What Is The Purpose Of The Prostate

Where Is The Prostate And What Does It Look Like

The prostate is situated between the bladder and penis, just in front of the rectum . It is above the muscles of the pelvic floor.

The urethra, a narrow tube that carries urine and semen out of the body through the penis, runs through the center of the prostate, which weighs less than 1 ounce .

The word “prostate” comes from the Greek word “prostates,” which means “one who stands before,” aptly describing the position of the gland. That is, when viewed from below, the prostate “stands before” the bladder.

Because the rectum is behind the prostate, it is possible to feel the prostate with a finger when inserted through the rectum. The prostate feels elastic because it’s surrounded by a supportive tissue called the stroma, which is made of flexible smooth muscle fibers and connective tissue .

The muscle cells contract during ejaculation, forcing fluid stored in the prostate into the urethra.

The Location And Function Of The Prostate

The prostate is located behind the pubic bones in a mans pelvis, between the bladder and the rectum. When healthy, it is about the size of a walnut. A tube, called the urethra, runs through the middle of the prostate and drains urine from the bladder out of the penis. Two sex nerves for erection of the penis run next to and alongside the prostate. The purpose of the prostate is to produce seminal fluid, which when mixed with the sperm from the testicles, creates semen. Prostate cells also secrete proteins into the bloodstream, one of which is called Prostate Specific Antigen this protein plays a key role in detecting cancer. See Figure 3 below.

A lateral view of a mans pelvis showing the relationship of the prostate gland to the normal structures. The transparent blue plate is used to demonstrate a cross-section of the anatomy.

How Is The Prostate Involved In Reproduction

The prostatic fluid accounts for 20 to 30 percent of the volume of seminal fluid .

As mentioned before, this fluid contains enzymes, proteins, and minerals that protect and nourish sperm and are necessary for the proper functioning of sperm cells.

Whats more, research, such as one paper published in July 2015 in the journal PloS One, has suggested the alkalinity of the fluid helps ensure the viability of sperm in reproduction.

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The Prostate Gland: What It Is And Why It Can Cause Problems

When we hear the word prostate, its often with respect to something having gone wrong with it. Indeed, this rather small gland is so well known for the problems it can cause, that many people are unaware of its essential role in the male reproductive system. Well get to some of those problems in due course, but first lets first get familiar with what the prostate is, where it is, and what it does.

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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What Are Some Common Uses Of The Procedure

Your doctor uses MRI to evaluate prostate cancer and see if it is limited to the prostate. Mp-MRI provides information on how water molecules and blood flow through the prostate. This helps determine whether cancer is present and, if so, whether it is aggressive and if it has spread.

Occasionally, MRI of the prostate is used to evaluate other prostate problems, including:

• infection or prostate abscess.

• some older cardiac defibrillators and pacemakers

Tell the technologist if you have medical or electronic devices in your body. These devices may interfere with the exam or pose a risk. Many implanted devices will have a pamphlet explaining the MRI risks for that particular device. If you have the pamphlet, bring it to the attention of the scheduler before the exam. MRI cannot be performed without confirmation and documentation of the type of implant and MRI compatibility. You should also bring any pamphlet to your exam in case the radiologist or technologist has any questions.

If there is any question, an x-ray can detect and identify any metal objects. Metal objects used in orthopedic surgery generally pose no risk during MRI. However, a recently placed artificial joint may require the use of a different imaging exam.

Learn The Function And Location Of The Prostate

The prostate is a gland found only in men. Understanding the location and function of the prostate is key to explaining symptoms of prostate cancer and other non-cancerous conditions that can effect the prostate function. The prostate is located just beneath the bladder, between the penis and rectum, The urethra tube runs out of the bladder, through the center of the prostate, then to the penis, providing the path for urination. In aid of reproduction, prostate muscles help to expel sperm from the body while secreting seminal fluids that protect and nourish the sperm. Incontinence or sexual dysfunction can sometimes be caused by prostate cancer and even treatment for prostate cancer.

