【Essence】What does the prostate do? —— Article source: Official website of Nanning Jiangling Urology Hospital

What does the prostate do? The prostate is the largest accessory gland unique to male friends. It secretes seminal plasma together with other accessory glands such as the seminal vesicles. Seminal plasma is the main component of semen (about 90%) and has an important impact on nourishing sperm and helping sperm movement. A decline in prostate function can lead to reduced sperm activity, weakened power, less semen or even none. Certain prostate and seminal vesicle diseases can cause male infertility, which is a major cause of male infertility that deserves attention.

The prostate contains a large amount of spermine, spermidine, phosphatase, fibrinolysin and a small amount of fibrinogenase, aminopeptidase, hyaluronidase, lecithin, cholesterol and other components, which can prevent calcium salt precipitation and make semen liquefy quickly. Prostate fluid is secreted by the prostate, with a pH value of 6.45, containing a large amount of zinc and magnesium, abundant sodium, potassium and calcium.

The anatomical position of the prostate is located in the "key area" between the bladder neck and the penis. What does the prostate do? It controls the necessary path for urine to be discharged from the body. Once prostatitis, abscess, hyperplasia or infection occurs, the road will be blocked, making urination difficult. In severe cases, it can turn into acute urinary retention. To help everyone better understand, please see the figure below.

Compare the normal and pathological conditions of the prostate through this figure when urinating. It can be seen that the prostate is a very important gland for men. It is not only the "boss" controlling urination but also affects male fertility. When the prostate is normal, urine can pass smoothly, the urine flow is normal, and urination is natural.