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What Are the Functions of the Prostate?

Nestled in a man's lower pelvis, the prostate serves many functions. The prostate is about the size of a large walnut and is a part of the male reproductive system. It is an exocrine gland, meaning it releases fluid outside of the body, as opposed to internally. Without a healthy prostate, a man is rendered impotent. The prostate is notorious for being susceptible to cancer and to swelling, due to its tightly wedged position and shape, which is much like a doughnut.

  1. Semen Production and Storage

    • The primary purpose of the prostate gland is production of a portion of semen. Semen is an opaque, milky fluid that transports and nourishes sperm. Nearly a third of the liquid portion of semen is produced in the prostate, and the prostate secretes several antigens and agents that allow semen to survive the highly acidic vaginal environment.

    Pleasure

    • The prostate contains a significant amount of muscles that spasm at the point of sexual climax, producing a great deal of pleasure. Since the prostate is highly sensitive, many men can orgasm solely from massage of it and the immediate area. The smooth muscle contractions produced during orgasm help move the semen from the prostate to urethra and outside the body.

    Protection

    • The male urethra runs directly through the prostate; it transports both urine and semen outside the body. As the prostate begins to expel semen via the urethra, it seals off the entrance to the urethra from the bladder. This protects the delicate and sensitive sperm from being damaged by urine. An additional fluid that the prostate secretes keeps the sperm from dying an untimely death in the vagina. This "super glue" of sorts allows the sperm to stick to the vaginal walls without being eaten away in the acidic vaginal environment.

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