Theprostate is agland of themalebody that adds part of the fluid tosemen and acts as the valve between semen and urine. It surrounds theurethra just below theurinary bladder and squeezes theurinary tract shut. The prostate is a valve that is almost always on. It works by squeezing tight around the urinary tract to close the path forurine to escape into the penile urethra, which is a good thing. The penile urethra has no valve to stop fluids from leaking out, so the prostate has to control the flow of urine andsemen. A healthyhuman prostate is slightly larger than awalnut.
Females do not have prostates. They have a version of the prostate which does the same thing (the homologous version of a prostate) called theclitoris. TheSkene's gland (women reproductive system) also secretes mucus.
Prostate issues can cause urinaryincontinence and impotence (not being able to ejaculate, or sometimes get anerection, and lower sex drive). It might cause testosterone levels to decrease, which affects the reproductive system. In addition to impotence it may cause apathy.[verification needed]
Conditions are sometimes common. Age-related conditions involving the prostate occur with age naturally including smaller prostate size. This includes cancer and it is important for all men[verification needed] to have their prostate checked at a certain age. Conditions caused by having the prostate shrink involve the common urinary problems. Prostate issues can happen withsurgery including the positive outcomes. These problems are caused by completely removing the prostate, which is sometimes medically required.
Prostatecancer is one of the most common cancers affecting elderly men in developed (also known asfirst world) countries and a major cause ofdeath. Regular rectal exams are recommended for older men to detect prostate cancer early.
Prostate cyst is very common in men. With age, the risk increases significantly. This means that they are more likely to develop the disease as they get older. A cyst is a kind ofcavity formed from thetissue of the prostate itself. These cysts mayaccumulate to where they become very full.[bettersourceneeded]
The prostate is often referred to as the maleG-spot, which is a spot inside the female vagina that causes intense pleasure when it is stimulated. The prostate can be massaged by using a finger or during anal sex. Some males are able toorgasm with prostate stimulation alone.