What Is The Purpose Of The Prostate Gland

The Prostate Boosts Your Sexual Capability

Prostate gland secretions comprise a large portion of seminal fluid and proper function of the gland is crucial to sexual capability in men.

The prostate contributes around 20-30% to the total seminal volume. The prostatic fluid contains substances that allow the sperm cells to live. One of these substances is the PSA, which makes the semen more fluid. This prostate role ensures that the sperm cells survive until it encounters an ovary to form an egg-cell.

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.

Recommended Reading: Can An Enlarged Prostate Cause Constipation

What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasiaalso called BPHis a condition in men in which the prostate gland is enlarged and not cancerous. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is also called benign prostatic hypertrophy or benign prostatic obstruction.

The prostate goes through two main growth periods as a man ages. The first occurs early in puberty, when the prostate doubles in size. The second phase of growth begins around age 25 and continues during most of a mans life. Benign prostatic hyperplasia often occurs with the second growth phase.

As the prostate enlarges, the gland presses against and pinches the urethra. The bladder wall becomes thicker. Eventually, the bladder may weaken and lose the ability to empty completely, leaving some urine in the bladder. The narrowing of the urethra and urinary retentionthe inability to empty the bladder completelycause many of the problems associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Also Check: Enlarged Prostate Sexuality

Reasons For The Procedure

The goal of radical prostatectomy is to remove all prostate cancer. RP isused when the cancer is believed to be confined to the prostate gland.During the procedure, the prostate gland and some tissue around the gland,including the seminal vesicles, are removed. The seminal vesicles are thetwo sacs that connect to the vas deferens , and secrete semen.Other less common reasons for radical prostatectomy include:

• Inability to completely empty the bladder

• Recurrent bleeding from the prostate

• Bladder stones with prostate enlargement

• Very slow urination

• Increased pressure on the ureters and kidneys from urinary retention

There may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend a prostatectomy.

Understanding Changes In Prostate Function

Many men report needing to get up to urinate more often than they did when they were younger.;A lot of the time, an increase in the size of the prostate is the cause of their nocturnal urination or nocturia. As mentioned above, typically the prostate grows after age 40 and can cause an array of lower urinary tract symptoms or LUTS. Some of these will be manageable, while others can affect quality of life quite considerably. Regardless of how normal or expected lower urinary tract symptoms are, all should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Here are some of the most common LUTS which may or may not be related to changes in the prostate.

• Having an urgent need to pass urine
• Feeling the need to urinate more often during the day or night
• Producing less urine than usual during urination
• Feeling pain or burning sensations when passing urine
• Difficulty starting to urinate or straining to complete urination
• Having difficulty; emptying your bladder completely
• Pain with ejaculation
• Discharge from the urethra
• Discomfort in the genitals, groin, lower abdomen or lower back

As men age, the risk of prostate problems increases. The most common issues are prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia or benign prostatic hypertrophy , and prostate cancer.;

You May Like: What Happens If Prostate Cancer Goes Untreated

How To Milk The Prostate Right

How to do it properly. It is very difficult as they may affect different diseases; some of them are very dangerous, such as prostate cancer, which is known as a great influence on a large male population. In lesions warning in May, trying to trade in the prostate, which should be on a regular basis to work as a treatment.

Maybe turn the word sounds strange to you. This means that a massage in this region, we say, and this can be done independently, without external assistance. Heres how you do it correctly.

• First, in the area must be mitigated.

• Thus, to urinate or relax your intestines to eliminate the stress of the body.

• It is important to keep nails short and trim, in order to avoid the failure of the delicate skin inside your rectum.
• Hygiene is also very important. Wash your hands and body thoroughly.

• To make things easier to put the latex sterile gloves on his hands, you will use for milking your prostate. In addition, some water-based lubricant, resulting in some of your fingers.

• As a first step, slowly, introducing a finger or more into his anus. You must return, and then click to press a finger on the navel from the inside.

• You know, when you raised the prostate, where you will feel your fingers are small, round, that the lamp has a size of a large walnut.

