Prostate Function & Anatomy

How the Small Yet Mighty Prostate Gland Works

It’s hard to believe a gland that weighs less than an ounce and is roughly the size of a walnut can impact our lives so much, but the prostate is a fundamental part of our anatomy. As a vital part of the male reproductive system, the prostate gland transports urine and semen but also does a lot more than most of us realize.

7 Functions of a Healthy Prostate

• Secretes prostate fluid – an integral component of semen
• Flexes its muscles to propel seminal fluid into the urethra during ejaculation
• Serves as a man’s sensual center
• Protects sperm by filtering and removing toxins – increasing conception chances
• Causes the penis to swell and harden – triggering erections
• Controls the follow of urine
• Increases sex drive by converting simple testosterone into super testosterone or DHT (dihydrotestosterone)

Why Do I Always Feel Like I’ve Got to Go?

As your prostate swells, it loses its original structure and function. The tissue surrounding it becomes less flexible and blocks the gland from expanding, so the urethra gets restricted – like a kink in a garden hose. This triggers contractions in the bladder, even when there’s just a small amount of urine in it.

For many of us, an aging prostate can cause issues because of its position directly under the bladder. You may experience frequent or almost constant dribbling, feel like your bladder didn’t completely empty, or have a weak urine stream. If you have these signs, talk to your doctor about scheduling a prostate exam.