Sunday, March 17, 2024

What Is The Purpose Of The Prostate Gland In Males

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Treatment For Urinary Problems

What Is The Prostate And What Does It Do?

If your urinary problems are caused by infection or enlargement of the prostate gland, treatment may include:

  • a long course of antibacterial medication because infection is difficult to get rid of, the antibacterial medication will need to be taken for many weeks
  • medication to improve urine flow and other symptoms
  • surgical procedures the type of surgery required depends on the size of the prostate and the condition of the urethra. Types of procedures include:
  • transurethral resection of the prostate
  • transurethral incision of the prostate
  • laser resection of the prostate
  • open surgery prostatectomy ;
  • removal of prostate tissue using water jets or steam
  • UroLift® for men for whom medication has not been successful but their prostates are not so enlarged that they need more invasive surgery. This procedure involves the transurethral insertion of staples to separate the lobes of the prostate. It has minimal side effects and preserves ejaculatory and erectile function
  • a number of other procedures that have been developed to reduce urinary symptoms. Talk to your doctor about your options.
  • Side View Of The Prostate

    The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located between the bladder and the penis. The prostate is just in front of the rectum. The urethra runs through the center of the prostate, from the bladder to the penis, letting urine flow out of the body.

    The prostate secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. During ejaculation, the prostate squeezes this fluid into the urethra, and itâs expelled with sperm as semen.

    The vasa deferentia bring sperm from the testes to the seminal vesicles. The seminal vesicles contribute fluid to semen during ejaculation.

    The Prostate Produces Seminal Fluid

    Semen is produced by both the prostate gland and the seminal vesicles, a pair of glands attached to the prostate.

    The fluid produced by the prostate gland mixes with the sperm and produces semen. During sex, the muscles of the prostate contract and ejaculate the prostate fluid and sperm into the urethra.

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    Prostate Cancer: Risk Factors Symptoms And Treatment

    Aside from prostatitis and BPH, another common prostate issue is;prostate cancer.

    Excluding;skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among;American men, according to the American Cancer Society. About 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.

    The risk of developing prostate cancer is higher for men who are over age 65, are African-American, or have a family history of the disease.

    Most often, prostate cancer develops slowly, but some men develop an aggressive form of the disease.

    Early prostate cancer generally doesn’t cause any symptoms. Symptoms generally develop as the disease progresses and include:

    • Urination issues
    • Bone pain
    • Numbness of the legs and feet
    • Loss of bladder or bowel control

    How Common Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

    Prostate Cancer or Not

    Benign prostatic hyperplasia is the most common prostate problem for men older than age 50. In 2010, as many as 14 million men in the United States had lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia.1 Although benign prostatic hyperplasia rarely causes symptoms before age 40, the occurrence and symptoms increase with age. Benign prostatic hyperplasia affects about 50 percent of men between the ages of 51 and 60 and up to 90 percent of men older than 80.2

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    Treatment For Prostate Disease

    Treatment for prostatitis may include antibacterial drugs and supportive treatments, depending on the type of prostatitis.Treatment for BPH may include medications to relax the smooth muscle of the gland or to shrink the size of the prostate, and surgery to produce a permanently widened channel in the part of the urethra that passes through the prostate.Treatment for prostate cancer is tailored to suit individual circumstances. The nature of the cancer, other health problems the person may have, and their wishes will all be taken into account.Management approaches for prostate cancer include:

    • active surveillance
    • ablative treatments such as high-intensity focused ultrasound and NanoKnife®
    • hormone treatment
    • chemotherapy

    Cause Of Urinary Problems As Men Age

    Many men experience urinary symptoms as they age, which may be caused by inflammation of the prostate gland .;In older men, symptoms may be due to a blockage in the tubes due to a benign enlargement of the prostate gland . The most common symptom is difficulty emptying your bladder. Urinary symptoms may become bothersome enough that they require treatment.;Not all urinary symptoms are due to changes to the prostate. Also, some men have enlarged prostates and yet experience few, if any, symptoms.;

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    Function Of The Prostate Gland

    As part of the male reproductive system, the prostate glands main job;is to secrete a slightly alkaline fluid that forms part of the seminal fluid. This is the fluid that carries sperm. During a man’s orgasm, the muscular glands of the prostate help to propel the prostate fluid, and sperm that was made in the testicles, into the urethra. The semen then leaves the body out of the tip of the penis during ejaculation.

