The prostate gland
is a portion of the male reproductive system. It is about the size of a
walnut and can be found below the urinary bladder. Part of it is also
connected to the urethra which is where urine leaves the body.
Smaller glands can be found inside the main prostate gland. These smaller glands create the fluid that produces semen. Contrary to popular belief, semen is not purely sperm. It also includes other fluids that are made by the prostate glands as well as adjacent glands. This fluid contains fructose, which is needed as an energy supply. It also acts as protection from whatever fluids may come from the vagina.
The regulation of the fluids in the prostate is through the activity of the hormone testosterone. Dehydroepiandrosterone is made in the adrenal glands, while dihydrotestosterone is produced by the prostate gland. These hormones bring about the sex drive of the male as well as other gender characteristics like a low voice, more facial hair than women, and enlarged muscles compared to the other sex.
Known Prostate Disorders
There are certain disorders that affect males because of the prostate glands. Prostate cancer is a disorder wherein there could be a tumor in the prostate gland. It is actually the most common kind of cancer found in males and should be treated early on. If you are over the age of 50, then you are definitely more prone to prostate cancer. You can actually take a prostate specific antigen test to be able to determine if you have prostate cancer. You can take this test regularly if you are at the age wherein you are more likely to get this disorder.
A second type of disorder common to the prostate would be benign prostatic hyperplasia. There is enlargement and inflammation of the prostate, making urination difficult and painful. As with prostate cancer, there are tests to determine if you have this. It is not a fatal disease, but it will make life quite difficult and uncomfortable for you.
Lastly, the prostate is always at risk for infection. Bacteria can lead to the infection of the prostate, which is called prostatitis. While symptoms are quite similar to BPH, this is graver since you may also experience fever and pain in the lower back. Make sure you go a doctor who could prescribe you the right antibiotics in treating prostatitis.
Smaller glands can be found inside the main prostate gland. These smaller glands create the fluid that produces semen. Contrary to popular belief, semen is not purely sperm. It also includes other fluids that are made by the prostate glands as well as adjacent glands. This fluid contains fructose, which is needed as an energy supply. It also acts as protection from whatever fluids may come from the vagina.
The regulation of the fluids in the prostate is through the activity of the hormone testosterone. Dehydroepiandrosterone is made in the adrenal glands, while dihydrotestosterone is produced by the prostate gland. These hormones bring about the sex drive of the male as well as other gender characteristics like a low voice, more facial hair than women, and enlarged muscles compared to the other sex.
Known Prostate Disorders
There are certain disorders that affect males because of the prostate glands. Prostate cancer is a disorder wherein there could be a tumor in the prostate gland. It is actually the most common kind of cancer found in males and should be treated early on. If you are over the age of 50, then you are definitely more prone to prostate cancer. You can actually take a prostate specific antigen test to be able to determine if you have prostate cancer. You can take this test regularly if you are at the age wherein you are more likely to get this disorder.
A second type of disorder common to the prostate would be benign prostatic hyperplasia. There is enlargement and inflammation of the prostate, making urination difficult and painful. As with prostate cancer, there are tests to determine if you have this. It is not a fatal disease, but it will make life quite difficult and uncomfortable for you.
Lastly, the prostate is always at risk for infection. Bacteria can lead to the infection of the prostate, which is called prostatitis. While symptoms are quite similar to BPH, this is graver since you may also experience fever and pain in the lower back. Make sure you go a doctor who could prescribe you the right antibiotics in treating prostatitis.
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