Prostate Gland: What Does It Do?

The prostate is a small gland around the urethra. It is only present in males and is an integral part of the male reproductive system. Women do not have a prostate.

Prostate issues are common in men. Recognising the early warning signs of prostate problems and receiving medical treatment is crucial to prevent severe complications.

What is Prostate?

The prostate is a gland in the shape of a walnut. However, its size usually increases after 40 years of age. It is located under the bladder right next to the rectum surrounding the urethra. The prostate is made up of two types of tissues called connective and glandular tissues.

What is The Function of Prostate?

The prostate gland is part of the reproductive system and adds additional fluid (consisting of enzymes, zinc and citric acid) to the semen. This fluid nourishes sperm cells and lubricates the urethra.

During orgasm, the muscles of the prostate push semen into and through the urethra.

What Are the Common Problems Associated with Prostate?

Two common problems associated with the prostate are:

1. Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition where the size of the prostate increases. This happens due to the multiplication of cells in the prostate. Benign prostate hyperplasia is not a type of cancer. It also doesn’t increase cancer risk.

However, prostate enlargement can cause quality of life problems as it can affect urine flow. Early detection and medical attention can improve symptoms.

2. Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the more common cancers in males. It is caused by the malignant growth of cells in the prostate. The tumour can spread to other body areas.

Prostate cancer is categorised as slow-growing or aggressive depending on how fast the tumour in the prostate grows and spreads. The earlier the prostate cancer is caught, the easier it can be to treat.

What are The Symptoms of Prostate Problems?

The BPH symptoms often appear mild initially. Timely enlarged prostate treatment can help avoid serious problems.

 The enlarged prostate symptoms include:

1. Sudden urge to urinate
2. Incomplete bladder emptying
3. Urinating two or more times per night
4. Leakage of urine
5. Slowed urinary stream
6. Weak urinary stream

The prostate cancer symptoms include:

1. Urinary Problems: The prostate gland is under the bladder and surrounds the urethra. A tumor in the prostate can press on the bladder or the urethra and cause problems. These problems include frequent urination and blood in the urine.
2. Sexual Problems: Prostate cancer can cause erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is related to the problem of maintaining an erection during sexual intercourse. Prostate cancer can also lead to blood in the semen during ejaculation.
3. Numbness: Prostate cancer can cause numbness in the feet or legs. If the cancer reaches the spinal cord, it can cause a loss of bladder control.

How are The Prostate Problems Diagnosed?

Doctors can determine prostate health through the following procedures:

1. Digital Rectal Exam: In a digital rectal exam, the doctor inserts a gloved finger in the rectum to look for any bumps or hard masses in the prostate. This procedure is used to look for prostate cancer.
2. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test: Prostate cancer can cause elevated PSA levels. Prostate enlargement can also lead to higher than normal PSA levels.
3. Biopsy: In a prostate biopsy, the doctor takes a sample of the tissue in the prostate using a needle. The sample is checked under a microscope to look for prostate cancer.

How to Prevent Prostate Problems?

Following lifestyle changes can be followed to keep the prostate healthy:

1. Getting Regular Prostate Screenings: Doctors recommend that men get regular prostate screenings from age 50. However, someone with a family history of prostate cancer can consider getting regular screenings from a younger age.
2. Exercising regularly: Physical activity reduces the risk of an enlarged prostate.
3. Eating a healthy diet: A healthy, balanced diet promotes good prostate health.
4. Avoiding tobacco: Tobacco products can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

The prostate gland is an integral part of the reproductive system in males. While prostate enlargement causes mild symptoms, when left untreated, it can cause serious problems. For prostate cancer, early diagnosis and prompt medical treatment can lead to better recovery. If someone experiences any symptoms of prostate problems given here, they should consult a doctor and book a PSA antigen test with Dr Lal PathLabs.

FAQs

1. Can someone live without a prostate?

Yes, one can live without a prostate. However, it can cause some side effects like erectile dysfunction and problems with bladder control.

2. What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is an abnormal (malignant) cell growth in the prostate. It is not the same as benign prostate hyperplasia.