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    Symptoms Of Urinary Problems

    Foods to Support Function of Men’s Prostate Health

    Urinary symptoms commonly experienced with prostate problems include:

    • the need to urinate frequently during the night
    • urinating more often during the day
    • urinary urgency the urge to urinate can be so strong and sudden that you may not reach the toilet in time
    • the urine stream is slow to start
    • urine dribbling for some time after finishing urination
    • a sensation that the bladder isnt fully emptied after urination
    • lack of force to the urine flow, which makes directing the stream difficult
    • the sensation of needing to go again soon after urinating.

    Although these symptoms often do not need treatment, see your doctor if they are causing you difficulty, as they can be successfully treated.

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    Other Names For Prostate Orgasm

    The prostate is sometimes called the male g-spot, or the p-spot, a reference to the area inside the vagina, called the g-spot, that may lead to orgasm.

    Some people use the phrase âprostate milkingâ instead of prostate massage.

    âProstate massage,â âprostate orgasm,â and âprostate milkingâ are often used interchangeably. However, some use âprostate milkingâ to describe only orgasms from internal, rather than perineal, massage.

    The Prostate Is Responsible For Producing The Fluid That Makes Up Semen Filtering Sperm And Maintaining An Erection

    You may be aware that prostate gland performs some functions but do you know everything this busy gland does? Although it is just a small gland the size of a walnut the prostate is responsible for keeping the male reproductive system on task.

    The prostate prevents urine from mixing with sperm when a man ejaculates

    Located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder surrounding the urethra, it completes various functions over the course of the day to keep the male reproductive system up and running. These include:

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    Helping To Produce Semen

    one article , the prostate contributes between 2030% of fluid to the total semen volume. The remainder comes from the seminal vesicles and the testicles

    Prostatic fluid contains components that make semen an ideal substance for sperm cells to live in, including enzymes, zinc, and citric acid. One important enzyme is prostate-specific antigen , which helps make the semen thinner and more fluid.

    The fluid in semen helps the sperm travel down the urethra and survive the journey towards an egg, which is essential for reproduction.

    Prostatic fluid is slightly acidic, but other components of semen make it alkaline overall. This is to counteract the acidity of the vagina and protect the sperm from damage.

    How Does The Prostate Play A Role In Male Fertility

    Prostate gland: 10 facts every man should know about his ...

    The prostate gland is essential for reproduction and male fertility due to the prostatic fluid it produces.

    The components of the prostatic fluid ensure that sperm is healthy and is able to fertilize eggs. Prominent components of prostatic fluid include:

    • The enzyme prostate-specific antigen , which thins or loosens up semen so that sperm can travel more freely
    • Prostatic acid phosphatase, an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of energy-rich compounds present in seminal fluid and may also increase sperm’s motility
    • Citric acid, which may help maintain osmotic-electrolytic equilibrium in semen
    • Zinc, which is important for semen coagulation
    • Spermine, which is ultimately responsible for semen’s unique odor and may play a role in sperm motility and helping sperm fertilize eggs, according to an article published in Endocrine Reviews.;
    • Prostatic inhibin, or prostatic secretory protein, a protein that plays a role in regulating cell growth

    Additionally, prostatic fluid is alkaline , and research published in July 2015 in the journal PLoS One suggested that the pH level of sperm can play a role in reproduction, helping maintain the viability of sperm and successful fertilization.

    Infertility may develop if there are changes to the composition or secretion of the prostatic fluid.

