The prostate gland in men
Ancient Greek doctors called it “the second heart of a man.” This organ weighs only 20 grams, but its role in a man’s life is much more significant. Let’s talk about the prostate gland – find out how it looks, where it is located and how it affects the process of maturation

The prostate gland (more often called the prostate) is an unpaired organ of the male reproductive system. It is of great importance for the functioning of the whole body of a man as a whole and regulates the functioning of his reproductive system.1.

What is important to know about the prostate gland

Size40mm x 30mm x 20mm.
The weight15-20
functions1) production of prostatic secretion;

2) erection regulation;

3) metabolism of male sex hormones;

4) mechanical separation of the processes of ejaculation and urination.

The composition of the secretprotein (PSA), immunoglobulins, prostaglandins, enzymes, vitamins, citric acid salts, zinc and other trace elements.

Finally, the prostate gland in a man is formed by about 17 years, and functionally matures by 20-22 years. In adulthood, the prostate reaches 4 centimeters in length and weighs approximately 20 grams. The size and weight of the prostate may vary slightly depending on the age of the man and his health.

The prostate produces an integral part of the sperm – the secret of the prostate, protects the bladder from infection from the urethra, plays the role of a “valve” that closes the exit from the bladder during an erection.

The entire sexual function and the ability to have children (reproductivity) depend on the condition and normal functioning of the prostate gland in a man.

Where is the prostate located in men

The prostate gland is located in the pelvis, directly below the bladder, occupying the space from the pubic bone to the rectum. It covers the initial third of the urethra, into which its excretory ducts open.

What does the prostate gland look like in men?

Due to its small size and unusual shape, the prostate gland is often compared to a chestnut. In the anatomical structure, it is customary to distinguish the right and left lobes of the prostate, as well as the isthmus between them, called the middle lobe. Through the thickness of the gland passes the urethra and the seminal ducts that open into it.

The prostate gland consists of glandular and muscular tissues. The secretion of the prostate is produced in the glandular tissue. Muscular tissue regulates the work of the gland, mechanically ensuring the excretion of secretions through the ducts into the lumen of the urethra.

The main function of the prostate is to produce prostatic secretions. This is a cloudy liquid that mixes with sperm during ejaculation and ensures their nutrition and mobility. A prostatic secret is formed in the glandular tissue and is excreted through special ducts. The male sperm contains about 30% of this secret. In addition, the liquid protects the male genital tract from various pathogenic microbes.

Another role of the prostate is the mechanical separation of the processes of ejaculation and urination. Since sperm and urine are excreted through the same channel, during an erection, the muscles of the prostate gland pinch the urethra at its base, preventing urine from entering the urethra from the bladder.

In addition, the prostate is actively involved in the metabolism of male sex hormones. In particular, it is responsible for the activation of testosterone, the main “male” hormone.

The full functioning of the prostate directly depends on its health. Every year the number of prostate diseases is gradually increasing, reducing the quality of life of men. About 50% of the stronger sex are faced with problems caused by disorders of the prostate gland.

Why can the prostate gland hurt in men

Among all diseases of the prostate gland in men, the most common are:

  • prostatitis;
  • BPH;
  • prostate cancer.

The causes of prostate diseases can be divided into several main groups:

  1. infectious processes of the genitourinary system;
  2. congestion in the prostate;
  3. age changes;
  4. hormonal changes;
  5. trauma to the pelvic organs.

Symptoms of prostate diseases are very characteristic and easily recognizable:

  • pain in the groin, perineum, pain after intercourse;
  • Difficulty urinating
  • frequent urge to urinate, urinary incontinence;
  • pain when urinating;
  • decreased potency and sexual desire;
  • premature ejaculation, pain during ejaculation.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is an inflammatory disease of the prostate. The disease is characterized by inflammation and swelling of the tissues of the gland. The disease most often affects young and middle-aged men. The cause of prostatitis can be either infectious (getting into the tissues of pathogens) or non-infectious (stagnation of blood circulation or prostate secretion)2. Most often, the disease is manifested by characteristic symptoms:

  • pain in the perineum, scrotum, lower abdomen;
  • pain during urination and ejaculation;
  • decreased sexual desire;
  • erectile dysfunction;
  • frequent urge to urinate.

Prostatitis can also be caused by pathogens that can enter the prostate gland during intercourse with an infection carrier, with cystitis and other kidney diseases (downstream), decreased immunity, frequent hypothermia, prolonged stress, etc.

As a rule, with timely access to a doctor, the treatment of prostatitis is not difficult and ends with a complete recovery.

BPH

Adenoma is a benign enlargement (hyperplasia) of the prostate that most often occurs in men over 40 years of age.3. At this age, 50% of men are affected by the disease in one form or another. The main symptom of this disease is a violation of urination: frequent urges, a thin and intermittent stream of urine, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder, pain and spasms in the perineum.

The main factors that contribute to the development of adenoma:

  • advanced age;
  • hereditary predisposition;
  • hormonal disorders;
  • little physical activity
  •  obesity;
  • hypertonic disease;
  • prolonged exposure to chemicals.

Basically, adenoma is treated with medication, surgery may be needed only in 10-15% of cases.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a malignant neoplasm in the tissues of the prostate. Most often, this disease occurs in men over the age of 60 years. The main problem of prostate cancer is associated with late diagnosis and late treatment. The thing is that there are no specific symptoms in prostate cancer, and its manifestations are the same as in adenoma:

  • frequent urge to urinate;
  • thin, intermittent urine stream;
  • feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder;
  • spasms and pain in the perineum.

