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Information on the Prostate Gland

The prostate gland is a small organ that can be located at the base of a man's urinary bladder. The average prostate gland is about the size of a walnut, and no longer than 1½ inches long. The primary function of the prostate is to produce semen, the fluid that helps to carry the sperm. Serious complications of the prostate such as an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer can occur. It is important to receive yearly prostate exams to help in the early detection of cancer.

  1. Features

    • According to the UMPC Cancer Centers, the prostate gland itself is composed of smaller glands. These glands are encased in fibrous tissues known as the prostatic capsule. The prostate has five zones; the peripheral, transition, anterior, central and preprostatic. The peripheral zone is the area most commonly associated to prostate cancer and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate).

    Function

    • The prostate gland is important in the production of semen. The seminal vesicles, the glands attached to the prostate, also help the prostate in the production of semen. Sperm is created in the testicles, and once created, the sperm travels through the vas deferens to mix with the semen in the prostate prior to a man's orgasm.

    Complications

    • If the prostate grows too large, this can result in an enlarged prostate. In most cases an enlarged prostate is a minor irritation. However, if it is left untreated, serious complications can occur. Pressure on the urethra occurs from the enlarged prostate. This can lead to acute urinary retention, or AUR. According to Prostate Care, AUR can cause the prostate to become large enough to completely block the flow of urine. Other enlarged prostate symptoms can include blood in the urine, stop-and-go urination, urgent need to urinate, frequent urination and the inability to empty the bladder.

    Prostatitis

    • When your prostate becomes inflamed, this condition is known as prostatitis. According to UMPC Cancer Centers, prostatitis occurs in nearly 25 percent of men. Prostatitis may be the result of a bacterial infection and is not contagious or the result of a sexually transmitted disease. Symptoms can include fever/chills, lower back pain, pain in the genital region, pain during urination and painful ejaculation.

    Prostate Cancer

    • The Mayo Clinic states that "prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, affecting nearly one in six men within the United States." If prostate cancer is not properly treated, it can be life-threatening. Treatment for prostate cancer is more successful if the cancer is detected early and the cancer is still contained within the prostate. Symptoms of prostate cancer can include blood in the urine and semen, trouble urinating and stop-and-go urination. Once the cancer advances, symptoms can include swelling of the legs, pain in the pelvis, bone pain, bone fractures and compression of the spine.

    Healthy Prostate

    • It is important that if you develop any bothersome symptoms such as urinary issues, speak with a health care provider. By catching a condition in its primary phase, you can potentially ward of any potential complications such as an enlarged prostate or AUR. Without properly caring for symptoms, complications may result in blockage of urine flow, prostate surgery or the inability to detect the early stages of prostate cancer.

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