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    Inflammation Of The Prostate Gland

    Bacteria sometimes cause prostatitis . More commonly, the underlying cause is uncertain. Consult your doctor promptly if you experience:

    • fever
    • pain in the groin
    • urgent and frequent urination.;

    Treatment with antibiotics is essential for acute bacterial prostatitis. Admission to hospital is often necessary and, as with chronic bacterial prostatitis, specific antibacterial drugs are required for a long time.;

    Enlarged Prostate Treatments In The Pipeline

    Researchers continue to investigate new therapies for enlarged prostates. âAnother category of drugs is under development,â says Slawin. âWeâve come a long way in treating BPH. Itâs no longer the life-threatening disease it once was. Now, in treatment, weâre working on quality of life issuesââ¬Ã¦ reducing side effects of treatment.â

    Also being studied is a procedure called water-induced thermotherapy , an experimental procedure that involves destroying excess prostate tissue utilizing heated water and an air-filled balloon, which protects normal prostate tissue. The procedure is performed with only local anesthesia. Results may not be fully apparent for three to four months. However, preliminary studies examining WIT have shown positive results, with a near doubling in urine flow. However, the American Urological Association has not thus far endorsed WIT as a viable treatment option for symptoms of BPH.

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    How Does The Prostate Work

    The prostate is a gland about the size of a chestnut and weighs about 30 grams . It is part of the male reproductive system and is located inside the body. The prostates most important function is the production of a fluid that, together with sperm cells from the testicles and fluids from other glands, makes up semen. The muscles of the prostate also ensure that the semen is forcefully pressed into the urethra and then expelled outwards during ejaculation.

    The prostate is located directly below the bladder and above the muscles of the pelvic floor. The rectum is behind the prostate, making it possible to feel the gland from the rectum using the finger. The ducts in the prostate gland flow into the urethra, which passes through the prostate. The word prostate is taken from the Greek expression meaning one who stands before, which describes the position of the prostate gland. Viewed from below, where the urethra leaves the gland, the prostate stands before the bladder.

    The tissue of the prostate gland can be divided into three different zones, listed here from innermost to outermost, which encircle the urethra like layers of an onion:

    The prostate has various functions:

    Production of fluid for semen:

    Hormone metabolism: In the prostate the male sex hormone testosterone is transformed to a biologically active form, DHT .

    When To Contact A Medical Professional

    What is the role and function of the prostate gland?
    • Less urine than usual
    • Back, side, or abdominal pain
    • Blood or pus in your urine

    Also call if:

    • Your bladder does not feel completely empty after you urinate.
    • You take medicines that may cause urinary problems, such as diuretics, antihistamines, antidepressants, or sedatives. DO NOT stop or change your medicines without talking to your provider.
    • You have tried self-care steps for 2 months and symptoms have not improved.

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    The Prostate Gland Is Fueled By Testosterone

    The prostate gland is dependent on testosterone for it to function.

    Testosterone is produced in a mans testes. Testosterone helps maintain sperm production, sex drive, and many more. Also, researchers have found a connection between high levels of testosterone and prostate cancer. However, it is important to keep the prostate healthy to enjoy pleasant sex life.

    What Does The Prostate Gland Actually Do

    The prostate gland isn’t essential for life, but it is vital for reproduction and is part of the male reproductive system.

    The function of the prostate is to produce a slightly alkaline fluid called the prostatic fluid that makes up part of the seminal fluid, or semen.

    The rest of semen is composed of sperm cells from the testicles, fluid from the seminal vesicles, and secretions from the pea-sized bulbourethral gland.

    The prostatic fluid contains substances that are important to the functioning and survival of sperm cells, such as the enzyme;prostate-specific antigen , which thins or loosens up semen, helping the tadpole-like sperm cells swim freely to reach the egg.

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    Prostate Cancer And Sexual Health

    A prostate cancer diagnosis can leave you feeling anxious, frustrated, and depressed.

    It may also leave you wondering about your ability to have sex. You may also be questioning how prostate cancer treatment can affect your sex life.

    Prostate cancer rarely causes problems with sex, but the treatments for prostate cancer often affect penile function and reproduction.

