What Is The Role Of The Prostate
The prostate is a non-vital but important part of the malereproductive system. Its primary function is related to ejaculation. It provides spermatozoids an environment they can survive in during their journey to the ovule. Prostate fluid accounts for 20-30% of the semen volume, while seminal vesicles produce 65%. Interestingly, semen contains only 2-3% of sperms produced by the testicles.
Other components of the semen include:
- Prostate-specific antigen , an enzyme that disaggregates the semen to help spermatozoids swim freely. A blood test for prostate cancer includes a PSA measurement, but this has been shown to have low accuracy in determining whether a man has prostate cancer. Studies have shown that 70% to 80% of men with elevated PSA who do a prostate biopsy do not have cancer.
- Zinc,a mineral that plays an important role in sperm motility and sperm DNA stabilization.
- Citrate, which provides energy for the sperm.
- Various antibacterial substances like lysozyme and lactoferrin to maintain a sterile environment.
Functions The Prostate Gland Performs
The prostate is something that every man knows about, but few realize the various functions this walnut-sized gland is responsible for in the male reproductive system. Weve put together a list of 10 amazing functions the prostate gland performs based on information from bewellbuzz.com.
It helps produce semen.
The main function of the prostate is to help produce semen. It makes an alkaline fluid which mixes with sperm during ejaculation to create semen. The alkaline fluid helps to protect the sperm once it reaches a womans vagina as this is an acidic environment.
It produces prostate-specific antigen .
The prostate produces a fluid called prostate-specific antigen which also helps the sperm by acting like a glue to attach it to a womans cervix. The glue then dissolves and the sperm is free to swim into the uterus to find an egg.
The high levels of PSA in a man can also be an indication of prostate cancer. Men over a certain age should have their PSA levels checked on a yearly basis. This is done through a simple blood test.
It pumps sperm.
As well as helping to make semen, the prostate gland helps to pump out sperm during intercourse. The pumping action ensures that the sperm can travel far enough into the uterus to possibly find an egg. This experience helps make sex pleasurable for men.
Its the G-spot.
It acts as a filter.
It creates erections.
It controls urine flow.
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
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What Is The Role Of The Prostate Gland
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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. It has man roles given below:
- The prostate secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. During ejaculation, the prostate squeezes this fluid into the urethra, and its 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
Prostrate glands can get affected and problems may manifest as: Prostatis, enlarged prostate and in adverse cases as prostate cancer.
Prostatitis: Inflammation Of The Prostate
Another common drawback associated with the prostate is prostatitisirritation or swelling of the prostate gland. It will also be very painful and needs to be handled as temporarily as conceivable. Symptoms include:
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Difficulty beginning the urine waft, or dribbling when urinating
- Frequent and urgent want to urinate, particularly at night
- Blood in the urine
- Pain between the scrotum and rectum, abdomen, testicles or penis
If the prostatitis is caused through a bacterial an infection and is left untreated, the infection may just spread. Complications from untreated prostatitis also nerve injury to the area.
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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.
Symptoms Of Prostate Disease
In its earliest stages, prostate disease may or may not be associated with symptoms. The symptoms of prostate disease depend on the condition, but may include:
- difficulties urinating, such as trouble starting the flow of urine
- the urge to urinate often, particularly at night
- feeling as though the bladder cant be fully emptied
- painful urination
- blood in the urine or blood coming from the urethra independent of urination.
Blood in the urine is often due to causes not related to the prostate. Always see your doctor if you find blood in your urine.
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How Is It Made
The prostate has a variety of areas. The peripheral zone and the prostates central zone are two significant areas, and they are filled with secretory cells.
Studies show that each region has a role in creating a specific set of enzymes. They all produce the same fluid, but it has slightly more proteolytic enzymes in the central zone.
The secretory cells responsible for the production of prostate fluid are arranged in groups by type. They create prostatic fluid components and store them in tiny granules.
The granules contain PSA, acid phosphatase, and many other substances, and they are gradually released to the acini whenever needed.
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.
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The Prostate: What Is It What Is Its Function
The prostate gland is a complex organ found within the male reproductive system that creates and secretes semen, which is one half of the reproduction equation. The prostate relies on male hormones, namely testosterone produced in the testicles, for normal growth and function. Testosterone also attributes to male sex characteristics, such as low vocal tones and facial and body hair. Located adjacent to the bladder and the urethra, the prostate can also affect the overall function and health of the urinary system.
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.
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Prostatitis: A Common Prostate Problem In Younger Men
Prostatitis, or prostate inflammation, is the most common prostatic and urinary tract problem for men under age 50, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases . It accounts for 2 million doctor visits in the United States each year.
There are several types of prostatitis.
Prostatitis caused by bacteria is known as bacterial prostatitis, and it can cause an acute or chronic infection.
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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
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Difficulty with breathing
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Bleeding
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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.