• Now, when you find it, it starts slowly, massage with some waving people on both sides, and without pressing too hard on the central part of which is rich in nerve endings.

• Do not scratch with nails.

Diagnosis Of Prostate Disease

Prostate disease is diagnosed using a variety of tests, including:

• physical examination, including digital rectal examination , where the doctor inserts a gloved finger into your rectum to check the size of your prostate
• blood test for prostate specific antigen
• mid-stream urine tests to look for infection or blood in the urine
• ultrasound scans and urinary flow studies
• biopsies of the prostate.

Don’t Miss: Prostate Cancer Shortness Of Breath

Risks Of The Procedure

As with any surgical procedure, certain complications can occur. Somepossible complications of both the retropubic and perineal approaches to RPmay include:

Some risks associated with surgery and anesthesia in general include:

• Reactions to medications, such as anesthesia

• Difficulty with breathing

• Bleeding

• Infection

One risk associated with the retropubic approach is the potential forrectal injury, causing fecal incontinence or urgency.

There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Besure to discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to the procedure.

What Is Your Prostate And What Does It Do

Your prostate is a small gland that lives inside your body, just below your bladder. It sits around the urethra, which is the tube that carries pee from your bladder through your penis. Only men have a prostate.

Your prostate produces some of the fluids contained in your semen, the liquid that transports sperm. This liquid contains special enzymes and hormones that help your sperm cells function properly, which means the prostate plays a key part in your fertility. The muscles in your prostate also help push semen through your urethra when you ejaculate.

Recommended Reading: How To Pleasure A Woman After Prostate Surgery

Problems With Enlarged Prostate Gland

Benign enlargement of the prostate gland is more common as men get older. It can cause troublesome symptoms, although it doesnt always.

The urethra passes through the prostate gland, so men may have problems urinating if the enlarged gland restricts the flow of urine. If the flow stops completely, a catheter is required to empty the bladder. It is rare for this form of acute urinary retention to cause kidney damage.

An enlarged prostate doesnt always cause urinary problems. Studies indicate that the size of a mans prostate gland has little influence on the type or severity of his urination problems. BPH is just one possible cause of urinary symptoms.;

Another cause of urinary symptoms can be changes to the muscular wall of the bladder, which may cause spasms of the bladder or weaken the bladder, causing problems passing urine.

Wednesday 4 October 2017

Hey guys, we know that talking about your prostate can be a little uncomfortable. You might not know where or what it is, or you might have only heard about it in stories about older men having difficulty peeing or the doctor sticking their finger up you know where to check on it.

Below, weve got all the details about what your prostate is, where it is and what it does. Well also discuss how it might change as you age, and any changes or symptoms you should keep an eye on and tell your doctor about.

You May Like: Does Prostatitis Go Away Without Treatment

What Does My Prostate Do

It is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system. Its 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.

Who Might Get An Enlarged Prostate

BPH is common and cannot be prevented. Age and a family history of BPH are two things that increase the chances you might get it. A few stats on that:

• Some 8 out of every 10 men eventually develop an enlarged prostate.
• About 90% of men over the age of 85 will have BPH.
• About 30% of men will find their symptoms bothersome.

Don’t Miss: Does An Enlarged Prostate Affect A Man Sexually

Physical Exam For Enlarged Prostate

Most men probably dont give their prostate gland a second thought until they are older and their doctor says its time for a physical examination to see if the gland is enlarged. Although the prostate gland is generally the size of a walnut, it can start to grow as men get to their 40s or 50s. The only way a doctor can tell the gland size is by doing a digital exam which involves inserting a gloved finger into the rectum and feeling for the gland.

Because of the glands location, if it becomes enlarged, it can press on the urethra, making it difficult for urine to drain from the bladder. It can also make it difficult for a man to maintain an erection. This is called and its the most common of prostate gland conditions.

Its Another Muscle That Needs Work

The prostate gland contains muscles that help in expelling the semen out of the penis during sexual intercourse. The prostate is a muscle-driven mechanism between urination and ejaculation.

