Protein: Proteins are found in every cell in the body.
Antigen: Typically, an antigen is a substance that causes your immune system to produce antibodies. Although PSA is called an antigen, biochemically, it is an enzyme which means it causes a chemical reaction. In the prostate, this chemical reaction is the reduction in the thickness of the semen.
Do men have hormones?
Hormones are chemicals that carry messages around the body. In men, a hormone called testosterone is made by the testicles and controls how the prostate works. Testosterone is responsible for a man’s sex drive and getting an erection. For this reason, you may hear testosterone called a “sex hormone”.
Do trans women have a prostate?
Yes. If you are a trans woman or a non-binary individual assigned male at birth, you have a prostate.
Some trans women may have had genital reconstructive, or gender reassignment, surgery. Although converting a man’s anatomy to a woman’s anatomy involves removing the penis and the testicles, this surgery does not remove the prostate.
If you are taking hormones or testosterone blockers, these may reduce the risk of prostate cancer by lowering your testosterone levels. It is still very important to have a prostate check if you have any known symptoms or are at increased risk of prostate cancer.
We know it can be a difficult conversation to have, but we encourage you to speak to your doctor.
