What the heck is a prostate gland anyway?
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that forms part of the male reproductive system. The gland is made of two lobes, or regions, enclosed by an outer layer of tissue. The prostate is located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder, where urine is stored. The prostate also surrounds the urethra, the canal through which urine passes out of the body. Scientists do not know all the prostate’s functions. One of its main roles, though, is to squeeze fluid into the urethra as sperm moves through during sexual climax. This fluid, which helps make up semen, energizes the sperm and makes the vaginal canal less acidic. What is Benign Prostate Hypertrophy (BPH)? It is common for the prostate gland to become enlarged as a man ages. Doctors call this condition benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It isn’t cancer, just growth. It wouldn’t be a problem really except there isn’t any room for growth, and the urethra must remain open so a man can urinate. This is why it is important for doctors