The prostate cells produce an enzyme named Prostate Specific Antigen or PSA, found in a mans blood. PSA is produced exclusively by prostate cells. Elevated levels of the PSA enzyme can be helpful in diagnosing issues with the prostate, like cancer or infection. These elevated levels of PSA can be detected with a simple blood test. For more information, visit our page on PSA.

The prostate cells produce an enzyme named Prostate Specific Antigen or PSA, found in a mans blood. PSA is produced exclusively by prostate cells. Elevated levels of the PSA enzyme can be helpful in diagnosing issues with the prostate, like cancer or infection. These elevated levels of PSA can be detected with a simple blood test. For more information, visit our page on PSA.

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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.

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.

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What Is The Purpose Of The Prostate Gland

• Men’s Health

The prostate gland is an important part of a mans reproductive system. It provides nourishing and protective fluid to support sperm survival and increase the chances of fertilization of the egg in a womens uterus. Several conditions can affect the prostate as a man ages, including cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Function

• During ejaculation, the prostate contracts around the upper portion of the urethra, preventing urine from being released into the semen. The prostate produces seminal plasma, which is a component of semen. Seminal plasma contains alkaline compounds like bicarbonate to protect sperm after ejaculation into the vagina, and supplies proteins, enzymes, and minerals such as zinc and calcium to nourish sperm. The prostate gland also secretes prostaglandins, natural compounds that are important to the movement of sperm.

Significance

• The secretions of the prostate gland produce nutrients sperm need for survival. In addition, prostate fluids help to neutralize the acidic environment of the vaginal canal, helping sperm to survive and move through the vaginal canal and cervix into the uterus. Prostaglandins stimulate contraction of the uterus, to help sperm move towards the egg and increase the chance of fertilization. Without prostate gland secretions, sperm would not be able to survive in the female reproductive tract.

Considerations

Warning

Prevention/Solution

What Is The Normal Prostate Size

A small prostate has a volume of 30 ml to 40 ml and a weight of 20 g to 70 g. A medium prostate has a volume of 40 ml to 80 ml and a weight of 20 g to 125g . A large prostate has a volume of 40ml to 100 ml and a weight of 40 g to 125 g.

Around age 40, prostate gland begins to grow. With a benign prostatic hyperplasia , glands size can increase by 4 to 5 times compared to its initial size.

Détection précoce du cancer de la prostate, Actualisation du référentiel de pratiques de lexamen périodique de santé , document PDF , HAS, mai 2013

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Prostate Cancer Diagnoses And Treatment

All cancer is complex, but prostate cancer testing and treatment is particularly complicated.

In some men with prostate cancer, the cancer will grow very slowly, and wont significantly affect them during their lifetime. Other mens prostate cancer can grow and spread very quickly. At the moment, there is no test that can tell what type of prostate cancer a man has when he is diagnosed.

Because some treatments for prostate cancer can cause side effects which might impact on quality of life, its important for men to discuss with their doctor all their options for testing and treatment, and to discuss these with their partners and families. These might include watchful waiting, which means waiting to see what the cancer does over time, radiation, surgery or taking medications.

You can read more about what kinds of questions to ask your doctors about prostate cancer testing and treatment on the Cancer Council website.

Are There Risks Associated With Prostate Massage

The medical community doesnt widely support prostate massage. It hasnt been shown to be more helpful than typical treatments. However, men many find relief when they use this treatment option either alone or with another treatment option. Commonly, men may use both massage therapy and antibiotics.

People who perform prostate massage therapy without any formal training can do serious harm to your reproductive system. Massaging the prostate too vigorously or with too much pressure could increase your symptoms or cause new issues.

You shouldnt use an electronic prostate massager without training and instruction from a medical professional. Several electronic massagers are available for purchase today. Many of them are marketed as sex toys. This is because stimulation of the prostate can be pleasurable to some men.

