Prostate Health

Function Of Prostate Gland

Understanding the Function of the Prostate Gland

Learning about the function of the prostate gland is very important, particularly if you are a man, because prostate cancer is the number one occurring cancer in men worldwide and so you want to try to avoid it as much as possible. The best way to do this is by making yourself as educated and informed as you can, and let’s start with the actual function of the prostate gland.

The Prostate Gland

The prostate gland is about the size of a large walnut, and it is located in the pelvic area of men, just below the bladder and near the urethra. The prostate is a major part of the male reproductive system and requires male hormones, or androgens, to function.

The Function of the Prostate Gland

The actual function of the prostate gland is to store and produce seminal fluid, and this fluid is what nourishes the sperm. The prostate also contains certain smooth muscles which help to expel semen during the ejaculation process.

More Information

Besides understanding the function of the prostate gland, it is also critical to learn about the problems that can be associated with it. Of course the most common is prostate cancer, but there are others as well, such as an enlarged prostate.

Basically a man’s prostate gland begins to enlarge once he has reached middle age, and as the prostate continues to grow larger, it may end up pressing on the urethra, and this narrowing of the urethra is what typically causes the most problems.

In the earlier stages of prostate enlargement, the bladder muscle will force the urine through the narrowed urethra, and it does this by contracting much more powerfully. Then, as a result of this, the bladder muscle will begin to become thicker and more sensitive, causing the patient to have to urinate more often.

Another commonly experienced prostate problem is known as prostatitis. This condition is an inflammation of the prostate gland, and it is one which is usually caused by a bacterial infection in the body that has spread. There are two different classifications of prostatitis: acute prostatitis and chronic prostatitis.

Acute prostatitis is much more serious, and tends to develop suddenly and without warning. Chronic prostatitis is much more common and not as dangerous, and unlike actue prostatitis, it generally develops gradually, and continues for a prolonged period of time.

These and other related problems are very common, and this is why it is so important to see your doctor regularly, not only so that they can keep an eye on your prostate but on your general health overall.