Your prostate is a male only reproductive gland that’s nestled between the bladder and penis, forward of the rectum. Your urethra runs through it, which is allows for urine to flow out of the bladder.
The prostate gland’s primary function is secreting a milky liquid during ejaculation. This slightly alkaline fluid mixes with sperm to protect and aid in mobility during its vaginal tract passage. The reason your prostate’s juice is so vital for reproduction is it neutralizes the slightly acidic nature of vaginal fluid, that would otherwise destroy any sperm. An acidic environment is necessary to protect this female reproductive organ from an infection potentially caused by a variety of pathogens.
Your prostate gland expels its fluid via the use of smooth muscles. And it’s regulated by dihydrotestosterone, an androgen.
A couple of disorders that can affect the function of your prostate are prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. These health problems may cause dysuria and urine retention as well. For men over the age of 80, the presence of an adenocarcinoma in their prostate is a common occurrence.
