The prostate gland (also known as the prostate) is a male reproductive organ. It’s around the size of a walnut and can be discovered towards the bladder’s base. The prostate gland houses the urethra, a narrow tube that permits urine and sperm to exit the penis. The prostate gland produces alkaline fluid that helps to nourish sperm and then exits the urethra as ejaculate (semen). There are two major growth surges in the prostate.
The first is fueled by the testes’ production of sex hormones during puberty. This causes the prostate to grow to a weight of 20 grams on average. When males reach their thirties, the second growth surge begins.
Prostate cancer affects approximately 25% of males aged 55 and up. By the age of 70, this figure had risen to 50%. There may be no symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer.
If you’re a male in your 50s or 60s, talk to your doctor about whether your prostate gland needs to be checked and, if so, how often. If you have a family history of prostate disease (or if you have specific concerns), talk to your doctor about when you should get a prostate check.
The following are some of the most typical issues:
- Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that is mainly caused by bacteria.
- BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is a common issue in elderly men that causes dribbling after urination or the need to urinate frequently, especially at night.
- Prostate cancer is a prevalent malignancy that responds to treatment best when caught early.