Prostatitis Health Article

ORGANIZATIONS

Prostate Health Council, American Foundation for Urologic Disease. 1128 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201.(800) 242-AFUD.

The Prostatitis Foundation, Information Distribution Center. 2029 Ireland Grove Park, Bloomington, IL 61704. (309) 664-6222. <http://www.prostate.org>.

David A. Cramer, MD

KEY TERMS

Culture—A test in which a sample of body fluid, such as prostatic fluid, is placed on materials specially formulated to grow microorganisms. A culture is used to learn what type of bacterium is causing infection.

Cystoscope—A viewing instrument that is passed up the urethra into the region of the prostate to get a good look at the organ "from the inside."

Ejaculation—The process by which semen (made up in part of prostatic fluid) is ejected by the erect penis.

Granuloma—A cluster of cells that form in tissue that has been inflamed for some time.

Perineum—An area close to the prostate, between the scrotum and anus.