This gland works by expelling the seminal fluid through a contraction. The semen is then forced outside and the ejaculation takes place.

Also Check: Prostate Cancer Ruined My Marriage

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.

What Does The Prostate Do Can You Live Without It And What Happens When You Have It Removed

All men have a prostate, yet many know little about what it does or what happens if it is removed. Here’s the lowdown…

• 9:25, 20 Mar 2018

THE prostate is;a male reproductive organ which surrounds the neck of the bladder which releases a fluid component of semen.

All men have a prostate, yet many know little about what it does or what happens if it is removed. Here’s the lowdown…

You May Like: External Prostate Massage For Prostatitis

Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer

In its early stages, prostate cancer doesnt necessarily cause symptoms. Men with prostate cancer might experience some of the following symptoms:

• needing to pee frequently or suddenly
• finding it difficult to pee, including trouble getting started or maintaining a strong or steady flow
• feeling like you havent completely emptied your bladder after going to the toilet
• pain, burning or discomfort when peeing
• blood in pee or semen
• or pain in the lower back, upper thighs, hips or chest
• feelings of weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
• unexplained weightloss
• feeling tired, short of breath or dizzy
• a rapid heart beat
• pale skin.

Youll notice a lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of other conditions, including an enlarged prostate or prostatitis, which is why its important to always see your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms or changes.

Prostate Disease And Ageing

Around 25 per cent of men aged 55 years and over have a prostate condition. This increases to 50 per cent by the age of 70 years. Early stages of prostate disease may have no symptoms.

If you are a man and you are in your 50s or 60s, talk to your doctor about whether you need to have your prostate gland checked and, if so, how often. If you have a family history of prostate disease , talk to your doctor earlier about when prostate checks might be suitable for you.

Also Check: Does Enlarged Prostate Cause Constipation

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.

Dont Miss: Does Enlarged Prostate Cause Constipation

Whats Involved In A Prostate Exam And When Is It Needed

Due to the location of the prostate , it is possible to feel the organ with a finger inserted into the rectum. The tissues of the stroma give the prostate an elastic feel to the touch.

Several prostate health issues may develop as a man ages,;in particular prostatitis , enlarged prostate , and prostate cancer.

A prostate exam, also known as a digital rectal exam, is a common procedure to help diagnose these issues.

For the exam, a doctor will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum while you’re standing, bending forward at the waist, or lying on your side with knees pulled up .

The doctor will feel your prostate to determine its size and look for bumps, hard spots, or other abnormalities that may be indicative of prostate cancer.

The prostate exam is not typically painful unless there’s an abnormality within your prostate.

You May Like: Does Cialis Shrink An Enlarged Prostate

Anatomy Of The Prostate

The prostate is a small;gland;in the male reproductive system. It is situated in front of the;rectum, below the;bladder, and surrounds the;urethra, which is the tube through which;urine;flows out of the body. The main function of the chestnut-sized prostate is to secrete part of the;seminal fluid;that combines with sperm to form;semen.

What Is The Prostate Gland

The prostate gland is an important part of the male anatomy in humans as well as most other mammals. In humans its normally about the size of a walnut and it encircles the urethra, deep within the reproductive tract; it has a number of important purposes, but helping to produce, strengthen, and expel sperm is one of its most significant. It also plays a key role in preventing urine leakage during ejaculation. The gland is usually quite sensitive, both to external pressures and chemical changes in the body. It is more susceptible than most others to inflammation and enlargement, which can lead to a lot of problems in the realm of reproductive function. Its connection to lymphatic tissues and fluids also makes it more likely to develop cancerous growths and lesions, which can be life threatening if not caught quickly. Most medical experts recommend that the gland be checked for size and swelling about once a year.

Anatomical Basics

Role in Sperm Production

Fluid Elimination

Inflammation and Enlargement

Cancers and Unusual Growths

Read Also: Can Bph Cause Constipation

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.