What’s The Function Of The Prostate

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.

Age And Prostate Enlargement

When a male person reaches middle age his prostate glands begin to enlarge. As the prostate continually grows in size, it may end up pressing against the urethra. This narrowing of the urethra causes a range of problems.

To start with, the prostate enlargement forces the bladder muscle to contract with a lot more power to lead the urine through the narrowed urethra. This results in a more sensitive and thick bladder muscle, which again causes the person with the enlarged prostate to have to urinate more often. Basically, any illness of the prostate leads to enlargement. Thus leading to painful urination and loss of ejaculatory power.

In case of abnormalities of the prostate gland or due to old age, the prostate will fail to function properly. This will lead to less active semen, and finally may lead to infertility.

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This website, ProstateProblemsAndCures.com, is intended for educational purposes only and is by no means a substitute for consultation or advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your physician before beginning a new treatment, diet or fitness program.

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Growth Of The Prostate

The prostate grows bigger as men age. Typically the prostate undergoes growth during adolescence driven by the male hormone, testosterone, and the hormones byproduct, dihydrotestosterone . Testosterone hormone is primarily produced in the testes, but smaller quantities also can be secreted in the adrenal glands found just above the kidneys. By the age of 40 the prostate might have grown from a walnut-sized to apricot-sized gland. And by the age of 60 it might have reached the size of a lemon.

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How Does The Prostate Play A Role In Male Fertility

The prostate gland is essential for reproduction and male fertility due to the prostatic fluid it produces.

The components of the prostatic fluid ensure that sperm is healthy and is able to fertilize eggs. Prominent components of prostatic fluid include:

• The enzyme prostate-specific antigen , which thins or loosens up semen so that sperm can travel more freely
• Prostatic acid phosphatase, an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of energy-rich compounds present in seminal fluid and may also increase sperms motility
• Citric acid, which may help maintain osmotic-electrolytic equilibrium in semen
• Zinc, which is important for semen coagulation
• Spermine, which is ultimately responsible for semens unique odor and may play a role in sperm motility and helping sperm fertilize eggs, according to an article published in Endocrine Reviews.
• Prostatic inhibin, or prostatic secretory protein, a protein that plays a role in regulating cell growth

Additionally, prostatic fluid is alkaline , and research published in July 2015 in the journal PLoS One suggested that the pH level of sperm can play a role in reproduction, helping maintain the viability of sperm and successful fertilization.

Infertility may develop if there are changes to the composition or secretion of the prostatic fluid.

Radical Prostatectomy Perineal Approach

You’ll be placed in a supine position in which the hips and knees will be fully bent with the legs spread apart and elevated with the feet resting on straps. Stirrups will be placed under your legs for support.

An upside-down, U-shaped incision will be made in the perineal area .

The doctor will try to minimize any trauma to the nerve bundles in the prostate area.

The prostate gland and any abnormal-looking tissue in the surrounding area will be removed.

The seminal vesicles may be removed if there’s concern about abnormal tissue in the vesicles.

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What Does The Prostate Gland Do And Why Is It Important

The prostate is responsible for producing prostatic fluid, which is full of enzymes, proteins, and minerals that are vital for the proper functioning of sperm.

During climax, smooth muscle fibers of the stroma contract, forcing the prostatic fluid through the ejaculatory ducts and into the urethra.

In the urethra, the prostatic fluid mixes with fluid from the seminal vesicle, sperm from the testes, and secretions from the bulbourethral gland, a pea-sized gland below the prostate.

In all, prostatic fluid makes up 20 to 30 percent of semen .

Aside from producing prostatic fluid, the prostate is responsible for closing up the urethra during ejaculation so that semen doesn’t enter the bladder. During urination, the muscles of the central zone close the prostate’s seminal ducts so that urine cannot enter the prostate.

What Is The Main Function Of A Healthy Prostate

The prostate is a small gland that weighs around 30 grams and is roughly the size of a chestnut. It is an internal organ that is part of the male reproductive system.

The primary purpose of the prostate is to produce a fluid that, when combined with sperm cells from the testicles and fluids from other glands, forms semen.

The prostate muscles ensure that semen is pushed firmly into the urethra and ejected gradually during masturbation.

However, if you dont look after the prostates health via lifestyle changes or medically approved health supplements, it will create ample complications for your body. So, lets find out the main functions of a healthy prostate right here.