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Blood And Lymphatic Vessels

The prostate receives blood through the inferior vesical artery, internal pudendal artery, and middle rectal arteries. These vessels enter the prostate on its outer posterior surface where it meets the bladder, and travel forward to the apex of the prostate. Both the inferior vesical and the middle rectal arteries often arise together directly from the internal iliac arteries. On entering the bladder, the inferior vesical artery splits into a urethral branch, supplying the urethral prostate and a capsular branch, which travels around the capsule and has smaller branches which perforate into the prostate.

The veins of the prostate form a network the prostatic venous plexus, primarily around its front and outer surface. This network also receives blood from the deep dorsal vein of the penis, and is connected via branches to the vesical plexus and internal pudendal veins. Veins drain into the vesical and then internal iliac veins.

The lymphatic drainage of the prostate depends on the positioning of the area. Vessels surrounding the vas deferens, some of the vessels in the seminal vesicle, and a vessel from the posterior surface of the prostate drain into the external iliac lymph nodes. Some of the seminal vesicle vessels, prostatic vessels, and vessels from the anterior prostate drain into internal iliac lymph nodes. Vessels of the prostate itself also drain into the obturator and sacral lymph nodes.

• Microscopic glands of the prostate

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.

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It Can Alleviate Painful Ejaculation

Painful ejaculation is rare, but it happens. It can come from infection or inflammation in the epididymis , prostate, seminal vesicles, and/or urethra. It can also signal a blockage in the ejaculatory duct. Massage can reduce prostate inflammation and make ejaculation less painful, says Mills.

Another cause of painful ejaculation can be tight pelvic floor muscles, which can occur when men have an inflammation or infection of the prostate. Again, Gonzalez says doing Kegels can help. Manual manipulation of those muscles during prostate massage can further alleviate ejaculatory pain. This is definitely something you would want a specialist to work on with you, he says.

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What Does The Prostate Gland Actually Do

The prostate gland isnt 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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Gene And Protein Expression

About 20,000 protein coding genes are expressed in human cells and almost 75% of these genes are expressed in the normal prostate. About 150 of these genes are more specifically expressed in the prostate with about 20 genes being highly prostate specific. The corresponding specific proteins are expressed in the glandular and secretory cells of the prostatic gland and have functions that are important for the characteristics of semen. Some of the prostate specific proteins, such as the prostate specific antigen , and the Prostatic acid phosphatase.

In the developing embryo, at the hind end lies an inpouching called the cloaca. This, over the fourth to the seventh week, divides into a urogenital sinus and the beginnings of the anal canal, with a wall forming between these two inpouchings called the urorectal septum. The urogenital sinus divides into three parts, with the middle part forming the urethra the upper part is largest and becomes the urinary bladder, and the lower part then changes depending on the biological sex of the embryo.

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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What Will I Experience During And After The Procedure

Most MRI exams are painless. However, some patients find it uncomfortable to remain still. Others may feel closed-in while in the MRI scanner. The scanner can be noisy. Sedation may be arranged for anxious patients, but fewer than one in 20 require it.

You may feel pressure while the doctor inserts the endorectal coil into your rectum. This is similar to that experienced during a digital rectal exam.

It is normal for the area of your body being imaged to feel slightly warm, but if it bothers you, notify the radiologist or technologist. It is important that you remain perfectly still while the images are being recorded, which is typically only a few seconds to a few minutes at a time. For some types of exams, you may be asked to hold your breath. You will know when images are being recorded because you will hear tapping or thumping sounds when the coils that generate the radiofrequency pulses are activated. You will be able to relax between imaging sequences, but will be asked to maintain your position as much as possible.

You will usually be alone in the exam room during the MRI procedure. However, the technologist will be able to see, hear and speak with you at all times using a two-way intercom. Many MRI centers allow a friend or parent to stay in the room as long as they are also screened for safety in the magnetic environment.