The function of the prostate gland and disorders that can help it

The prostate gland plays an important role in the male reproductive system. When exposed to disease, this gland can cause various effects on male health and fertility. Check out the function of the prostate gland and any disorders that can be experienced. The prostate is a gland the size of a walnut located in the pelvis, precisely below the bladder. This gland is only found in men and not found in women. The prostate gland undergoes double enlargement, which is when a man is puberty and when he starts 30 years old. The weight of this gland will continue to increase with age, from 20 grams in adulthood to 40 grams at around 70 years of age.

Function of the Prostate Gland

As part of the male reproductive system, prostate gland plays an important role in the fertility of a man. Here are some functions of the prostate gland:

• The main function of the prostate gland is to release fluid that protects and nourishes sperm. During ejaculation, the fluid will be released together with sperm as semen. With this fluid, sperm are able to move efficiently in a woman's uterus.
• Closing the urinary tract during ejaculation, so that semen does not enter the bladder.
• Supports the performance of the main male sex hormone, the hormone testosterone.

Prostate Disorders that Often Occur

The function of the prostate gland can be disrupted if the size of the prostate is too large or if the prostate is affected by certain diseases. Here are some disorders that can occur in the prostate:

• Benign prostate enlargement

Clear prostate hyperplasia (BPH), also known as benign prostate enlargement, is a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges, but not because of cancer. When enlarged, the prostate gland can press on the urinary tract, so the bladder wall thickens and weakens. As a result, the process of urine removal during urination will be disrupted. Benign prostate enlargement has several signs and symptoms, such as difficulty urinating, faltering urine flow, and feeling incomplete after urinating. No one knows for sure the cause of benign prostate enlargement. However, it is thought to be due to changes in male sexual hormone levels due to aging.

• Prostatitis

Prostatitis is swelling or inflammation of the prostate gland due to an infection originating from urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted diseases. This infection can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Prostatitis is more often experienced by men aged between 30-50 years, as well as men with a weak immune system. Some of the symptoms that can be caused by this disease are pain when urinating, difficulty urinating, fever, pelvic pain, weak urine flow, frequent urination especially at night, there is blood in the urine, pain in the penis and testicles, and pain when ejaculating.

• Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is one type of cancer that often attacks men. This condition occurs due to the growth of abnormal cells in the prostate gland. Until now, the cause of the emergence of prostate cancer is still not known with certainty. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of prostate cancer, namely a family history of prostate cancer, old age, and obesity. In the early stages, prostate cancer is generally asymptomatic. Signs and symptoms of new diseases appear when prostate cancer has entered an advanced stage. Symptoms include difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, feeling incomplete after urination, pain in the pelvic or back area, weight loss, and blood in the urine or semen.

Maintaining prostate health is very important to prevent various disorders that can reduce prostate gland function, and reduce the risk of male infertility. Begin to maintain your prostate health by consuming lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as foods containing selenium, lycopene, vitamin D, omega-3 and zinc, stopping smoking, and exercising regularly. If there are complaints related to prostate disorders, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.