Complicates the diagnosis and the fact that these symptoms appear only at the stage of metastases. The initial stages of prostate cancer are asymptomatic.

How is the prostate gland treated in men?

Methods of treatment of diseases of the prostate gland depend on many factors: on the disease itself and its cause, the age of the patient and his state of health.

Medication Therapy

Treatment of prostatitis and prostate adenoma in 80% of cases is conservative and always complex. In the case of infectious prostatitis, antibiotic therapy is prescribed. For example, fluoroquinolones and macrolides, which penetrate well into the tissues of the gland, providing the maximum effect. To combat intoxication, antipyretic, analgesic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used. Antispasmodics and diuretics will help to cope with difficult urination.

Treatment of prostate adenoma in the early stages of the disease is also most often medication. As a rule, alpha-blockers, herbal preparations, 5-a-reductase blockers are prescribed.

Surgery

Surgical methods are used in the treatment of advanced prostate adenoma and prostate cancer. The most common methods are resection and prostatectomy.4. During resection, damaged prostate tissue or localized tumor foci are partially removed. But most often, doctors still perform a prostatectomy – the complete removal of the prostate gland. Prostatectomy is used, for example, if medical treatment of adenoma has not helped.

remote therapy

Remote therapy is the radical treatment of the prostate without its surgical removal. So with prostate adenoma, cryodestruction is used – the destruction of the affected areas of the gland tissue with liquid nitrogen. Arterial embolization disrupts the blood supply to the gland, causing it to shrink in size. There are also such techniques as “evaporation” of damaged tissues with a “green laser” and a diode laser.

For prostate cancer, radiation therapy is used – irradiation of the prostate gland, implantation brachytherapy (introduction of grains with radioisotopes into the tumor), ultrasound or cryoablation – destruction of affected tissues using high-intensity ultrasound or liquid nitrogen4.

Modern technologies for non-surgical removal of a tumor combine the intravenous administration of a special drug that destroys the tumor and irradiation of the tumor with a laser through a probe.

Most often, radical methods of treatment have to be resorted to if the patient went to the doctor too late, and serious complications have already begun. Therefore, it is very important to regularly undergo a medical examination, and not to self-medicate.

How to keep your prostate healthy at home

  1. Prevention of diseases of the prostate gland is a simple matter. First of all, it is a healthy lifestyle. Move more: walk more often, play sports, or at least do not forget about morning exercises. Physical activity will ensure normal blood circulation in the tissues of the prostate and in the pelvic organs.
  2. An important role is played by a balanced diet, without which the full synthesis of testosterone is impossible. Do not abuse alcohol – ethyl alcohol reduces the production of male hormones. Drink plenty of fluids to keep your kidneys and bladder functioning properly.
  3. Have a regular sex life. Rare intercourse can lead to congestion in the prostate. Do not forget about sexual hygiene – very often the infection gets into the prostate through sexual contact.
  4. Try not to overcool, avoid stressful situations, rest and get enough sleep more often.
  5. And most importantly, visit your urologist regularly. Every adult male should be examined by a specialist at least once a year.

Popular questions and answers

What signs of prostate diseases should alert, which doctor to contact and other popular questions answers urologist Mikhail Gablia.

What are the first signs of prostate problems?

– The first signs of inflammation of the prostate gland may be problems with urination: soreness, impurities in the urine, difficulty urinating. Often the first symptoms of the disease are sexual dysfunctions: decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation. Do not self-diagnose and do not self-medicate. Contact your doctor.

Which doctor treats the human prostate gland?

– Diseases of the prostate gland are treated by a urologist. If you have any complaints or any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor without delay. If there is no urologist in your area, contact your general practitioner, he will redirect you to a narrower specialist.

How does the prostate affect potency?

– As already mentioned, sexual dysfunction is one of the signs of prostatitis. As a rule, violation of potency is a secondary issue. More often, problems with the prostate cause the so-called neurotic impotence associated with anxiety due to illness, prolonged stress and hormonal failure. There are no reasons for concern. When the signs of inflammation are eliminated, the potency returns to normal.

What happens if the prostate gland is removed?

– The consequences of the removal of the gland will depend on the quality of the operation. Resection does not have significant consequences, but prostatectomy is highly likely to lead to erectile dysfunction. The fact is that the nerve fibers responsible for erection are located directly near the gland and during surgery are often injured or removed along with it. Such complications occur in 50% of cases. In addition, after the removal of the prostate, the man is not able to ejaculate and, accordingly, to fertilize.

Sources of:

  1. Малая медицинская энциклопедия. — М.: Медицинская энциклопедия, 1991—1979 гг. https://dic.academic.ru/dic.nsf/enc_medicine/24693/%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B4%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%CC%81%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%8F
  2. Prostatitis. Diagnosis and treatment. Management. Kulyvaeva E.V., Neimark A.I. M., 2010. https://www.rosmedlib.ru/doc/ISBN9785970414958-SCN0010.html
  3. Clinical Oncourology / Ed. B.P. Matveeva. — M.: ABV-Press, 2011. https://biblioclub.ru/index.php?page=book_red&id=136325&section=10668
  4. Prostate cancer: diagnosis, treatment, monitoring. O.V. Shcherbina, V.S. Sakalo, P.N. Kovalev http://oncogram.ru/view_page.php?page=263

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