Important Information About Your Prostate
John Q. Public, 35, is going to his doctor for a physical. He doesn't smoke, exercises regularly and maintains a good diet — overall he is in good shape. Recently, however, he has been concerned about his prostate, primarily because he knows very little about it. What he does know is that his uncle Rick, who is 52 years old, was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. John's concerns are normal, as he is young enough to keep his prostate healthy.
John, like all men, needs to inform himself about this vital gland. Learn what you can to keep your health in prime condition.
Q: What is a prostate?
A: The prostate is a very important secretory gland that surrounds the base of the bladder and the urethra in males; it is about the size of a walnut and weighs about 20 grams. Its embryologic origins are endodermal and mesenchymal, which means it is both glandular and muscular, and has secretory ducts that open into the urethra, leading to the outside.
A mature prostate has three lobes, and fortunately for us, most cancers occur in the middle portion, the part that is most easily digitally examined (more on that later).
A prostate goes through two growth phases, one at the start of puberty, and again around age 45-55. It is the later growth phase that causes the problems that lead to BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy) and possibly carcinoma (cancer).
Q: What does the prostate do?
A: Upon ejaculation, the prostate's smooth muscular portions rhythmically contract and empty its slightly alkaline contents into the urethra. This prostatic fluid helps nourish the sperm and provides the majority of the ejaculate volume.
Q: Why should I be concerned?
A: If your prostate becomes inflamed through infection or disease, or enlarged (amid middle age), it may eventually constrict and impede the normal flow of urine, which can possibly lead to obstruction. Obviously, anything that may obstruct the outflow of urine or become cancerous is very significant.
When should you get checked?