physiology

Prostate

Anatomy outline

The prostate, or prostate gland, is an anatomical structure located just below the bladder, in front of the rectum. The size and morphology are similar to those of a chestnut.

The urethra runs through the prostate, that channel that carries urine and seminal fluid outside.

Near the prostate there are important muscles, called sphincters, which actively intervene in urination and in ejaculation itself. By contracting, they are able to interrupt the flow of urine and to favor the expulsion of the sperm at the time of orgasm.

In-depth articles on prostate health

Prostate inflammation Prostatitis Specific prostate antigen PSA Prostate biopsy Prostate ultrasound Digital rectal exploration of the prostate Prostatic hypertrophy

Prostate - Functions

The prostate, like all glands, has the function of producing and secreting useful substances to the body. Specifically, it intervenes in the synthesis and secretion of a particular liquid, called prostatic fluid, which at the time of ejaculation pours into the urethra, combining with other secretions. The set of all these components gives rise to the seminal fluid, which comes out of the penis at the peak of the sexual act (ejaculation).

Spermatozoa, produced in the seminiferous tubules of the testicles, benefit from the prostatic fluid, which serves to increase their survival and motility. In fact, sperm, or seminal fluid, contains numerous components with a buffering function (to neutralize the acidic environment of the vagina), lubricating and nourishing. In addition to the prostate, other accessory glands participate in the formation of the seminal fluid: the urethral bulbs and the seminal vesicles. Taken together, prostatic secretions make up about 99% of the sperm volume.

In addition to ensuring greater vitality to the approximately 50-200 million spermatozoa placed in the vagina at the time of ejaculation, spermatic secretions protect the male reproductive tract from pathogens. In fact, they contain immunoglobulins, lysozyme and other compounds with antibacterial activity.

A particular component of sperm is zinc; since this mineral reaches important concentrations in the prostatic fluid, even if there are no reliable data on its role in reproduction, it is often added to supplements dedicated to the health of the male reproductive system.

Soy proteins seem to play a protective role in the development of prostate cancer, as does lycopene in tomatoes. More generally, prostate health is guaranteed by a sober and balanced diet, rich in vegetables, fruit and particularly careful not to exceed in the consumption of saturated fats, snacks, sweets, red meats and fries.

Integration with zinc, selenium and other antioxidants may be helpful.

Prostate diseases

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Prostate diseases

During the course of life the prostate can be affected by various diseases. The most common are those inflammatory, usually of bacterial origin (prostatitis), hypertrophic (benign prostatic hypertrophy or IBP) and tumor (prostate adenocarcinoma). While prostatitis often affects young people, the other two conditions are more common in senescence. For this reason, after 45-50 years, it is a good rule to carry out preventive urological examinations, in order to identify any pathologies in the bud and take prompt action to prevent their evolution.

To perform its function best, the prostate needs to receive adequate hormonal stimuli. These stimuli are mediated by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of the more well-known testosterone obtained by the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase type 2, particularly expressed at the prostate level. The same enzyme allows the development of genitals in a masculine sense during fetal life and, if present in excess, can lead to abnormal prostate development. This disorder, known as prostatic hypertrophy, is particularly common in men over 50 years old. Due to its particular anatomical position (we have seen that the prostate gland develops below the bladder and around the urethra), such an enlargement can cause urination disorders. Fortunately, today there are drugs, such as finasteride and dutasteride, capable of inhibiting the action of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, blocking the production of DHT and favoring the resolution of prostate disorder in the long term.