What does the prostate do?

The main function of the prostate is to produce and secrete fluid. This fluid-producing function is what makes the prostate a gland. Specifically, the prostate is an exocrine gland because it sends the fluid it produces through ducts (channels or tubes in the body). Sweat glands are also exocrine glands.

REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION
The fluid produced in the prostate forms part of the seminal fluid or semen, and it is stored with the sperm in the seminal vesicles until ejaculation. These seminal vesicles are attached to the prostate.

Some of the fluid produced in the prostate provides nutrients to the sperm; other material helps reduce bacteria, so the sperm can survive in the vagina; and a particular enzyme called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) helps the seminal fluid return to liquid form after ejaculation.

During ejaculation, the seminal fluid is shot through the ejaculatory ducts into the urethra, which runs through the prostate. From there, it travels out the penis at about 45 kilometres an hour!

Some of the muscles of the prostate are involved in ejaculation; they help to force sperm out of the penis.

URINARY FUNCTION
The prostate is also involved in controlling the flow of urine. Because the prostate surrounds the urethra, the tube passing from the bladder, through the prostate, and out the penis, it is in a perfect spot to affect urinary control.

Muscles in the prostate help to keep urine in the bladder until you are ready to let it out, and they allow you to slow the flow of urine. These muscles relax during urination to enable an uninterrupted urine stream.

SYMPTOMS OF PROSTATE TROUBLE
Because of the prostate’s functions, changes in urination or ejaculation sometimes signal prostate problems. Remember, though, many of these changes are a result of normal aging: for example, as men age they may experience more frequent urination, weaker urine flow, fewer and less rigid erections, and ejaculations that are less forceful or that have less seminal fluid.

Still, men should seek medical advice, so they can maintain their health and quality of life through the aging process—and, just as important, so their doctors can check for prostate abnormalities such as prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate cancer.