Contents

• 5 Conclusion

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Can You Live Without A Prostate

Although the prostate is essential for reproduction, it is not essential to live.

In cases where the cancer is contained to the prostate it can be surgically removed through a prostatectomy.

A radical prostatectomy involves removing the entire prostate gland, the surrounding tissue, and some of the seminal vesicles.

Alternatively, laser prostatectomies can be effective as the least invasive type of prostate removal.

The most common prostatectomy is the transurethral resection of the prostate .

TURPs involve removing part of the prostate gland using a resectoscope which is passed through the urethra – this procedure is commonly used for people with an enlarged prostate.

In come cases prostate cancer can be treated with radiotherapy.

Facts About The Prostate Gland

The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut. It’s located just below the bladder and it surrounds the urethra. This is a tube that carries urine and semen out of the body. The prostate is partly muscular and partly glandular. It has tubes that open into the prostatic part of the urethra. It is made up of 3 lobes: a middle lobe, left lobe, and right lobe.

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Radical Prostatectomy Retropubic Or Suprapubic Approach

You’ll be positioned on the operating table, lying on your back.

An incision will be made from below the navel to the pubic region.

The doctor will usually perform a lymph node dissection first. The nerve bundles will be released carefully from the prostate gland and the urethra will be identified. The seminal vesicles may also be removed if necessary.

The prostate gland will be removed.

A drain will be inserted, usually in the right lower area of the incision.

Is A Prostate Massage The Same Thing As Trying For A Prostate Orgasm

Yes. If you massage the prostate in a way that feels good, youre probably going to have an orgasm if you keep at it.

Some doctors recommend prostate massage therapy to help relieve the symptoms of certain conditions, such as painful ejaculation prostatitis.

Yep! Though evidence on the efficacy of prostate massage for certain conditions is somewhat limited, it does appear to have some benefits.

• By Harvard Prostate Knowledge

If you are concerned about erectile function, its important to understand what erectile dysfunction really is. Failing to have an erection one night after youve had several drinks or even for a week or more during a time of intense emotional stress is not erectile dysfunction. Nor is the inability to have another erection soon after an orgasm. Nearly every man occasionally has trouble getting an erection, and most partners understand that.

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse at least 25% of the time. The penis doesnt get hard enough, or it gets hard but softens too soon. The problem often develops gradually. One night it may take longer or require more stimulation to get an erection. On another occasion, the erection may not be as firm as usual, or it may end before orgasm. When such difficulties occur regularly, its time to talk to your doctor.

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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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Prostate Functions The Roles You Did Not Know About

The main function of the prostate gland is the secretion of alkaline fluid that adds to the bulk of the semen.

Semen is a mixture of fluid from three accessory male sex glands i.e. seminal vesicles, bulbourethral, and prostate semen is discharged during ejaculation in men and contains sperms.

The prostate gland makes up an important component of the human male reproductive system.

Another prostate gland function is that it regulates hormones and urine flow. The prostate needs androgens, such as testosterone, to function correctly. It contains the 5-alpha-reductase which converts testosterone in DHT. This hormone is essential in developing other male characteristics, such as facial hair.

So lets take a deeper look at this gland with some facts youre likely not familiar with.

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Does Sexual Activity Improve Prostate Health

Regular ejaculation enhances the immune systems response to the presence of cancer cells.

According to a report published in JAMA, men who reported having more than 20 ejaculations per month were 33% less likely to develop prostate cancer.

These measured ejaculations included sexual intercourse, nocturnal emissions, and masturbation. Researchers evaluated nearly 30,000 patients, of whom 1,449 developed prostate cancer.

Assuming the men answered the survey questions honestly, the results indicated that active sex life is not associated with higher cancer risk in most men.

An Australian study of 2,338 men also came to a similar conclusion. This study found that men who averaged 4.6 to seven ejaculations a week were 36% less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 70 compared to men who ejaculated less than 2.3 times a week on average.

The study found no connection between prostate cancer and the number of sex partners.

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Treating Benign Prostate Enlargement

Treatment for an enlarged prostate will depend on how severe your symptoms are.

If you have mild symptoms, you do not usually need immediate treatment. Your doctor will agree with you if and when you need more check-ups.

