This gland is subject to several painful and annoying diseases, controlling, as it does, the flow of urine and exerting such a profound influence over the sexual functions. The nerves to the prostate pass between the gland and the levator ani muscle, and the secretory branches are from the sacral nerves, while Quain gives the sensory as from the tenth, eleventh (twelfth) dorsal, first, second and third sacral and fifth lumbar. Lesions affecting the prostate are occasionally found at the tenth and eleventh dorsal and fifth lumbar, while the innominate lesions are common causes of trouble. These should be corrected, if present, and local treatment given to the gland. “Massage of the prostate,” says Lydston,[47] “properly performed, is one of the most valuable advances in genito-urinary therapeutics that has been developed in many years.” Osteopathic technique is to place the patient on the side, knees flexed, and standing in front insert the index finger. Care must be used not to bruise the gland and it must be touched lightly when sensitive. Relax tissue about the gland, and, then, from the median line with an outward movement, massage the surface of each lobe. This influences the blood and nerve supply, while the pressure will tend to relieve congestion. Length of treatment, as well as frequency, depends entirely upon conditions. Do not make the mistake of treating the perineum instead of the gland and do not gouge it with the finger. Remember it is sensitive tissue. =Hypertrophy= is most commonly met with in practice, as twenty per cent of men past middle life are said to be afflicted. It is probably not a sequence of old age, but due to chronic, congestive and inflammatory conditions. Anything which would produce these conditions—spinal lesions, excessive venery, masturbation, or other more innocent causes—would in time bring about enlargement. As the length of catheter life is estimated at six years it is of great importance that the condition be early recognized, for in advanced stages surgery is the last resort. In early stages the prognosis is good, either for a cure or to stop further enlargement, while many enlarged ones at the catheter stage have been greatly benefited or cured. Treatment of the gland once per week is usually enough, but in older cases can be given semi-weekly. Look well to nerve and blood supply. =Acute Prostatitis= is a serious and painful inflammation, causing urinary retention usually. It results from trauma, horseback riding, over exertion, gonorrhea and its maltreatment, etc. Lower dorsal and lumbar lesions are frequent. This condition must be closely watched. Inhibition of the sacral nerves will help control pain and stop any spasm of the sphincter. Cold applications to the gland externally at the perineum will aid in reducing inflammation. Local treatment should at first be given to the adjacent tissues as the gland will be very sensitive. Later direct massage will be of great benefit.