What are the stages of prostate growth?
When a male is born, his prostate is about the size of an almond. It remains that size throughout childhood. During puberty, the prostate begins to enlarge and approximately doubles in size. Then growth slows. This is normal; the prostate is preparing for its main role in life, sexual reproduction. At about the same time as the testicles are able to produce sperm, the prostate is sufficiently mature to produce the seminal fluid that will support the sperm. At about age 45, the prostate often starts growing again and, in some cases, can continue to enlarge for the rest of a man’s life. It’s generally accepted that this growth is influenced by hormonal changes. By itself, prostate enlargement isn’t a problem; but the prostate gland surrounds the first section of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out through the penis.
