An Overview Of The Prostate Gland
The term prostate stems from the Greek word prostates meaning protector or guardian. If you’re not familiar with what your prostate is or even its function, you’re not in the minority; most men typically don’t. It is estimated that nearly 30 million men are currently suffering from the ill effects of any numerous types of prostate conditions including prostate cancer, which is creating a negative impact on their personal lives. Understanding what your prostate is and its function will help you in keeping it healthy and taking preventative measures to ensure normal function.
What is the prostate and what is its function?
The prostate gland is an essential component of the male reproductive system. In a typical adult male the prostate gland is roughly the size and shape of a walnut. It weighs between 7 and 20 grams and is situated beneath the male bladder, in front of the rectum and surrounded by a thick fibrous capsule. The primary function that the prostate serves is in the production of semen, which then helps to carry sperm from the testicles during male ejaculation.
Maintaining prostate health
As a man progresses in age his prostate can potentially grow larger from its original walnut size. Usually by the age of 40 the male prostate’s size can increase to roughly the size of an apricot. For this reason it is suggested that healthy men who have reached the age of 40 should begin an annual rectal examination. Annual examinations can help in both detecting and preventing three of the most common major health problems associated with the male prostate. The three main categories are:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH: This is enlargement of the prostate gland which if enlarged can block the flow of urine.
- Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland or infection of the prostate. Anywhere between 5% to10 percent of cases are caused by bacterial infection.
- Prostate cancer: Currently the second most leading cause of death from cancer in men. Each year nearly 230,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer of which an estimated 30,000 will die from complications associated with it.
In order to maintain prostate health it’s important for men over the age of 40 who are experiencing any early symptoms of BPH to immediately consult their physician. As men are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer starting an annual rectal examination will help in detecting any potential complications and any early indicators of prostate cancer.
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God bless you and your work.