The prostate serves a variety of purposes.
The production of seminal fluid, which is a component of semen, is the most crucial. It also aids in the generation of hormones and the regulation of urine flow.
Prostate issues are typical among males of a certain age. An inflammatory prostate, an enlarged prostate, and prostate cancer are the most prevalent.
Difficulty urinating, which might involve poor bladder control or weak urine flow, is a common symptom of prostate dysfunction.
This article covers the function and anatomy of the prostate, as well as where it is located and why having a healthy prostate is important.
Why Is A Healthy Prostate Important?
The prostate’s principal role is to supply prostatic fluid to sperm. The prostate contributes 20–30% of the total semen volume. The testicles and seminal vesicles provide the remaining.
The prostatic fluid contains enzymes, zinc, and citric acid, which make semen an optimal material for sperm cells to dwell in. Prostate-specific antigen is an essential enzyme that helps make the sperm thinner and more fluid.
Semen fluid aids sperm in traveling through the urethra and surviving the journey to an egg, which is required for reproduction.
Although the prostatic fluid is somewhat acidic, the rest of the semen is alkaline. This is to safeguard the sperm from harm caused by vaginal acidity.
The prostate contracts and squirts prostatic fluid into the urethra during ejaculation. It subsequently combines with sperm cells and seminal vesicle fluid to form semen, and the body excretes.
When the prostate contracts during ejaculation, the hole between the bladder and the urethra closes, allowing semen to pass quickly. This is why, in most anatomic conditions, urinating and ejaculating at the same time is difficult.
The enzyme 5-alpha reductase is found in the prostate, and it transforms testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, which is physiologically active. To operate properly, the prostate requires androgens, which are male sex hormones like testosterone.
This hormone is crucial. It is critical for the development of secondary sex traits, such as facial hair, in the growing man.
Symptoms Of An Unhealthy Prostate
If you have problems starting to urinate or need to urinate frequently, especially at night, this might be an indication of an enlarged prostate.
Some other indications and symptoms are:
- After you pee, your bladder does not become totally empty.
- You feel compelled to pee out of the blue with no previous warning.
- You may have to start and stop urinating multiple times.
- To get any flow going, you have to put in a lot of effort.
A bigger prostate does not always imply that you will experience more or worse symptoms. Each person’s situation is unique.
However, if you’re experiencing early signs of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), it’s critical that you consult a doctor. It can cause serious problems, such as kidney or bladder damage, despite its rarity.
Treatments Of Prostate Issues
If you have an enlarged prostate but no symptoms, you may be encouraged just to undergo a yearly exam that includes a number of testing. Many people use prostate supplements with natural ingredients, even though you should check in with a doctor first.
You must introduce some changes in your way of life. This includes limiting how much you consume at night and before bedtime, especially alcoholic and caffeine-containing beverages.
Medicines like Alpha-blockers, which relieve BPH symptoms, and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, or 5-ARIs, which assist shrink the prostate, are two common therapies for BPH. They may be taken by a group of men.
The FDA has mandated that 5-ARI labels contain a warning that they may raise the risk of a dangerous form of prostate cancer. These drugs are dutasteride and finasteride. One of the chemicals of the combination tablet Jalyn is dutasteride.
Men with severe symptoms who have failed to respond to previous therapies may need surgery. Discuss the risks and consequences with your doctor.
Concluding Remarks
Your prostate may have grown from the size of a walnut to the size of apricot by the time you reach 40. It may be the size of a lemon by the time you’re 60.
The enlarged prostate might constrict the urethra since it surrounds a portion of it. When you try to pee, this presents several issues. These issues usually don’t show up until you’re 50 or older, although they can start sooner.
So, a healthy prostate gland is important for your body and if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, consult a doctor right away.