All You Need to Know About the Prostate

While commonly overlooked, the prostate gland plays a critical role in male reproductive function. Together with the two seminal vesicles that sit behind it, the prostate is involved in producing prostatic fluid, which makes up the majority of the non-sperm part of semen released during ejaculation. Another function of the prostate is that it serves as a stop-gate switch between urination and ejaculation, allowing only one to occur at any time. Furthermore, for some men, the prostate may also play a role in pleasure when stimulated.

Semen supports the successful fertilization of the mother’s egg during attempts to conceive, as an alkaline liquid. After ejaculation, this allows semen to balance out the acidity of the vagina, in order to activate sperm movement to reach the egg cells.

However, if your prostate and seminal vesicles are removed (e.g. during radical prostatectomy), you would no longer be able to ejaculate. Nonetheless, you may still be able to enjoy a dry orgasm with sufficient stimulation from your normal sexual activities, or masturbation.

Learn more: Life after Prostatectomy

The prostate is around the size of a walnut, and found hidden just below your bladder and in front of your rectum. It can be felt by inserting a finger a few inches into the rectum. Surrounding it are the seminal vesicles, ducts involved in ejaculation and nerves responsible for triggering erections. Additionally, the urethra goes through the middle of the prostate, leading from the bladder to the penis.

The prostate itself can be divided into three zones: the peripheral zone (~70%), transition zone (5–10%) and central zone (20–25%).

Notably, the prostate is a dynamic organ and certain areas will continue to grow as you get older. The most commonly encountered problems with the prostate are the increased risks of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer as you grow older. Most prostate cancers arise in the peripheral zone, while most cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia develop in the central and transition zone.

You should watch out for persistent or worsening issues with urination. If you are experiencing such issues, it may be time for a check-up with your doctor. Notably, the first check for prostate cancer is an easy process. If your doctor is concerned about your risk of prostate cancer, you may be recommended the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test — a simple blood test. If the PSA test is abnormally high, you may be recommended to undergo further tests, such as the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, followed in some cases by a biopsy. If you are found to have prostate cancer, then your treatment options will be explained to you, but in some cases, depending on the type of cancer found, no immediate treatment is necessary or recommended, a period of monitoring being preferred.

Learn more: Should You Take the PSA Test?