{"id":29530,"date":"2022-08-26T13:57:34","date_gmt":"2022-08-26T05:57:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nourhealth.sg\/?p=29530"},"modified":"2022-08-26T13:57:41","modified_gmt":"2022-08-26T05:57:41","slug":"what-does-a-prostate-do-for-man","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nourhealth.sg\/what-does-a-prostate-do-for-man.html","title":{"rendered":"WHAT DOES A PROSTATE DO FOR MAN?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
The prostate’s most important function is the\u00a0production of a fluid that, together with sperm cells from the testicles and fluids from other glands, makes up semen. The muscles of the prostate also ensure that the semen is forcefully pressed into the urethra and then expelled outwards during ejaculation. The prostate is a small, soft organ. On average, it is roughly the size of a walnut or a ping-pong ball. It weighs around\u00a0\u00a0(30 grams) and is usually soft and smooth to the touch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prostate sits deep in the pelvis, between the penis and the bladder. It is possible to feel the prostate gland by placing a finger into the rectum and pressing toward the front of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The urethra, a tube that carries urine and semen out of the body, passes through the prostate. Because the prostate surrounds this tube, prostate problems can affect urine flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This organ is one part of male sexual or reproductive anatomy. The other parts include the penis, scrotum, and testes. A person does not require a functioning prostate to live, but it is important for fertility. The following sections discuss the functions of the prostate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The primary function of the prostate is to contribute prostatic fluid to semen. The prostate contributes\u00a0of fluid to the total semen volume. The remainder comes from the seminal vesicles and the testicles .<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prostatic fluid contains components that make semen an ideal substance for sperm cells to live in, including enzymes, zinc, and citric acid. One important enzyme is\u00a0prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which helps make the semen thinner and more fluid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The fluid in semen helps the sperm travel down the urethra and survive the journey towards an egg, which is essential for reproduction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prostatic fluid is slightly acidic, but other components of semen make it alkaline overall. This is to counteract the acidity of the\u00a0vagina\u00a0and protect the sperm from damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During ejaculation, the prostate contracts and squirts prostatic fluid into the urethra. Here, it mixes with sperm cells and fluid from the seminal vesicles to create semen, which the body then expels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When the prostate contracts during ejaculation, it closes off the opening between the bladder and urethra, pushing semen through at speed. This is why, in typical anatomic situations, it is impossible to urinate and ejaculate simultaneously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prostate needs androgens, which are male sex hormones, such as\u00a0testosterone, to function correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prostate contains an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, which\u00a0converts testosterone\u00a0into a biologically active form called\u00a0dihydrotestosterone (DHT).<\/p>\n\n\n\n This hormone is\u00a0important\u00a0for normal prostate development and function. In the developing male, it is crucial for the development of secondary sex characteristics, such as facial hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prostate problems are common, especially in older men. The most common include an inflamed prostate, an enlarged prostate, and prostate cancer.Symptoms of prostate trouble often appear as difficulty urinating, which might include poor bladder control or weak urine flow.This article provides an overview of the prostate, including its function and structure, where it is, and what medical conditions can affect it.
What is the prostate?<\/strong>
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat does the prostate do?<\/mark><\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Helping to produce semen<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Closing the urethra during ejaculation<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Hormone metabolism<\/h6>\n\n\n\n