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Prostate

 

 
The Prostate
Prostate Gland Enlargement
PSA Test
Prostate Cancer


The Prostate

The prostate gland is located just below a man’s bladder, behind the pubic bone and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the top portion of the urethra. The urethra functions as the tube that drains urine from the bladder. The main function of the prostate is to produce many of the fluids in semen, the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation.

The most important fluid produced is the slightly alkaline fluid which accounts for up to 30% of the volume of seminal fluid. This fluid, along with spermatozoa is what makes up semen. The remaining seminal fluid is produced by the seminal vesicles. The alkalinity of seminal fluid is vitally important, as it helps of prolong the lifespan of sperm by neutralizing the acidity present in the vaginal tract,

The prostate also contains smooth muscles that assist in expelling semen during ejaculation.

When a male is born, his prostate is about the size of a pea. It grows little during childhood, up until puberty, when it experiences a growth spurt. The prostate reaches full development around the age of 25, at which point it is the size of a walnut.

Most men experience another phase of prostate growth during their 40s. Cells in the central portion of the gland, the area where the prostate surrounds the urethra, reproduce more rapidly. This prostate gland enlargement presents some difficulties for many men as they continue to age. Prostate enlargement can lead to a condition called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It has no impact on the development of prostate cancer.


Prostate Exams

A digital rectal exam (DRE) is the least invasive method for a doctor to examine the prostate. This procedure involves the insertion of a finger into the rectum. During a prostate exam, the doctor is assessing the feel and shape of the prostate. A healthy prostate is triangular in shape and 2-4 cm long. A healthy prostate will feel firm and rubbery.

This exam can detect an enlarged prostate and whether or not there may be evidence of prostate cancer. If prostate abnormalities are detected, further tests will follow.

Prostate health is vital to a man's overall health and functioning. Opinion differs about when men should begin having prostate exams, however, it is generally accepted that men between the ages of 45-50 should begin having prostate exams. Also, men who have difficulty urinating or who experience erectile dysfunction should undergo a prostate exam to rule out the prostate gland as the cause.
 

The Digital Urology Channel offers information about the prostate and prostate gland diseases and conditions. The Prostate Cancer Coalition website is an excellent resource for those managing the disease.


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