Tasks of the prostate gland
The prostate gland, which together with the seminal vesicles and the so-called cowper glands is found exclusively in men, produces about 30% of the ejaculate. The fluid of the prostate is thin and milky white. In addition, the secretion is slightly acidic and has a pH value of about 6.4.
Since the normal flora of the vaginal canal is very acidic to protect it from infection, the only slightly acidic prostate secretion causes an increase in the pH value when ejaculating into the canal, which increases the survival chances of the sperm. In addition, the prostate gland contains enzymes (e.g. acid phosphatase) which make the ejaculate more fluid, allowing the sperm to move more easily. Prostate products also include substances that both drive and protect the sperm to move.
In addition, there is another function of the prostate gland that is often ignored. Due to its location directly below the bladder and its enclosure of the urethra, the prostate contributes to male continence. At the same time, the prostate, with its position but also partially muscular function during orgasm, prevents the sperm fluid from being pressed into the bladder. It can therefore be said that the prostate gland with its functions plays an important role in the natural fertility of the man. The prostate also has an effect on the hormone balance by converting the male sex hormone testosterone into its most potent form of dihydrotestosterone.
Prostate size
In young healthy men, the prostate is about the size of a walnut and chestnut, has a volume of about 20-25 ml and weighs about 15-20 g. Important to note here, however, is the Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), which affects almost every man. From an age of about 30-40 years, the prostate starts to grow due to causes that are not completely understood. In the process, the cells of the glands and the connective tissue muscle parts multiply.
