What Is the Prostate Gland’s Purpose?

On the surface, it may seem that the prostate gland (a walnut sized organ surrounding the urethra) doesn’t do a whole lot. In fact, if the prevalence of BPH is any indication, it might seem that the prostate is more of a problem than an advantage.

The truth is that we don’t know everything about the prostate and its functions and there still remain many questions about the prostate’s purpose. However, what we do know is that the prostate excretes a fluid that mixes with semen during ejaculation. This fluid adds alkalinity to the seminal fluid, which may act as protection for the sperm in the acidic vaginal environment and may energize them, making them more resilient, aiding in fertility.

In humans, the prostate gland is only present in the male reproductive system. As you have likely learned by navigating our website, the prostate has a tendency to enlarge as men get older. Prostatic enlargement is a condition that can cause significant lifestyle problems in sufferers as well as those around them.

While the prostate gland is not fully understood, it does serve a reproductive purpose. Later in life, these benefits may not be as necessary; however improvements in the effectiveness and availability of treatments of BPH can help minimize the effects of BPH as we age.