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Author:
Donald Saunders

The prostate gland forms part of the male reproductive system and is responsible for the production of a clear liquid which makes up about thirty percent of the seminal fluid used to carry and protect the male sperm during intercourse. The prostate gland sits just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, partially surrounding the urethra which carries urine from the bladder out of the body.

During childhood the prostate gland is very small (about the size of a pea) but will grow rapidly during puberty in response to the production of the male hormone testosterone. In a mature male the prostate is typically the size of a walnut and weighs about one ounce.

The prostate gland is divided into the three sections – peripheral, central and transition. The peripheral section is located at the rear of the prostate gland and is the section of the prostate in which prostatitis and prostate cancer are most likely to develop. The transition section, which lies in the middle of the prostate gland and surrounds the urethra, is the area in which benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is seen.

There are a variety of problems associated with the prostate gland, the most common of which is BPH. This condition, which is a growth of non-cancerous cells within the transition section of the prostate gland causes an enlargement of the gland and exerts pressure on the urethra which, in turn, leads to difficulties in urinating. Other common problems include prostatitis, which is an inflammation or infection of the prostate gland, and prostate cancer.

Enlargement of the prostate gland will affect about half of all men by the time they reach the age of 60 and increases with age to affect some ninety percent of the male population by the age of 80. Prostate cancer will affect approximately seventeen percent of the male population and results in the deaths of over 30,000 men each year in the United States alone.

For further information on the prostate gland please visit Prostate Cancer Explained

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A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to The Prostate... Prostate Cancer - What Every Man Needs To Know Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancers in men. Prostate cancer is often found in elder men and the risk of prostate cancer increases with age. It occurs mostly among the male population of 50 years and above. In prostate cancer, cancerous cells are primary formed in the prostate that then gets transferred to other cells through the process of metastasis. Prostate cancer spreads to other parts of your body like bones. Causes of Prostate Cancer: Scientists still do not know the exact cause behind prostate cancer. No one knows why some people suffer with prostate cancer while others do not. Clinical researchers and scientists are working hard to find the answer of this basic question. However they are optimistic to come out with a ‘prostate cancer cause’ report very soon. Prostate Cancer Symptoms: There are no definite prostate cancer symptoms that can be easily noticed by the patients. Prostate cancer does not show any cancer symptom or sign at the initial stage. However, few prostate cancer symptoms have been identified by the National Cancer Institute . These specific prostate cancer symptoms are given below: 1)Frequent urination. 2)An interrupted or weak urine flow. 3)Trouble while urination. 4)Sensation of pain while ejaculation. 5)Inability to urinate. 6)Burning sensation or pain during urination. 7)Blood in the urine or in the semen. 8)Stiffness or frequent pain in the upper thighs, lower back or hips. These symptoms are however, not specific for prostate cancer. Therefore if you experience any of these symptoms, don’t panic- just consult a doctor. Prostate cancer treatment: Treatment of prostate cancer depends upon factors such as the location of the tumor, general health condition of the patient, age of the patient and size of the...