Prostate diseases have been known to be among the most pressing health problems in men, negatively affecting their overall quality of life. Prostatic cancer, for instance, is considered as the second leading cause of cancer deaths next to lung cancer, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. It accounts for 30% of diagnosed cancers among Australian men.
Despite the increasing prevalence of prostatic diseases, most men can’t seem to care less and don’t know much about their prostate glands, unless they actually start experiencing problems. In a research study published online at The Medical Journal of Australia, 80% percent of the male participants did not know the functions of this vital body organ.
Here at Katelaris Urology—a well-established and reputable provider of quality and comprehensive urological care led by a world-renowned urological surgeon, Dr. Katelaris—we believe that knowledge about the prostate gland is essential in the prevention of common urinary and reproductive health problems that affect men physically, emotionally and socially. Read on, and get to know this vital organ well.
Size and Location
The prostate is a vital, oval-shaped gland, about 4 cm wide and 3 cm thick. Size may vary in every man. It normally weighs around 20-30 grams. It is located under the urinary bladder, and surrounds the urethra through which men urinate and ejaculate. During a digital rectal examination, this body organ is easily palpable as it is just in front of the rectum.
Structure
The prostate is a fibro-muscular structure enclosed in a thin, elastic layer of connective tissue, known as the prostatic capsule. The organ is composed of a system of blood vessels and fluid-producing glands. Its cellular composition involves three types of cells namely: gland cells which produce prostatic fluid, muscle cells which control ejaculation and urine flow, and fibrous cells which make up the organ’s structure. On both sides of the gland are nerve bundles that control bladder and erectile function.
The gland is divided into two lobes—the left and right lateral lobes. Between these lobes is where the urethra passes.
Functions
The prostate is an essential part of the male reproductive and urinary system. Its main function is to produce an alkaline, milky-white fluid that makes up about 50-75% of the seminal fluid or semen which carries and protects sperm during ejaculation. The prostatic secretion, along with the fluids excreted by the other neighbouring glands, improves the alkalinity of semen which helps lengthen the sperm’s lifespan and enhances its motility, as it passes through the acidic vaginal tract for fertilisation.
The organ consists of soft glandular muscles that help propel prostatic fluid and facilitate ejaculation of semen during male orgasm. The nerves that surround the gland also control penile erection. That’s why most men who experience prostate problems also experience erectile dysfunction. As the urethra runs through the prostate, the muscle fibres of the gland also act to control the flow of urine.
By going through this short and simple overview of the anatomy and physiology of the prostate gland, we hope you realise how important a healthy prostate is to your overall health and well-being.
Call us now at Katelaris Urology, and get professional advice for your prostate problems. We offer a range of services, including screening and diagnostics, prostate enlargement surgery, biopsy, treatment, rehabilitation, and more. Our internationally-acclaimed urologist, Dr. Katelaris has substantial expertise and experience in diagnosing and managing prostatic and urological problems through a multidisciplinary approach, with the use of the latest technologies and innovations in medical-surgical care.