Youll probably be advised to make lifestyle changes, such as:

• drinking less alcohol, caffeine and fizzy drinks
• limiting your intake of artificial sweeteners
• exercising regularly
• drinking less in the evening

Medicine to reduce the size of the prostate and relax your bladder may be recommended to treat moderate to severe symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

Surgery is usually only recommended for moderate to severe symptoms that have not responded to medicine.

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Understanding Changes In Prostate Function

Its normal for the prostate to grow in size throughout a mans life. The prostate goes through two main growth periods, the first of which happens early in puberty when the prostate doubles in size. The second growth phase usually starts around age 25 and continues throughout most of a mans life .

Many men report needing to get up to pee more often during the night than they did when they were younger, and a lot of the time, an increase in the size of the prostate is the cause of their nighttime urination, also known as nocturia.

A growing prostate can cause various urinary problems . Some of these will be manageable, while others can take a real toll on your quality of life. Regardless of how common lower urinary tract symptoms are, its a good idea to discuss them with your healthcare provider since there are many treatments available to alleviate your symptoms.

Reasons For The Procedure

The goal of radical prostatectomy is to remove all prostate cancer. RP isused when the cancer is believed to be confined to the prostate gland.During the procedure, the prostate gland and some tissue around the gland,including the seminal vesicles, are removed. The seminal vesicles are thetwo sacs that connect to the vas deferens , and secrete semen.Other less common reasons for radical prostatectomy include:

• Inability to completely empty the bladder

• Recurrent bleeding from the prostate

• Bladder stones with prostate enlargement

• Very slow urination

• Increased pressure on the ureters and kidneys from urinary retention

There may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend a prostatectomy.

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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 radiation to kill cancerous tumors.
• Chemotherapy uses drugs that target and kill cancer cells. These may be taken orally or intravenously.

Bph Treatment: When Is It Needed And Whats Available

Watchful waiting involves yearly physical exams, including a digital rectal exam , education, and modification of lifestyle risk factors, such as limiting the consumption of caffeine and alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly.

You can learn more about BPH treatment options here.

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What Is Prostate Gland And Why Is It Important To You

Not a lot of men know what a prostate is or even if they had a prostate. Its actually quite common since the prostate is not something you think about until you get a bit older. We thought it would be useful to talk about this prostate gland and allow our readers a chance to understand it better. The more readers know, the more control they will have of any abnormal changes and problems. Lets get educated.

Is Having A Prostate Necessary

While the prostate plays important roles in both sexual and urinary function, if a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer, depending on the stage and grade, removal of the prostate may be considered.

So, although you can live without a prostate, there are certain unfavourable side effects associated with removing the prostate which is why a prostatectomy should only be performed under serious conditions.

When cancer is spotted in its early stages, its more likely that treatment will be successful and one of the most reliable ways to spot it early is with a screening test. Its important to note that screening is recommended for people who have no symptoms at all. If youre experiencing signs or symptoms, its important to speak with your doctor.

LetsGetCheckeds at-home PSA Test can measure the levels of prostate-specific antigen in the blood which may be elevated in prostate cancer, as well as in a number of other conditions. Test results will be available online within 2-5 days and our dedicated medical team will be available to answer any questions you may have throughout the process.

You should consider taking the test if:

• You are over the age of 50
• You have a strong family history of prostate cancer
• You are experiencing symptoms related to prostate cancer
• You are overweight or obese

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Keeping Your Prostate Healthy

Living a healthy lifestyle is the best way to keep your body well and protect against cancer.

Maintaining a healthy body weight, not smoking, exercising regularly, and having a healthy diet can all play important roles in preventing disease, including prostate cancer.

• A review of research suggests that eating red foods such as tomatoes and watermelon may reduce progression and growth of prostate cancer cells. Red foods contain a powerful antioxidant called lycopene.
• Eating fruit, especially citrus fruit such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit, limes and mandarins may also slightly lower your risk of prostate cancer, according to some studies.
• Coffee and green tea may also lower cancer risk, but more studies need to be done to confirm this.
• A review of research done in 2014 indicated there may be a link between saturated fats and animal fats and prostate cancer risk, so it may pay to reduce intake of these types of fats.

For some ideas about looking after your health at all ages, read through the Queensland Governments guide to good health for men: Mens health through the decades.

And one last thing you may have heard that too frequent masturbation can cause prostate cancer. Its been studied, and so far there have been no links found between masturbating or having sex too often and prostate cancer. If anything, the effect may be the opposite, but more research is needed to know how and why.