Dorothy FarrarProstate
The prostate (or prostate gland) is one of the most important male sex organs. The prostate is responsible for regulatory processes, but unfortunately it is also very susceptible to diseases that can cause various symptoms.
Definition
The prostate gland or prostate is a male sex gland that is present not only in men but also in all male mammals. The prostate is an internal sex organ, has connective tissue , glands and muscle fibers and is equipped with numerous vessels. The prostate itself is surrounded by a solid capsule.
Anatomy
The prostate is located between the pelvic floor and the urinary bladder . However, the prostate surrounds the back of the urethra. The prostate is also connected to the lower edge of the pubic bone. The rectum lies behind the prostate gland. The injection canal, which transports the ejaculate during ejaculation, runs through the prostate gland.
The size of the prostate is comparable to that of the chestnut; the weight of a healthy organ is around 20 grams. The prostate gland is divided into a total of five zones. The front zone consists exclusively of connective tissue and muscles, has almost no glands and is relatively thin. The area surrounding the urethra consists mainly of muscle and little tissue.
The transition zone (or transitional zone) is a small area that enlarges with age or sometimes grows into a benign enlargement of the prostate. The central zone describes the area near the ejaculatory ducts and comprises a quarter of the entire organ. The peripheral zone forms the largest part of the prostate (around 75 percent). That part can also be felt through the intestines as part of the prostate examination.
Function
The main task of the prostate gland is the production of the so-called fertilization fluid, which is formed in the form of a secretion. The secretion is formed from puberty onwards. The liquid also has proteins that liquefy the sperm . The liquid also contains spermine; For example, spermine is responsible for DNA protection.
The prostate secretion has a pH of about 6.4. This value can – in the context of sexual intercourse – increase the survivability of the sperm, since the environment of the vagina is acidic, so that any infections can be prevented. Due to the localization, the prostate can also support the closure of the urinary bladder. The prostate contributes to the fact that – during urination – the injection channels remain closed so that no urine can penetrate.
If the man practices sexual intercourse, secretions and sperm can very well get into the urethra, which is surrounded by the prostate gland. The prostate also plays an important role in hormone metabolism. The sex hormone testosterone is converted into a biologically active form by the prostate. This converted form is called dihydrotestosterone.
Diseases
- voiding dysfunction
Unfortunately, the prostate is very susceptible to disease; Many illnesses primarily express themselves through restrictions in the sexual function of men or through an impairment in urination. The smallest complaints should therefore be clarified immediately by a urologist.
If the man notices an impairment when urinating, the doctor speaks of a micturition disorder. These symptoms are possible, for example, because the prostate gland sometimes also helps to close the bladder. Classic symptoms include delayed urination, a weak stream of urine, and a feeling that the bladder has not been completely emptied. These symptoms indicate that there is a disease of the prostate gland.
An injury to the prostate is also possible and is mainly noticeable through urinary bleeding . Blood can also be present in the urine if, for example, prostatitis – the inflammation of the prostate gland – is present. In the case of inflammation, blood can also be seen in the semen . However, the blood portion remains harmless; the inflammation can be treated with medication so that the blood also disappears completely.
If the benign prostate syndrome is present, symptoms occur that mainly occur when urinating. For example, the patient cannot urinate completely, has problems urinating or the prostate is so enlarged that drug therapy is only of limited help. Surgery is often advised to correct the benign enlargement.
One of the most common diseases affecting the prostate gland is prostate cancer. Prostate cancer can still be treated in its early stages with surgery or radiation. The later the diagnosis was made, the lower the chances of recovery. Prostate cancer is also the most common cancer affecting men. For this reason, routine examinations should be carried out from the age of 45. In the case of hereditary predisposition, doctors recommend routine examinations from the age of 40.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.