The prostate gland is part of a man’s urinary as well as sexual reproduction system. The prostate itself is a small, walnut sized, gland that sits just below the bladder inside the body.
What does it do?
The prostate is involved in a variety of functions but the most well known involves, sexual function (erections and ejaculation) and urinary function. Usually the prostate will quietly conduct its business without too much fuss but on occasion things can go wrong and that’s when you start to notice symptoms
What are the 4 common problems?
1.) Prostatitis (Inflammation)
Prostatitis is the inflammation (swelling) of the prostate gland. The prostate can become inflamed (or swollen) and this can lead to reduction in sexual function as well as significant discomfort. This is known as prostatitis.
2.) Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy BHP – Enlarged Prostate
The prostate can enlarge as men get older. Usually by the time we reach our twilight years the prostate has grown larger and this can impact upon urinary function. The tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis tip passes through the prostate and if the prostate gets bigger it compresses this tube leading to difficulties passing urine or even bladder irritation. This is known as benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH.
3.) Retrograde Ejaculation – Dry orgasms
Sometimes during ejaculation instead of the sperm and semen moving from the testicles, through the tubes and out through the penis, the semen may reach the prostate and flow back into the bladder instead. This results in a ‘dry’ orgasm without which can lead to anxiety and naturally can cause issue with fertility. This is known as retrograde ejaculation.
4.) Prostate Cancer
The last issue is prostate cancer. Much like any other cancer, cells in the prostate may grow at an uncontrollable rate leading to compression of nearby structures like the bladder and bowel. If the cancer gets too big it can invade into these structures and can even spread to other areas of the body, otherwise known as metastases.
What can be done?
Prostate health is very important. If you are experiencing symptoms that suggest a prostate problem (pelvic pain, poor sexual function, urinary function disturbance) then a visit to the doctor is important where your doctor can examine the prostate as well as conduct blood tests if necessary.
This is just a snippet of the prostate issues for more information please click here.
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