How Does the Prostate Gland Work?

Identification

The prostate gland is a small gland (approximately the size of a walnut) that is part of the male reproductive system. It is necessary for sexual function in a male (erection and ejaculation) as well as for male reproduction. The prostate gland is located slightly below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that allows urine to travel from the bladder, through the penis, for urination. Its anatomy and location is important for situations in which the prostate becomes enlarged (either through infection, cancer development, or simply as a result of abnormal growth) because it can cause problems with urination.

Function

The prostate gland has functions within the urinary and reproductive systems. Within the urinary system, its purpose is to press against the urethra so that urine can be expelled from the body. Within the reproductive system, its role is to generate the liquid part of semen, called seminal fluid. This fluid is essential for reproduction, both for the movement of sperm (via ejaculation) and for the survival of sperm in the female body. The vagina (and vaginal fluid) is naturally acidic (which helps protect the vagina). This acidity, however, can kill organisms such as sperm, making fertilization impossible. Seminal fluid is slightly alkaline, which means that it neutralizes the acid and protects the sperm, giving them time to travel to the egg and fertilize it.

Disorders

In men under the age of 50, the most common prostate problem is prostatitis, which is essentially inflammation of the prostate. An inflamed prostate might feel warm, red and swollen, or it could just cause the patient to feel feverish. Some cases of prostatitis are caused by bacterial infection, which can be treated with antibiotics. Men who are over the age of 50, however, typically have prostate problems stemming from a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. This is caused by the prostate continuing to grow as men age, which can lead to it "squeezing" the urethra and making it difficult for urine to be expelled.