The Prostate Gland

The prostate gland plays a very important role in the male reproductive system. It is located below the bladder in the lower abdominal cavity, behind the pubic bone and in front of the rectum. The prostate gland partially envelopes the urethra -- a tube that transports urine from the bladder to the penis.

A healthy prostate is walnut-sized, weighs about one ounce and is similar in shape to a doughnut. The seminal vesicles attached to the prostate gland produce semen by creating a protein that mixes with prostatic fluid. By carrying sperm up to the prostate from the testicles, semen is formed when the seminal vesicles mix sperm and prostatic fluids.

Ejaculation occurs through the urethra by ejaculatory ducts during orgasm. Moreover, the prostate gland also helps to regulate the flow of urine.

Virtually every male will experience some form of prostate gland trouble during their lifetime. Men over 45 years old commonly experience an enlarged prostate gland. While not a serious problem in and of itself, and enlarged prostate can be uncomfortable and be a sign of more problems to come.

Although the prostate gland never ceases to grow during a man’s life, it slows considerably after the age of 25. Prostate gland enlargement is just a natural part of the aging process, resulting from normal hormonal changes and does not usually become a problem until the age of 60.

DID YOU KNOW?

If you have trouble with consistent exercise on a continual basis, try to find a sport that you find enjoyable. You should have no problem performing weekly exercise if you are having fun. Some enjoyable and healthy sports to consider are baseball, soccer, badminton, tennis, basketball and golf. As long as you get out of the house and start moving around, you will be well on your way to preventing obesity and prostate cancer.