8 Important Functions of the Prostate

The size of a prostate gland is usually described as being "walnut-sized." It is a small exocrine gland found only in men that serves an important role in reproduction. To help keep the important role a prostate has, Phytage Prostate 911 or a natural supplement similar is very beneficial. At birth, the prostate gland is only the size of a pea, yet, by maturity, it grows to a stable weight of about 20 gms and measures 2 cm x 3cm x 4 cm in size. However, it can enlarge somewhat in the later stages of life. 

Location, Location, Location

The prostate gland sits below the bladder, so close that it actually makes contact with it – the top of the prostate sits against the floor of the bladder. The urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body, runs through the prostate and communicates with it.

Males make sperm in the testes. The epididymis on top of each testes allows the maturation and storage of sperm. Sperm swims up through the vas deferens to the seminal vesicles, which sit on top of the prostate gland, producing prostatic fluid.

The prostate gland produces the bulk of the liquid part of the ejaculate. The slightly alkaline mucoid prostatic fluid mixes with the fluid from the seminal vesicles and migrating sperm during orgasm. Then, it is forcefully pushed into the urethra, mixing and exiting into the external environment. 

Two bulbourethral glands, also called "Calper's glands," sit at the entrance of the prostate to the urethra. The bulbourethral glands secrete a thick mucous substance just before ejaculation. This alkaline-rich substance neutralizes any residual acidity in the urethra left from urine. 

The prostate gland serves as the driving force behind the male response to reproduction. The nervous stimulation required to contract the prostate gland is a complex network of interconnecting nerves between the penis, the brain, and the prostate gland. 

Sterilization Procedures

When a man undergoes a vasectomy for birth control, the vas deferens are blocked. Either by cautery or ligature, the tube is occluded, preventing sperm from reaching the seminal vesicles. The procedure does not interfere with orgasm or the delivery of prostatic fluid. However, no viable sperm (should) be available in the ejaculate. 

When surgery must remove the prostate gland for cancer, it is effectively a sterilization procedure. As a result, some men may experience a modified orgasm post-operatively. However, there cannot be any ejaculation. 

Functions of the Prostate Gland

The prostate gland is the organ that combines the components of the male role in fertility. Here are eight important functions of the prostate:

• Prostatic fluid 

The prostate gland itself produces a volume of liquid that will become ejaculate. It is a white, milky substance with a slightly alkaline pH that enhances sperm viability. When mixed with the sperm and seminal fluid from the seminal vesicles, it follows the Cowper's Gland emission and combines in the urethra to form ejaculate.  

•  A Mixer

The prostate acts as a mixer bringing together all of the components that make up ejaculate. It communicates its prostatic fluid with contents from the seminal vesicles and the bulbourethral glands; in fact, the prostate gland is where all of the components of ejaculate come together.

• An Engine

The forceful contraction of the muscular layer of the prostate gland provides the energy required to ejaculate. As a result, it is the driving force behind an orgasm. 

• Hormone Production

The prostate produces several essential compounds necessary for healthy reproduction. One example is Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). The protein in prostatic fluid binds to a receptor in the cervical mucus that then allows sperm to enter.

The prostate produces dihydrotestosterone (DHT). 5-alpha-reductase is an enzyme produced by the prostate gland that converts testosterone to DHT. DHT has a primary role in the male sex drive. As men age, biochemical processes in the prostate decline, possibly from accumulated toxins. Less DHT in advanced age means decreased libido for many men.  

• Erection Connection

The complex neural innervations between the prostate and the penis allow the prostate to maintain erections. In addition, there are feedback loops to pleasure centers in the brain that affect multiple dimensions of stimulation.

• Tactile Arousal

Some men find that direct prostate gland stimulation produces an enhanced sexual experience. The nervous connections to the brain's pleasure center are well-connected in some. As a result, some consider the prostate gland the "male G-spot."

• Urine Flow

As men age, the prostate gland directly affects urinary flow. As the prostate enlarges with age, it swells inside and outside. Inside is the urethra that drains urine from the bladder. The central enlargement of the gland can compress the urethra, making it difficult to initiate urination. Then, after urination has started, the stream is often weak. Post-void dribbling is common as the bladder doesn't completely empty. 

The trigone is a triangular-shaped piece of specialized nervous tissue that sits in the front of the bladder at the bottom, just above the prostate in males. The trigone senses pressure from urine accumulation within the bladder and transmits the need to urinate to the brain. 

When the prostate gland enlarges and pushes upwards against the bladder, it presses the trigone. It sends the message that there is urine. However, it is a false signal. Consequently, an enlarged prostate can cause the feeling of urinary frequency. 

• Infection Protection

Any organ open to the external environment is subject to infection from outside contamination. Many organisms prefer an acidic environment. The alkaline pH of prostatic secretions inhibits many bacteria and other potential microbes from entering and reproducing with the male urinary or reproductive tract. 

If You Can't Live With It, You Can Live Without It

A radical prostatectomy, complete removal of the prostate gland, may be required for cancer. While this procedure significantly alters reproductive function, the prostate gland is not necessary to sustain life, only to reproduce. An estimated 90,000 radical prostatectomies are performed yearly in the United States.

85% of men post radical prostatectomy report erectile dysfunction after the surgery. This doesn't necessarily mean the end to sexual activity, but perhaps the patient and partner(s) will require a change in intimacy and expectations. Natural supplements are worth looking into for any case, like Nerve Control 911, an energy supplement, or a testosterone boost. Addressing the emotional and self-image change after prostate removal is a more significant challenge than losing the nine important functions of the prostate gland.