Medical Terminology - Diagnostic Procedures & Treatment of the Male Reproductive System

DRE

digital rectal examination; a gloved finger is inserted into the rectum to palpate the prostate

PSA

prostate-specific antigen; a blood test that tests for increased levels of an antigen that may indicate prostate cancer

transrectal sonography

the use of high-frequency sound waves to image the prostate

orchidectomy

removal of the testicles

circumcision

a surgical procedure in which the prepuce of the penis is removed

castration

removal of both gonads

sterilization

a procedure that prevents a male or female from having a child while maintaining the gonads

vasectomy

cutting, tying, and burning of the vas deferens

prostatectomy

removal of the prostate gland

antibiotics

treat bacterial infections

antivirals

treat viruses

antiimpotence agents

minimize erectile dysfunction

alpha-adrenergic inhibitors

target alpha-1 adrenergic receptors to relax smooth muscle in the prostate to improve urinary flow

androgen hormone inhibitors

block the conversion of testosterone to DHT to surpress the growth of an enlarged prostate; most common is Flomax