The purpose of this article is to describe very briefly the prostate gland; its functions and potential diseases associated with it.
General Prostate Cancer Information - about half the population has a prostate gland but how many people actually know what it is? What it does? And what conditions can affect the prostate?
The prostate is found in all males in the mammal category of the animal world, including humans. It makes up a part of the reproductive system of the male and is an exocrine gland. This means it secretes the fluid it makes into ducts. The prostates function in life is to produce, store and secrete a clear fluid during moments of orgasm. This fluid helps carry the sperm out of the body and makes up about one third of the volume expelled during ejaculation.
The prostate is located at the outlet of the bladder and surrounds the urethra (tube your urines passes through); it also sits against the outer wall of the rectum.
Disorders associated with the prostate
Amyloid
Normally affecting men who are more senior in age, Amyloid (known as Corpora amylacea) is a dense collection of calcified protein based matter that collects in the prostates ducts making it difficult for the prostate to release fluid.
This condition can also mean there are other underlying issues in the prostate region.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is a build up of inflammation in the prostate, over time the inflammation can make the prostate swell in size causing the tubes carrying urine to become blocked making it difficult and painful to urinate, if urination is possible at all.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Similar to Prostatis, Benign prostatic hyperplasia is the name given to a condition where the prostate becomes enlarged, this is not caused by inflammation but can be a natural occurrence over time and mainly affects the older male population.
This condition can block the urinary tubes or stop urination being possible all together.
Prostate cancer
For you to possess prostate cancer information is critical to you if you are male and over 50. Prostate cancer is the most dangerous of all prostate problems and is the most common cancer affecting older men. Prostate cancer is also a condition that can kill quite easily; this is because the cancerous cells flourish and multiple out of control, moving into other part of the body like the bones and nearby internal tissue.
The most common symptoms associated with prostate cancer are that it can cause pain in the lower abdominal region during urination, difficulty urinating and cause a lack of ability to gain an erection. There are many other symptoms involved with prostate cancer, but they are more subtle.
Summary
It is commonly suggested that men who are more senior in age should have regular rectal exams from their doctor so the prostate can be checked. As mentioned earlier, the prostate sits against the outer wall of the rectum.
For those who are younger in age it is important that they are educated about the affects the prostate has on the body. If we can educate the younger generation it will mean that greater emphasis is given to finding a cure and make it easier for men to stop suffering in silence.
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