Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAnatomyFunctionAssociated ConditionsTests
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Anatomy
Function
Associated Conditions
Tests
The prostate is an important gland located between thepenisandbladder. It sits just to the front of the rectum. Theurethra, which carries urine from the bladder out of the body, runs through the center of this walnut-sized organ.
The gland’s primary function is to secrete fluid that nourishes sperm and keeps it safe.
Some health conditions that affect the prostate include:
This article explains the anatomy, function, and common conditions of the prostate and some common tests associated with the organ.
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The prostate is located within the lower pelvis. It sits just beneath the bladder and to the front of the rectum.
Its shape is cone-like. The base of the prostate surrounds the neck of the urinary bladder, and the apex (highest point) sits below the sphincter.
Lobes
Anatomically speaking, the prostate consists of five distinct lobes:
Zones
This gland is also considered to be divided into several different zones, including:
Several tubular structures pass through the prostate. These include the proximal urethra and two ejaculatory ducts.
The ejaculatory ducts enter the prostate where it emerges from the seminal vesicles. Both structures come together at a portion of the urethra within the prostate called the “seminal colliculus.”
Anatomical Variations
Occasionally, doctors find congenital variations in the anatomy of the prostate. That means the gland develops irregular features.
Though relatively uncommon, the median lobe of this gland is sometimes absent. When that happens, the anterior and lateral lobes are directly connected.
In addition, some people are born with an extra lobe.
RecapThe prostate is shaped like a cone. It sits between the penis and bladder, just in front of the rectum. It has five lobes, three zones, and several tubes that pass through it. Anatomical variations, such as missing or extra lobes, are uncommon but can occur.
Recap
The prostate is shaped like a cone. It sits between the penis and bladder, just in front of the rectum. It has five lobes, three zones, and several tubes that pass through it. Anatomical variations, such as missing or extra lobes, are uncommon but can occur.
The prostate is a supportive organ of the male reproductive system. It serves an essential function in the health and maintenance of sperm.
The primary role of this gland is to secrete an alkaline solution that surrounds sperm. This fluid from the prostate contains an enzyme called “prostate-specific antigen” (PSA). It neutralizes the area immediately surrounding sperm.
The solution protects sperm when it enters the acidic environment of thevaginaduring sex. This allows sperm to survive a longer amount of time so they can access the egg. Furthermore, fluids from the prostate work to nourish and feed sperm.
These functions are essential for the process of conception. PSA plays a vital role in male fertility. That’s because it helps increase themotility of sperm.
Prostate fluid combines with other fluids in the urethra to make upsemen. These include:
RecapThe role of the prostate is to provide fluid to protect sperm. This protective fluid gives sperm extra time to reach the egg during reproduction.
The role of the prostate is to provide fluid to protect sperm. This protective fluid gives sperm extra time to reach the egg during reproduction.
Several major health conditions affect the prostate, including cancer. However, most conditions that affect the prostate are benign (non-cancerous).
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
An enlarged prostate can narrow the urethra or lead to it pressing up against the bladder. This can cause symptoms such as:
Treatment approaches tend to be conservative. They may include:
What Is an Enlarged Prostate?
Prostate Cancer
Especially in theinitial presentation, this condition can mimic BPH. However, with prostate cancer, you might experience lower back pain, as well. Like other cancers, prostate cancer can spread to other organs.
Risk factors for developing prostate cancer include:
Body Mass IndexThe most commonly used measure to correlate weight and height is the body mass index (BMI). It uses weight and height to try and estimate body fat. The resulting number is then used to categorize people as underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese, or morbidly obese. BMI is not perfect, however, and does not account for other factors that determine body composition like age, muscle mass, or sex. BMI calculations may, for example, overestimate body fat in athletes or in older people. Additionally, BMI can also stigmatize and shame people who do not meet what is considered an ideal weight or body shape.
Body Mass Index
The most commonly used measure to correlate weight and height is the body mass index (BMI). It uses weight and height to try and estimate body fat. The resulting number is then used to categorize people as underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese, or morbidly obese. BMI is not perfect, however, and does not account for other factors that determine body composition like age, muscle mass, or sex. BMI calculations may, for example, overestimate body fat in athletes or in older people. Additionally, BMI can also stigmatize and shame people who do not meet what is considered an ideal weight or body shape.
Prostate Cancer Risk Increases With AgePeople over age 55 are more likely to develop prostate cancer, but more often, it occurs even later. In fact, 60% of prostate cancers occur in people over age 65.
Prostate Cancer Risk Increases With Age
People over age 55 are more likely to develop prostate cancer, but more often, it occurs even later. In fact, 60% of prostate cancers occur in people over age 65.
There is a wide range oftreatment optionsfor this condition. These include:
How Prostate Cancer Is Diagnosed
Prostatitis
Bacterial infection of the prostate is called prostatitis. This condition can lead to pain in the prostate.
This disease can be difficult to diagnose. That’s because the same kind of bacteria can also lead tourinary tract infection(UTI). However, antibiotic treatments are highly effective in solving the problem.
Procedures vary from physical examination to the use of imaging technologies. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the most common approaches.
Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
The first-line approach to prostate health assessment is thedigital rectal examination. Wearing gloves and lubricating their hand, the healthcare provider will ask you to lay over an examination table. They will then insert a finger into the rectum to feel the prostate.
This exam checks for inflammation or any other irregularities in shape. Though uncomfortable, the procedure is brief, and it’s a routine part of health examination for people with a prostate who are 50 and older.