    Prostate surgery and radiation are the two most common treatments for prostate cancer. Both of these can affect the nerves in your penis and could cause sexual problems like erectile dysfunction .

    Cryotherapy and ultrasound therapy can also cause ED. Your doctor may recommend hormone therapy or radiation therapy, as well. This therapy can lower your sex drive.

    Radical prostatectomy is the most effective nerve-sparing surgery for prostate cancer. It can substantially limit the duration of post-surgical ED but requires a surgeon to be highly skilled and trained in the process.

    In this type of procedure, the surgeon takes care not to damage the erectile nerves that surround the prostate as it is removed.

    However, if cancer has infiltrated these nerves, it may not be possible to save them.

    Preventing injury to these nerves dramatically improves the chances of a man recovering erectile function within two years of the surgery.

    In addition to ED, you may also find that your orgasms are different after undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.

    They may not feel as strong, and you will not see as much ejaculate.

    Diagnosis Of Enlarged Prostate Gland And Urinary Problems

    Pin on Nursing life

    If you are troubled by urination problems, see a doctor no matter what your age. If your doctor agrees that your symptoms need further evaluation and treatment, you may need to undergo a few tests.These may include:

    • general examination medical history and review of any health conditions including obesity, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea, depression and erectile dysfunction. A rectal examination may be done to check the size and shape of your prostate gland
    • a urine check to ensure the prostate is not infected
    • a flow-rate check to estimate the speed with which you pass urine
    • an ultrasound examination to assess if the bladder is emptying completely and to examine your kidneys
    • urodynamics a series of tests on the bladder to see how your urinary system is functioning may be recommended in some circumstances.

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    What Does My Prostate Do

    It is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It’s supposed to be about the shape and size of a walnut.

    It rests below your bladder and in front of your rectum. It surrounds part of the urethra, the tube in your penis that carries pee from your bladder.

    The prostate helps make some of the fluid in semen, which carries sperm from your testicles when you ejaculate.

    Your Prostate Has Four Areas

    The prostate gland contains four areas, or zones.

    The peripheral zone is the largest segment, containing about 75% of the glands in the prostate. Most prostate cancer occurs in the peripheral zone and is the site where most needle biopsies are taken. The peripheral zone contains the majority of the prostatic tissue.

    The central zone of the prostate gland is the area that surrounds the ejaculatory ducts. Less than 5% of prostate cancers originate here. However, if prostate cancer does originate here, it is more aggressive and can metastasize to the seminal vesicles.

    The transition zone surrounds the urethra in the place where it enters the prostate. This part of the prostate grows in adult men and is responsible for BPH, or the enlarged prostate. Around 20% of cancers originate here.

    The fourth zone is the anterior fibromuscular storma.

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    What Are The External Male Reproductive Structures

    Most of the male reproductive system is located outside of your abdominal cavity or pelvis. The external parts of the male reproductive system include the penis, the scrotum and the testicles.

    Penis

    The penis is the male organ for sexual intercourse. It has three parts:

    • The root: This is the part of the penis that attaches to the wall of your abdomen.
    • The body or shaft: Shaped like a tube or cylinder, the body of the penis is made up of three internal chambers. Inside these chambers theres a special, sponge-like erectile tissue that contains thousands of large spaces that fill with blood when youre sexually aroused. As the penis fills with blood, it becomes rigid and erect, which allows for penetration during sex. The skin of the penis is loose and elastic, allowing for changes in penis size during an erection.
    • The glans: This is the cone-shaped end of the penis. The glans, which is also called the head of the penis, is covered with a loose layer of skin called foreskin. This skin is sometimes removed in a procedure called circumcision.

    The opening of the urethra the tube that transports both semen and urine out of the body is located at the tip of the glans penis. The penis also contains many sensitive nerve endings.

    Semen, which contains sperm, is expelled through the end of the penis when a man reaches sexual climax . When the penis is erect, the flow of urine is blocked from the urethra, allowing only semen to be ejaculated at orgasm.

    Scrotum

    Testicles

    Epididymis

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