The prostate gland is one of the most critical, yet often misunderstood, parts of the male anatomy. As men age, issues with the prostate—from simple enlargement to more serious conditions like Prostate Cancer—become increasingly common. This comprehensive guide will help you understand What is a Prostate, its function, location, the signs of problems, and the simple steps you can take to keep it healthy.
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What is a Prostate?
The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland that is a key component of the male reproductive system. It is made of muscular and glandular tissue and gradually grows throughout a man’s life.
What does a Prostate do for a man?
The prostate’s primary role is to produce a thick, milky fluid called Prostatic fluid. This fluid makes up a large part of semen (ejaculate). The fluid’s main function is to:
- Nourish and protect sperm: It contains nutrients and enzymes that help keep the sperm healthy.
- Increase sperm mobility: Its alkaline nature helps to neutralise the acidity of the vaginal tract, increasing the lifespan and mobility of the sperm, thus aiding fertility.
- Control Urine Flow: The muscular tissue in the prostate helps push semen out during ejaculation and also helps control the flow of urine from the bladder.
Do women have a prostate?
No, biological women do not have a prostate gland in the same way men do. However, some anatomy texts and research refer to the Skene’s glands (also known as the paraurethral glands) as the “female prostate” because they are located around the urethra and share similar developmental origins and secrete a fluid akin to prostatic fluid. Check more on can women get prostate cancer.
Where is the prostate located?
The prostate is deep within the male pelvis. It is located:
- Directly below the bladder.
- In front of the rectum (which allows a doctor to feel it during an examination).
- It wraps around the top part of the urethra, the tube that carries both urine and semen out through the penis.
What does the prostate look like?
In a healthy young man, the prostate gland is often described as resembling a walnut or a chestnut in size and shape. It has a soft, rubbery consistency. Understand what the prostate gland does.
How big is the prostate?
The prostate naturally gets bigger as men age, often growing to the size of an apricot or even a lemon in later life—a condition known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
- Size: In an adult man, it is typically around 3-4 centimetres wide.
- Weight: The prostate weighs about 20 to 30 grams (roughly the weight of five British £1 coins).
What are the common conditions and disorders that affect the prostate?
The three most common problems affecting the prostate are:
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): This is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. It is the most common prostate condition in men over 50.
- Prostatitis: This is the inflammation and swelling of the prostate gland, often caused by a bacterial infection. It can cause pain in the lower abdomen or groin.
- Prostate Cancer: This is the most common cancer in men in the UK. The risk increases significantly with age.
What are the warning signs of prostate problems?
Since the enlarged prostate presses on the urethra, the most common warning signs are related to urination, often called Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS):
- Difficulty starting to urinate (hesitancy).
- A weak or slow urine stream.
- Needing to urinate frequently, especially waking up multiple times at night (nocturia).
- The feeling that your bladder hasn’t fully emptied.
- A sudden, urgent need to urinate.
- Blood in the urine or semen (requires urgent medical attention).
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What are common tests that check the health of the prostate?
If you have symptoms or are in a high-risk group, your GP may recommend one or both of these primary screening tests:
- PSA Blood Test: Prostate-Specific Antigen Blood Test measures the level of PSA protein in your blood. Elevated levels can indicate cancer, BPH, or prostatitis.
- DRE (Digital Rectal Examination): The doctor uses a lubricated, gloved finger to feel the prostate gland through the wall of the rectum to check its size, shape, and texture for any hard or lumpy areas.
If results are concerning, further tests like an MRI scan and a biopsy may be used to confirm a diagnosis.
What are common treatments for the prostate?
Treatment depends entirely on the condition:
| Condition | Common Treatments |
|---|---|
| BPH (Enlargement) | Lifestyle changes (reduced fluids, less caffeine), medication (alpha-blockers), or minimally invasive surgery (like TURP). |
| Prostatitis | Antibiotics (if bacterial) and pain medication. |
| Prostate Cancer (Early Stage) | Active Surveillance (regular monitoring), Radiotherapy, or Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy). |
How do I keep my prostate healthy?
While you can’t prevent all problems, you can reduce your risk and support good prostate health by:
- Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a risk factor for BPH and aggressive prostate cancer.
- Eating a Balanced Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish, and limit red and processed meats.
- Regular Exercise: Physical activity is vital for overall and prostate health.
Can you live without a prostate?
Yes, you can. The prostate is not essential for survival. It is removed during a procedure called a Radical Prostatectomy to treat prostate cancer. While a man can live a healthy life without it, the surgery can have side effects, including temporary or permanent erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence, which are managed through rehabilitation and treatment.
How can I feel my prostate?
You cannot accurately self-examine your prostate for health issues. While the prostate is physically accessible through the rectum, a self-exam cannot replace the diagnostic skills of a trained doctor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, now you understand What is a Prostate. The prostate is a small gland with a major impact on a man’s life. Its function and being aware of the subtle warning signs of conditions like prostate enlargement or prostate cancer is the key to early detection. If you are over 50, or in a high-risk group, make an appointment with your physician to discuss your prostate health today.
FAQs
1. What does a prostate do in a man?
The prostate gland’s main job is to produce a fluid that nourishes and protects sperm, making up a large part of semen (ejaculate). It also helps control the flow of urine.
2. Can a man live without a prostate?
Yes, a man can live without a prostate. It is sometimes removed to treat prostate cancer (a procedure called a radical prostatectomy). It is not essential for survival.
3. What is the prostate in a woman?
Biological women do not have a prostate gland like men do. However, they have glands called Skene’s glands (or paraurethral glands) near the urethra that are sometimes called the “female prostate” because they share similar features and secrete fluid.
4. What are the first signs of prostate problems in men?
The first signs are usually changes in urination, often including:
• Difficulty starting to urinate.
• A weak or slow urine stream.
• Needing to urinate more often, especially at night.
• The feeling that the bladder is not empty.
