The prostate is a male gland.
The prostate is a gland of small proportions and a reddish hue present in the male organism and in the male members of mammalian families. It is located next to the bladder and the urethra . This glandular organ with a chestnut appearance is characterized by secreting a viscous, whitish substance that nourishes and protects the sperm contained in the semen.
The contributions of the prostate to the body are very varied, highlighting substances such as citric acid , magnesium and zinc . Next to the prostate gland, there are the seminal vesicles that are responsible for the production of most of the seminal fluid.
Prostate characteristics
Male hormones are responsible for the growth and development of the prostate. In adulthood, this organ reaches its largest size, which is preserved as long as the production of male hormones continues. If these disappear, the size of the gland begins to decrease.
The prostate can be analyzed in parts since you can see the transitional zone , the central zone , the peripheral zone and the fibromuscular stroma , among other regions. The peripheral zone occupies 75% of the total volume of the prostate.
Cancer can affect the prostate.
Most common diseases
Among the most common diseases of the prostate are:
- Cancer : Although there are several types of glands in the prostate, this disease usually develops due to glandular cells, which are responsible for producing a liquid that binds to semen. In the medicinal environment this type of cancer is known as adenocarcinoma . This type of cancer has the characteristic, except in rare cases, of developing slowly ; In fact, the autopsies of many men who die from other diseases show that they suffered from this disease but that it had not affected their lives and in some cases not even they or their doctors knew that they had it.
- Prostatitis : It is an inflammation or irritation of an infectious nature that mainly affects men under 50 years of age. Its symptoms are burning when urinating and desire to do so more frequently, fever and a lot of tiredness. The most recommended treatments include a dietary regimen prescribed by your doctor and the application of warm baths to the area to eliminate pain or itching; Some doctors even give their patients a medicine known as an alpha blocker that allows muscle tissue to relax.
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia : also known by the acronym BPH ( benign prostatic hyperplasia ), it mainly affects men over 50 years of age and is characterized by causing an increase in the size of the prostate . It is necessary to mention that this inflammation will not undoubtedly lead to cancer, in fact it is quite normal.
prostate exam
The prostate examination is carried out through a rectal examination . This physical examination consists of the introduction of a finger through the anal sphincter. Transrectal ultrasound , magnetic resonance imaging, and computed axial tomography allow imaging tests of the prostate to be visualized.
Doctors recommend that all men have this organ checked annually to prevent a minor problem from turning into a larger one. If you belong to a family with a history of cancer, the chances of contracting cancer are greater, therefore, it is recommended that in the face of a similar scenario, all the more reason to carry out checkups .
The tips to maintain a healthy prostate are to stay in shape by leading an active lifestyle, doing a variety of exercise and thus slowing down the normal aging process ; go to the bathroom when your body asks for it and avoid drinking liquids before going to bed so you don't have to do it during the night; Take care of the health of the intestines , constipation is an agent that aggravates prostate problems and, above all, do not smoke or quit.