
pain in the penis, scrotum, or the area between the scrotum and anus.pain while urinating or after ejaculation.If a person is unable to urinate at all, they should seek medical attention immediately.Ī person should see their doctor if they notice any of the following symptoms: Prostate problems can also cause problems with sexual function, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or in extreme cases, kidney failure. difficulty starting the urine stream, or stopping and starting the stream while urinating.urinary urgency, sometimes with only a small amount of urine.poor bladder control, including frequent bathroom visits.Prostate conditions often cause problems with urination or bladder control. In the developing male, it is crucial for the development of secondary sex characteristics, such as facial hair. This hormone is important for normal prostate development and function. The prostate contains an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into a biologically active form called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The prostate needs androgens, which are male sex hormones, such as testosterone, to function correctly. This is why, in typical anatomic situations, it is impossible to urinate and ejaculate simultaneously. When the prostate contracts during ejaculation, it closes off the opening between the bladder and urethra, pushing semen through at speed. Here, it mixes with sperm cells and fluid from the seminal vesicles to create semen, which the body then expels. Closing the urethra during ejaculationĭuring ejaculation, the prostate contracts and squirts prostatic fluid into the urethra. This is to counteract the acidity of the vagina and protect the sperm from damage. Prostatic fluid is slightly acidic, but other components of semen make it alkaline overall. The fluid in semen helps the sperm travel down the urethra and survive the journey towards an egg, which is essential for reproduction. One important enzyme is prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which helps make the semen thinner and more fluid. Prostatic fluid contains components that make semen an ideal substance for sperm cells to live in, including enzymes, zinc, and citric acid. The remainder comes from the seminal vesicles (50–65%) and the testicles (5%).

The prostate contributes 20–30% of fluid to the total semen volume. The primary function of the prostate is to contribute prostatic fluid to semen.

The following sections discuss the functions of the prostate. A person does not require a functioning prostate to live, but it is important for fertility.
