Prostate gland: anatomy and physiology
The prostate gland (aka the prostate) is an unpaired endocrine gland of an exclusively male body. It is an auxiliary organ of the male reproductive system. It is located in the center of the pelvic region, tightly covers the neck of the bladder and the initial section of the urethra. Its reverse part is in close contact with the ampulla of the rectum, which allows it to be freely palpated for diagnostic purposes. The excretory ducts of the gland open directly into the urethra.
Do women have a prostate?
Classic ideas about the female reproductive system allow you to confidently say: "No." But recent advances in science have shown that in women, on the urethra, often very close to its outlet, there is a small formation - Skene's gland, which performs the same functions as the prostate gland in men. Moreover, it has a similar morphology andsimilar composition of the secret.
Prostate gland in men: meaning and function
The main function of this small organ is to liquefy the contents during ejaculation. But, besides this, it plays the role of a valve of the urethra during intercourse.
The secret produced by the gland performs the following functions:
- Maintaining the liquid state of the seminal fluid due to the enzyme fibrinosin;
- Protective function - the destruction of pathogens due to the citric acid contained in the composition;
- Neutralization of the acidic environment in the urethra due to the alkaline environment of the secretion.
Age changes
Normally, the prostate gland in men does not exceed 30 - 43 mm in size, and these values depend not only on age, but also on the physiological characteristics of the patient. Also, iron should not exceed 20 ml in volume. This norm applies to any age, and any deviation from its values \u200b\u200bis considered a pathology.
With age, the prostate gland gradually increases in size. The higher the age of the patient, the greater its volume, but, as mentioned earlier, not exceeding the established norm.
When pain interferes with normal life
Any problem associated with the prostate is accompanied by difficulty and pain during urination and intercourse. This is due to the way the prostate gland is located in men. Whendiscomfort in the area between the genitals and the anus, you should definitely contact the nearest clinic and go through all the necessary examination procedures.
The most common problem associated with the prostate - prostatitis - an inflammatory disease, mainly associated with hypothermia of the area in which it is located. In this case, painful sensations are accompanied by severe difficulty urinating, up to the complete closure of the urethra. The disease tends to become chronic, which will mean a gradual inhibition of the sexual functions of the male body.
Get rid of problems
Prostatitis treatment is complex and will depend on the form and severity of the disease. The following common methods will help, if not completely get rid of it, then permanently rid the patient of the accompanying discomfort:
- Antibacterial therapy.
- Use of immunostimulants.
- Physiotherapy treatments.
- Massage of the inflamed organ.
- Exercise and special diet.
Prevention
The prostate gland in men is not as well protected as it might seem at first glance and quite often exposed to adverse external influences, which causes many diseases, in particular prostatitis. In order to reduce the risk, you must:
- Avoid hypothermia in the pelvis and genitals.
- Be sexually regular.
- Be sure to have a prostate exam,at least once or twice a year.