What to Expect With a Digital Rectal Exam
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
The PSA test assesses levels of PSA within the bloodstream. The PSA level rises when a man has prostate cancer, but a number of other factors can affect PSA levels, so routine screening is no longer recommended. Anyone considering PSA testing should discuss possible benefits and harms with their healthcare provider.The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends not screening men 70 years old or older.
Urinalysis
Your healthcare provider may perform a urine analysis to diagnose prostatitis or the presence of abnormal substances in the prostate. This test can also help differentiate between urethral and prostate infection.
In addition, your provider can assess the overall function of the prostate, urethra, and bladder with urodynamic testing. This test looks at the flow of urine as well as the bladder’s storage capacity.
What Is a Urinalysis?
Abdominal Ultrasound
Ultrasound involves the use of sound waves to map structures in the abdomen, including the prostate.
A gel is applied to the abdomen during an ultrasound, and a hand-held device called a transducer is moved over the area. Then, specialists examine the images captured to get an overall sense of the health of the organ.
What Is an Abdominal Ultrasound?
Prostate Biopsy
Using ultrasound imaging as a guide, your doctor will insert a needle into the prostate to collect a tissue sample. A lab technician will then assess the sample for the presence of cancer cells.
Feeling Prepared Before a Prostate Biopsy
Imaging Scans
Doctors also rely on a variety of imaging techniques used to diagnose prostate issues. These may include:
These approaches can help detect abnormal growths. However, a biopsy is often necessary to confirm cancer.
Summary
The prostate is a small organ that sits between the penis and the bladder. Its main function is to coat sperm with a protective liquid to have adequate time to reach the egg during reproduction.
The prostate may become enlarged or infected. Cancer can also affect the prostate. Cancer most often affects people older than 55.
A prostate exam is a routine part of healthcare screening after age 50. If you have symptoms of a problem with your prostate, including frequent urination, weak stream, or low back pain, your healthcare provider may perform other screening tests, as well.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Cancer Institute.Anatomy of the prostate: SEER training.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Prostate tests.Bhavsar A, Verma S.Anatomic imaging of the prostate.Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:728539. doi:10.1155/2014/728539Radiopaedia.Prostate.National Cancer Institute.Accessory glands.Urology Care Foundation.Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Rawla P.Epidemiology of prostate cancer.World J Oncol. 2019;10(2):63-89. doi:10.14740/wjon1191Gutin I. In BMI We Trust: Reframing the Body Mass Index as a Measure of Health.Soc Theory Health. 2018;16(3):256-271. doi:10.1057/s41285-017-0055-0Cleveland Clinic.Prostate cancer management and treatment.American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society recommendations for prostate cancer early detection.American Cancer Society.Screening tests for prostate cancer.US Preventive Services Task Force, Grossman DC, Curry SJ, et al.Screening for prostate cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.JAMA. 2018;319(18):1901-1913. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.3710
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Cancer Institute.Anatomy of the prostate: SEER training.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Prostate tests.Bhavsar A, Verma S.Anatomic imaging of the prostate.Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:728539. doi:10.1155/2014/728539Radiopaedia.Prostate.National Cancer Institute.Accessory glands.Urology Care Foundation.Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Rawla P.Epidemiology of prostate cancer.World J Oncol. 2019;10(2):63-89. doi:10.14740/wjon1191Gutin I. In BMI We Trust: Reframing the Body Mass Index as a Measure of Health.Soc Theory Health. 2018;16(3):256-271. doi:10.1057/s41285-017-0055-0Cleveland Clinic.Prostate cancer management and treatment.American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society recommendations for prostate cancer early detection.American Cancer Society.Screening tests for prostate cancer.US Preventive Services Task Force, Grossman DC, Curry SJ, et al.Screening for prostate cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.JAMA. 2018;319(18):1901-1913. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.3710
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Cancer Institute.Anatomy of the prostate: SEER training.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Prostate tests.Bhavsar A, Verma S.Anatomic imaging of the prostate.Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:728539. doi:10.1155/2014/728539Radiopaedia.Prostate.National Cancer Institute.Accessory glands.Urology Care Foundation.Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Rawla P.Epidemiology of prostate cancer.World J Oncol. 2019;10(2):63-89. doi:10.14740/wjon1191Gutin I. In BMI We Trust: Reframing the Body Mass Index as a Measure of Health.Soc Theory Health. 2018;16(3):256-271. doi:10.1057/s41285-017-0055-0Cleveland Clinic.Prostate cancer management and treatment.American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society recommendations for prostate cancer early detection.American Cancer Society.Screening tests for prostate cancer.US Preventive Services Task Force, Grossman DC, Curry SJ, et al.Screening for prostate cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.JAMA. 2018;319(18):1901-1913. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.3710
National Cancer Institute.Anatomy of the prostate: SEER training.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Prostate tests.
Bhavsar A, Verma S.Anatomic imaging of the prostate.Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:728539. doi:10.1155/2014/728539
Radiopaedia.Prostate.
National Cancer Institute.Accessory glands.
Urology Care Foundation.Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Rawla P.Epidemiology of prostate cancer.World J Oncol. 2019;10(2):63-89. doi:10.14740/wjon1191
Gutin I. In BMI We Trust: Reframing the Body Mass Index as a Measure of Health.Soc Theory Health. 2018;16(3):256-271. doi:10.1057/s41285-017-0055-0
Cleveland Clinic.Prostate cancer management and treatment.
American Cancer Society.American Cancer Society recommendations for prostate cancer early detection.
American Cancer Society.Screening tests for prostate cancer.
US Preventive Services Task Force, Grossman DC, Curry SJ, et al.Screening for prostate cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.JAMA. 2018;319(18):1901-1913. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.3710
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