Suspect you have enlarged prostate?
Take our test and let us explain what your symptoms could mean.
Check nowThe prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. It sits under the bladder, lying between the bladder and the penis. It also surrounds the urethra. Dr. Jen Tan explains in more detail what it is, its purpose and the health problems that may arise.
The ‘normal’ prostate in an adult male in his mid-twenties is slightly larger than a walnut, weighing approximately 11g (range 7 to 16g). It sits underneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra - the tube through which urine flows from the bladder when one urinates.
Men are usually unaware of the existence of the prostate as it lies deep in the pelvic area. However, the gland can be felt through the back passage and this is one of the ways in which a doctor might examine the prostate gland to assess its condition.
The prostate contains muscles, secretory glands and fibrous tissue.
The prostate produces small amounts of a fluid which is mixed with sperm when a man ejaculates. This fluid is produced by the secretory glands and is alkaline in nature.
The fluid benefits sperm by counteracting the acidic nature of the vagina - in doing so, sperm are able to move better, further and survive longer. This increases the chances of a man fertilising the egg in his partner.
So, in this way, the prostate is part of a man’s reproductive system. Cells of the prostate are influenced and regulated by the male hormones, in particular, the type of testosterone known as dihydro-testosterone (DHT).
The muscles of the prostate also help expel sperm when a man ejaculates.
The prostate is one of those parts of the body which lies silently and if all is well, a man would not even realise that it is around. However, the prostate can give rise to health problems. These are mainly:
For more detailed information on these conditions, follow the link to our page on prostate problems.
Take our test and let us explain what your symptoms could mean.
Check nowAs the A.Vogel Men’s Health advisor, I recommend Prostasan® Saw Palmetto capsules to help relieve symptoms arising from enlarged prostate.
Learn moreBPH is a very common problem that increases the older men get, and around half of all men have an enlarged prostate by the age of 50. At the age of 80, this has risen to 80%
What you need to know about BPHDiscover the story of Alfred VogelNature is just about the best thing we’ve got!