prostate, with the use of a finger, penis, hand, or toys during sex, can be extremely pleasurable for many men.

As men age, things can go wrong with the prostate.  Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) can occur, notably in men between the ages of 30 and 50.  By the age of 60, approximately 50% men will experience gradual enlargement of the prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).  By the age of 80, approximately 90% of men have BPH.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), symptoms of BPH are caused by the enlarged prostate “choking” the urethra—the tube running from the bladder and out the penis.  Symptoms of BPH vary, but the most common ones involve problems with urination, such as:

• A hesitant, interrupted, weak stream

• Urgency and leaking or dribbling

• More frequent urination, especially at night

The most serious prostate problem is prostate cancer, which affects approximately one out of every six American men. 

More information about prostate cancer is available through MayoClinic.com and WebMD.com.

The Bad

The American Cancer Society estimates that about 234,460 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and approximately 27,350 will die of the disease.

Except for skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.  Many men with prostate cancer will never know they have it.   80% of men who reach age 80 will have prostate cancer.

The Good

The good news about prostate cancer is that survival rates are high.  According to the American Cancer Society, approximately one man in six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, but only one man in 34 will die of this disease.

Most men with prostate cancer can live for years with no problems.   Close to 100% of men with prostate cancer survive at least five years after finding out that they have it.   93% survive at least 10 years.  And 67% survive longer than 15 years.  Because prostate cancer grows so slowly, many men with this disease will die from other causes before they die from prostate cancer.

Why it’s LGBT

While gay and bisexual men are probably no more likely to develop prostate cancer than heterosexual men, the fact that so many men are at risk for the disease means that they should be no less careful.

Transgender women are also at risk for prostate cancer. 

It is important to note that prostate cancer is not contagious – meaning that it cannot be spread from one person to another – and is not caused by anal sex.

What to Do

According to the State of New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, men who choose to undergo screening should begin at age 50. However, men in high-risk groups, such as African Americans or those with brothers or fathers who have had prostate cancer, may want to consider screening at a younger age.

Tools

The following tests are recommended once a year:

·          Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). A medical provider inserts a gloved finder into the rectum to check for any prostate lumps or abnormalities

·          Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). Blood is drawn and tested for high PSA levels, a substance produced by the prostate.  High levels may be a sign of prostate inflammation or cancer.

More advanced tests, such as rectal ultrasound, prostate biopsies, and cystoscopy may be necessary if prostate cancer is suspected by your healthcare provider.