Facts About the Prostate

It's a vital part of the male reproductive system and many men cringe at the sound of having to get it checked. That's right! I'm talking about the prostate gland. September is Prostate Health month, and I decided, what better way to support the cause than to write a friendly article directed towards the male viewers of my lovely blog about the prostate! The prostate is always a topic of discussion when prostate cancer makes its way into a circle of conversation, but before a man's health gets to a life threatening point, every one needs to know the importance of the prostate and why it is imperative to care for it. Here are a few quick facts about the prostate to educate the fellas!

• The Prostate gland is located right behind the rectum and just underneath the bladder (this is why a rectal exam is used to check its size)
• The Prostate is a little larger than a walnut in size
• It belongs to the male reproductive system and it's function is to add an alkaline fluid to spermatazoa (sperm cells) during the ejaculation process. (It's called prostatic fluid)
• Prostatic fluid composes 50%-75% of the substance we call semen, and ranges from clear to milky white in color
• The urethra runs through the prostate gland
• The ejaculatory ducts are located in the prostate gland (sperm travels through these ducts to the urethra in order to be expelled from the body during ejaculation)
• The prostate undergoes a rapid growth period during puberty and remains a constant size without going through much change until the age of 40
• Common health issues associated with the prostate are Prostate Cancer, Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)
• A man can experience orgasm and ejaculation if the prostate gland is stimulated (massaged with fingers placed in the anus, male prostate massage devices or anal penetration during sexual intercourse.)

Basically put, your prostate plays a vital role in your reproductive process! Getting a regular checkup from your doctor is critical in managing and monitoring the growth of your prostate, as well as eating healthy, adding exercise to your daily routine. Take care of that prostate
!