This information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor.
MedSelfEd, Inc. disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
Before we talk about treatment, let's start with a discussion about the human body and about your medical condition.
Your doctor has recommended that you undergo a Trans Urethral Resection of the Prostate - or TURP. But what exactly does that mean?
The prostate gland is a walnut-sized organ that is part of your reproductive system.
It provides some of the fluid contained in semen.
The prostate is located just under the bladder and behind the testicles.
The urethra -- a hollow tube that carries both urine and semen to the penis -- passes through the prostate.
In some men, the prostate gland becomes enlarged. Symptoms of an enlarged prostate include:
a full bladder feeling even when the bladder is empty
pain when urinating
weak urinary stream
infertility
and sexual dysfunction.
To relieve you of your symptoms, your doctor feels that you would benefit from a surgical procedure called TURP.
TURP is designed to relieve symptoms by reducing the size of the prostate.
It is also a diagnostic procedure. Tissue removed during a resection of the prostate or TURP is routinely screened for the presence of cancer.
So make sure that you ask your doctor to carefully explain the reasons behind this recommendation.
