The Prostate

The prostate is a gland located at the outlet of the bladder and surrounds the urethra (the pipe the carries the urine out through the penis). At the lower end of the prostate is the sphincter muscle that controls continence and close to this is where the ejaculatory ducts empty semen on ejaculation.

As men get older the prostate gland increases in size. The main purpose of the prostate is to provide the bulk of the seminal fluid. Only a small amount of the ejaculate actually come from the testicles (the sperm) and the majority comes from other glands. The prostate secretes substances that protect the sperm and aid fertility.

The prostate does not make hormones and is not involved in libido or erections.