Prostate: Anatomy and Physiology
The prostate gland (also known as the prostate) is an unpaired endocrine gland exclusively of the male body. It is an auxiliary organ of the male reproductive system. Located in the center of the pelvic area, tightly covers the neck of the bladder and the initial section of the urethra. The back of it is in close contact with the rectal ampoule, which allows it to be freely palpated for diagnostic purposes. Excretory ducts of the gland open directly into the urethra.
Is there a prostate gland in women?
Classical ideas about the female reproductive system allow us to confidently say: "No." But recent advances in science have shown that women on the urethra, often very close to its outlet, have a small formation - Sken's gland, which performs the same functions as the prostate gland in men. Moreover, it has a morphology similar to it and a similar composition of the secret.
Prostate in men: meaning and function
The main function of this small organ is to thin the contents during ejaculation. But, in addition to this, it plays the role of a urethra valve during intercourse.
The secret produced by the gland performs the following functions:
- Maintaining a liquid state of seminal fluid due to the enzyme fibrinosin;
- The protective function is the destruction of pathogens due to the content of citric acid;
- 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 the 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 is considered a pathology.
With age, the prostate gland gradually increases in size. The higher the patient’s age, the greater its volume, but, as previously indicated, not exceeding the established norm.
When pain interferes with normal living
Any problems associated with the prostate are accompanied by difficulty and pain during urination and sexual intercourse. This is due to how the prostate gland is located in men. If you experience unpleasant sensations in the area between the genitals and the anus, you must definitely contact the nearest clinic and go through all the necessary examination procedures.
The most common problem associated with the prostate is 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 in urinating, up to the complete closure of the urethra. The disease has a tendency to go into a chronic form, which will mean a gradual inhibition of the sexual functions of the male body.
Getting rid of problems
The treatment of prostatitis is complex, and will depend on the form and severity of the disease. The following common methods will help, if you do not completely get rid of it, then permanently rid the patient of the accompanying discomfort:
- Antibiotic therapy.
- The use of immunostimulants.
- Physiotherapeutic procedures.
- Massage of the inflamed organ.
- Exercise therapy and a special diet.
Prevention
The prostate gland in men is not as well protected as it might seem at first glance and quite often is exposed to adverse influences from the outside, which causes many diseases, in particular prostatitis. In order to reduce the risk, it is necessary:
- Avoid hypothermia of the pelvic area and genitals.
- Have a regular sex life.
- It is necessary to undergo examination of the prostate gland, at least once or twice a year.