Overview
The prostate is a muscular, walnut-sized gland that
surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that transports urine
and sperm out of the body. A part of the male reproductive
system, the prostate secretes seminal fluid, a milky substance
that combines with sperm produced in the testicles to form
semen. During sexual climax, muscles in the prostate propel this
mixture through the urethra and out through the penis.
Anatomy and Physiology
The prostate is located directly beneath the bladder and in
front of the rectum. Because the upper portion of the urethra
passes through the prostate, if the gland becomes enlarged it
can obstruct the passage of fluid through the urethra. While
this is uncomfortable, it generally does not impair a man's
ability to function sexually; however, the discomfort and
embarrassment it causes can interfere with sexual activity.
Diseases of the Prostate
Benign diseases are noncancerous. They can be uncomfortable and
inconvenient but are not life-threatening, and often can be
treated with drugs or surgery. The two main benign diseases of
the prostate are prostatitis and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
The main malignant (cancerous) disease of the prostate is
adenocarcinoma of the prostate, or prostate cancer.
