What are the functions of the prostate gland in men?

Prostate gland: anatomy and physiology

The prostate gland (a prostate) is the unpaired endocrine gland of an exclusively male body. It is an auxiliary organ of the male reproductive system. Located in the center of the pelvic area, tightly covers the neck of the bladder and the initial section of the urethra. The reverse part is closely connected with the ampulla of the rectum, which allows it to freely palpate for diagnostic purposes. The inferior ducts of the gland open directly into the urethra.

Is there a prostate gland in women?

Classical ideas about the female reproductive system make it possible to say confidently: "No". But recent advances in science have shown that women on the urethra, often very close to its outlet, have a small formation - the Sken iron, which performs the same functions as the prostate gland in men. Moreover, it has a similar morphology and a similar secretion.

Prostatic gland in men: significance and function

The main function of this small organ is the dilution of the contents during ejaculation. But, besides this, it plays the role of the urethral valve during sexual intercourse.

The secret produced by the gland performs the following functions:

• Maintaining the liquid state of the semen by the enzyme fibrinosin;
• Protective function - the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms due to the citric acid contained in the composition;
• Neutralization of acidic environment in the urethra due to alkaline secretion medium.

Age changes

Normally, the prostate gland in men does not exceed 30-43 mm in size, and these values depend not only on age, but also on the physiological characteristics of the patient. Also, the iron should not exceed 20 ml in volume. This norm applies to any age, and any deviation from its values is considered a pathology.

With age, the prostate gland gradually increases in size. The higher the age of the patient - the greater its volume, but, as indicated earlier - not exceeding the established rate.

When the pain prevents normal live

Any problems associated with the prostate are accompanied by difficulty and pain during urination and intercourse. This is due to the location of the prostate gland in men. If there are unpleasant sensations in the area between the genital organs and the anus, you should always go to the nearest clinic and undergo all the necessary examination procedures.

The most common prostate-related problem is prostatitis, an inflammatory disease, mainly related to the supercooling of the area in which it is located. At the same time, painful sensations are accompanied by severe difficulty of urination, up to the complete closure of the urethra. The disease has a tendency to move into a chronic form, which will mean a gradual suppression of the sexual functions of the male body.

Getting rid of problems

Treatment of prostatitis is complex, and will depend on the form and severity of the disease. The following common methods will help, if not get rid of it completely, then permanently rid the patient of the accompanying unpleasant sensations:

• Antibacterial therapy.
• Use of immunostimulants.
• Physiotherapeutic procedures.
• Massage of the inflamed organ.
• LFK and a special diet.

Prevention

The prostate gland in men is not as well protected as it might seem at first glance and quite often is exposed to adverse effects from the outside, which causes many diseases, in particular prostatitis. In order to reduce the risk, it is necessary:

• Do not overcool the pelvic area and genitals.
• Maintain a regular sex life.
• It is obligatory to undergo examination of the prostate gland, at least once or twice a year.