The prostate gland lies beneath the bladder. It surrounds the urethra - a tube that transports urine out of the body from the bladder.
The prostate starts off relatively small in boys, then grows larger during puberty as testosterone levels increase. In healthy adults, the prostate is around the size of a walnut, with a volume of approximately 20ml.
The prostate gland's main function is during sexual intercourse. At ejaculation, sperm is mixed with fluid from the prostate gland. A substance called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) liquidises the ejaculate to improve the chances of fertilization. The fluid
produced by the prostate also prevents infection in the urethra.
If you are worried about your urinary symptoms, download the My WaterWorks Medical app and fill in the questionnaire which can be presented to your GP.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in most developed countries, including the UK. The lifetime risk of prostate cancer in men in Europe and North America is about 30%.
Read moreBPH is a gradually progressive disease that often affects men aged 40 and above. Around 40% of men over 60 have lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH, and quality of life is impaired in around half of these men.
Read moreProstatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. It's one of the most common urological conditions, accounting for around 25% of all urology consultations in the UK.
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