The Prostate

Introduction

The prostate is a sex gland found only in men. In young men it is about the size of a walnut and then grows slowly as they age. It produces a fluid that forms part of the semen at the time of ejaculation. It is found just below the bladder and is in front of the rectum.

Urine passes from the bladder into the penis and then the outside world through the urethra (the upper part of which is surrounded by the prostate). The urethra also carries the semen.

The prostate gland, both benign and malignant, depends on the male sex hormones (androgens, of which testosterone is the most important) to grow and function. Androgens are mostly produced in the testes. Some treatments for prostate cancer are designed to reduce the levels of androgens and so slow the prostate growth. Eunochs, or other men who lose both testicles early in life, do not get prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). If androgens are removed or reduced, then prostate cells will usually shrink, at least for a period of time.

Prostate Diseases

Diseases of the prostate include:

• Prostate Cancer
• Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)
• Prostatitis

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