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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. |
