4 Ways to Understand How Prostate Functions

1. Know Your Prostate

The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. The prostate is situated just in front of the rectum, and below the urinary bladder. In young men, the prostate is about the size of a walnut. It surrounds the tube that carries urine from the body. It manufactures the stuff your genes literally float in. The prostate makes the fluid called semen that carries the sperm from the testicles through the penis when a man ejaculates.

2. Understanding how it Controls Your Urine Flow

The prostate wraps around the urethra or the tube that carries the urine from the bladder through the penis. It thereby controls the flow of urine. The muscle fibers inside the prostate regulate the flow. As a man grows older, even the prostate grows bigger in size. And as it does, it may squeeze the urethra or the tube carrying the urine. Even a tumor can cause the same problem. You may then notice urinary symptoms that could need medical attention. Especially if you are past the age of 50, you should watch out for prostate changes. Sometimes, these issues can arise even while a man is in his 40s.

3. What Prostate Functions are Risky?

The prostate produces a protein called Prostate specific antigen (PSA). PSA comes out into the semen as well as inside the blood. In serious diseases like prostate cancer there is too much of the PSA. And your doctor might want to test PSA levels in the blood to detect prostate cancer. In benign prostatic hyperplasia, the prostate enlarges. It occurs in men over the age of 50, usually. It may expand so much as to cause pressure on the urethra. This can lead to urinary problems. At its worst, the condition could end up in weak bladder, bladder or kidney infections, complete blockage of the urinary passages and kidney failure.

As you grow older, you may want to keep an eye on infection or prostatitis. Your symptoms may include chills and fever, pain in the lower back and genital area. Also, it could burn or hurt during urination. Your doctor should be able to notice a lot of white blood cells and bacteria in the urine. Sometimes, there are no symptoms whatsoever. In asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis the patient has infection-fighting cells in the semen.

4. When to see Your Doctor?

Is your daytime urination increased or more frequent? Do you feel a sense of urgency to rush to the bathroom? But still have less urine flow? Does it burning when you pass urine? How about nighttime urination? Let your doctor know how many times you are forced to visit bathroom. Also, you might want to let your doctor know if your urine is colored red or if you notice unusual changes.