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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.
Where Is The Prostate Gland
The prostate gland is located in male reproductive systems its a little organ about the size of a walnut. It is located below the bladder, where it surrounds the urethra and rests in front of the rectum.
The prostate gland is mainly composed of soft tissue and is branched with multiple ducts. Its cells are located inside the ducts, which secreteseminal fluid.
Four important zones divide the organ:
- The anterior fibromuscular zone is only made of muscular and fibrous tissue there are no ducts in this area.
- The peripheral zone contains a majority of the ducts. It is the closest side of the prostate to the rectum. It can be felt during a digital rectal exam , in which a doctor will insert a finger in the anus to enable palpation of the prostate gland.
- The central zone is the portion of the prostate which surrounds the urethra . It contains ejaculatory ducts that emanate from the seminal vesicles.
- The transition zone is located around the prostaticurethra. It is the primary area that expands with age and causes prostate problems, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or benign prostatic hypertrophy.
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Resources And Support For Maintaining A Healthy Prostate
If youre having prostate trouble, youre concerned about a friend or family member who is, or youd like to stay up to date on prostate health and research, there are a number of organizations that provide online educational material, comprehensive medical information, emotional support, and avenues for financial assistance.
Learn More About Resources for Prostate Health
What Men And Women 35 And Older Must Know About Fertility Infertility And Getting Pregnant
The prostatic fluid mixes with sperm and fluid from the seminal vesicles which makes up the majority of semen and contains various other components, including the fructose that provides the main energy source for sperm outside of the body inside of the urethra.
Changes in the composition or secretion of the prostatic fluid affects the health and function of sperm, impacting male fertility. These changes may arise due to various health issues with the prostate.
Learn More About the Form and Function of the Prostate
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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 mans 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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Prostate Cancer Risk Increases With Age
People over age 55 are more likely to develop prostate cancer, but more often, it occurs even later. In fact, 60% of prostate cancers occur in people over age 65.
There is a wide range of treatment options for this condition. These include:
- Prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the gland. It is performed either robotically or using laparoscopic methods.
- Radiation therapy uses radio waves to kill cancerous tumors.
- Chemotherapy uses drugs that target and kill cancer cells. These may be taken orally or intravenously.
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What A High Psa Level Means If Its Not Prostate Cancer
Other important components of prostatic fluid include an enzyme called prostatic acid phosphatase, citric acid, zinc, spermine and prostatic inhibin .
During an orgasm, prostate muscles squeeze the glands stored fluid into the urethra, where it mixes with the sperm cells and other semen components.
This expulsive process also helps propel the semen out of the body during ejaculation.
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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.
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Introduction: Anatomy And Function Of The Prostate Gland
The prostate gland is an accessory male reproductive organ, located at the base of the bladder, and surrounding the urethra. It produces prostatic secretions that contain zinc, citric acid, calcium, phosphates, and other enzymes essential for sperm health and motility. At ejaculation, semen passes through the ejaculatory ducts and mixes with secretions from the prostate gland .
Fig. 1. Anatomical zones of the prostate. The prostate consists of four anatomical zones the centreal , peripheral , and transition zones, and the anterior fibromuscular stroma .
Prostatic fluids arise from the epithelial cells lining the ducts that are separated from surrounding stroma by a basement membrane. The epithelium consists of basal, neuroendocrine and secretory cells and it is polarized so that the secretions arise at the luminal aspect of the epithelium including prostatic-specific antigen . Basally located epithelial cells secrete extracellular matrix for the basement membrane and also include the stem and stem progenitor populations. The surrounding fibromuscular stroma consists of smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, nerves, endothelial cells, immune cells, and blood vessels. The smooth muscle component provides contractility that is required when proteins are exuded from the glands .
Fig. 2. Distribution of cell types within the prostate. The prostate is a glandular organ, consisting of an epithelial and stromal component, separated by a basement membrane.
Tracey S. Chenier, in, 2009
What Is The Prostate A Guide To Its Form And Function And Some Common Problems
The prostate is a gland and reproductive organ located directly beneath the urinary bladder.
About the size and shape of a walnut, the prostate is only found in males and is an important part of the male reproductive system.
Note that although females do not have a prostate, they do have the Skene’s gland, or paraurethral gland, which is located at the lower end of the urethra and considered homologous to the prostate gland.
Numerous health issues may affect the prostate as men get older, including prostatitis , prostate infections, enlarged prostate, and prostate cancer.
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If You Are A Trans Woman
If you are a trans woman and have had genital-gender affirming surgery as part of your transition, you still have a prostate. It is important to talk to your GP or nurse if you are worried about prostate cancer or have symptoms.
Prostate cancer UK have detailed information about trans women and prostate cancer.
The LGBT Foundation can also give you confidential advice and support. You can also talk to one of our cancer support specialists.