The prostate secretes fluid that protects and nourishes sperm
The prostate is an important gland located between thepenisandbladder.
It sits just to the front of the rectum.
The gland’s primary function is to secrete fluid that nourishes sperm and keeps it safe.
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Anatomy
The prostate is located within the lower pelvis.
It sits just beneath the bladder and to the front of the rectum.
The prostate is surrounded by a fibrous tissue called the capsule.
It wraps around the urethra.
Theseminal vesiclesrun above and behind this gland.
Its shape is cone-like.
These include the proximal urethra and two ejaculatory ducts.
The ejaculatory ducts enter the prostate where it emerges from the seminal vesicles.
Both structures come together at a portion of the urethra within the prostate called the seminal colliculus.
Anatomical Variations
Occasionally, doctors find congenital variations in the anatomy of the prostate.
That means the gland develops irregular features.
Though relatively uncommon, the median lobe of this gland is sometimes absent.
When that happens, the anterior and lateral lobes are directly connected.
In addition, some people are born with an extra lobe.
Recap
The prostate is shaped like a cone.
It sits between the penis and bladder, just in front of the rectum.
It has five lobes, three zones, and several tubes that pass through it.
Anatomical variations, such as missing or extra lobes, are uncommon but can occur.
Function
The prostate is a supportive organ of the male reproductive system.
It serves an essential function in the health and maintenance of sperm.
The primary role of this gland is to secrete an alkaline solution that surrounds sperm.
This fluid from the prostate contains an enzyme called prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
It neutralizes the area immediately surrounding sperm.
The solution protects sperm when it enters the acidic environment of thevaginaduring sex.
This allows sperm to survive a longer amount of time so they can dive into the egg.
Furthermore, fluids from the prostate work to nourish and feed sperm.
These functions are essential for the process of conception.
PSA plays a vital role in male fertility.
Thats because it helps increase themotility of sperm.
Prostate fluid combines with other fluids in the urethra to make upsemen.
These include:
The role of the prostate is to provide fluid to protect sperm.
This protective fluid gives sperm extra time to reach the egg during reproduction.
Associated Conditions
Several major health conditions affect the prostate, including cancer.
However, most conditions that affect the prostate are benign (non-cancerous).
This condition is especially common in older people.
It is characterized by an enlarged prostate.
An enlarged prostate can narrow the urethra or lead to it pressing up against the bladder.
This can cause symptoms such as:
Treatment approaches tend to be conservative.
They may include:
Prostate Cancer
Especially in theinitial presentation, this condition can mimic BPH.
However, with prostate cancer, you might experience lower back pain, as well.
Like other cancers, prostate cancer can spread to other organs.
It uses weight and height to try and estimate body fat.
BMI calculations may, for example, overestimate body fat in athletes or in older people.
In fact, 60% of prostate cancers occur in people over age 65.
There is a wide range oftreatment optionsfor this condition.
These include:
Prostatitis
Bacterial infection of the prostate is called prostatitis.
This condition can lead to pain in the prostate.
This disease can be difficult to diagnose.
Thats because the same kind of bacteria can also lead tourinary tract infection(UTI).
However, antibiotic treatments are highly effective in solving the problem.
Tests
Initial prostate tests may be done by a specialist or primary care provider.
Aurologistis a doctor that specializes in the urinary tract and male reproductive organs, including the prostate.
They can assess the health of the prostate in a variety of ways.
Procedures vary from physical examination to the use of imaging technologies.
Heres a quick breakdown of some of the most common approaches.
Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
The first-line approach to prostate health assessment is thedigital rectal examination.
Wearing gloves and lubricating their hand, the healthcare provider will ask you to lay over an examination table.
They will then insert a finger into the rectum to feel the prostate.
This exam checks for inflammation or any other irregularities in shape.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
The PSA test assesses levels of PSA within the bloodstream.
This test can also help differentiate between urethral and prostate infection.
This test looks at the flow of urine as well as the bladder’s storage capacity.
Then, specialists examine the images captured to get an overall sense of the health of the organ.
This can confirm the diagnosis.
A lab technician will then assess the sample for the presence of cancer cells.
Imaging Scans
Doctors also rely on a variety of imaging techniques used to diagnose prostate issues.
These may include:
These approaches can help detect abnormal growths.
However, a biopsy is often necessary to confirm cancer.
Summary
The prostate is a small organ that sits between the penis and the bladder.
The prostate may become enlarged or infected.
Cancer can also affect the prostate.
Cancer most often affects people older than 55.
A prostate exam is a routine part of healthcare screening after age 50.
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