Prostate Gland (Human Anatomy): Image, Function, Diseases, Tests, and Treatments

Last Updated: Apr 08, 2023

Prostate Image

The prostate is a glandular organ that is composed of fibromuscle and connective tissue. It is pyramidal in shape and surrounds the prostatic urethra. The prostate gland secretes a number of chemicals, including acid phosphatase, fibrinolysin, citric acid, amylase, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and prostaglandins.
Its seminal fluid secretions make up the majority of the seminal fluid. The paraurethral glands are the equivalent in females (of Skene).
The prostate is located in the lower portion of the pelvis, above the urogenital diaphragm and beneath the urinary bladder neck. This area is known as the lesser pelvis. It is situated in front of the rectal ampulla and posterior to the lower portion of the pubic symphysis.
The shape of the prostate is similar to that of an upside-down cone, and it has the appearance of a chestnut.When a person is young, the prostate gland is relatively undeveloped and consists primarily of fibromuscular stroma and the beginning stages of ducts.
Under the influence of male hormone, there is a sudden increase in the size of the gland when a person reaches puberty (testosterone). It becomes around twice as large as it was prior to the onset of puberty. There is an explosion in the number of prostatic follicles, which triggers the production of secretion.
In the third decade of life, there are epithelial infoldings that occur irregularly in the lumen of the follicles, which causes the follicles to become irregular.
In the fourth decade of life, there is no discernible change in the size of the prostate. Concretions of amyloid, also known as amyloid bodies, begin to form in the follicles as the epithelial infoldings that were previously present in the lumen gradually disappear.
After the age of 50, there is almost always some degree of prostatic hypertrophy present in the individual who has entered their fifth decade. It is a sign of ageing on par with grey hair in its significance. However, in some people, a condition known as senile atrophy causes the gland to become smaller.

Prostate Functions

Prostate gland's primary job is to supply the testes with prostatic fluid, which is then transformed into sperm. It contributes approximately 20 to 30 percent of the total volume of sperm.
It contains an enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for the conversion of testosterone into a form known as dihydrotestosterone, which is more biologically active (DHT).
Because of the contraction that takes place in this gland during ejaculation, the prostate blocks the opening that leads from the urinary bladder to the urethra. This provides additional pushing force for the sperm, which in turn increases the rate at which it moves.

Prostate Diseases

Prostatitis: It is a condition that affects the prostate gland and is characterised by inflammation in the prostate region. This inflammation can be brought on by a pathogenic infection or another underlying condition.
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy: The prostate gland becomes enlarged in males older than 50 years old due to hypertrophy of the median lobe, also known as hypertrophy of the subcervical glands of Albarran, which results in the formation of an adenoma.
Obstruction of prostatic urethra: The median lobe is frequently affected by BPH, which causes the prostatic urethra to become compressed, thereby impeding the flow of urine. A post prostatic pouch of stagnant urine forms in the urinary bladder behind the internal urethral orifice when the uvula vesicae become enlarged as a result of an enlarged median lobe. Having difficulty urinating is one of the signs and symptoms of B.P.H.
Prostatic Carcinoma: Pain in the perineum, difficulty urinating, and obstruction of the urinary tract in the back are some of the symptoms of prostatic carcinoma. The PSA and acid phosphatase levels in a patient's serum are two of the primary factors considered when diagnosing and treating prostate cancer.
Hematuria: General Hematuria because of the injury to prostate it can also be occurring because of infection of the prostateUrinary Incontinence: Incontinence of urine is caused because of enlargement of the prostate or due to obstruction of the urethral canal done by enlarged or infected prostate
Bacterial Prostatitis: Bacterial prostatitis, also known as acute prostatitis, is an acute infection of the prostate that typically affects younger men. E. coli, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia are the most common infectious agents that lead to this disease.
Prostatic Abscess: Bacteria are the root of the problem when it comes to prostate abscesses. Typical symptoms include the need to urinate often, experiencing discomfort when peeing, having trouble passing urine, or holding onto urine.
Prostatic Calculus: Prostatic calculi are little stones that are brownish-gray in colour and develop in the prostate. They are also referred to as prostate stones. Calculi in the prostate can be either endogenous or exogenous, depending on where they came from in the patient's body.
Dilutional Hyponatremia: The condition known as dilutional hyponatremia develops when the sodium levels in the blood drop, which throws off the control and equilibrium of the body's fluids. Hyponatremia is a condition that refers to having low amounts of salt in your blood and is a medical diagnosis.
Detrusor Muscle Hyperplasia: It is believed that benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common cause of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), both of which place a significant amount of strain on the detrusor muscle of the bladder.
Retrograde Ejaculation: Ejaculation in a retrograde direction occurs when the sperm are expelled from the body via the bladder rather than the penis. This process is referred to as retrograde ejaculation. It is possible to get this condition as a result of prostrate surgery or enlargement of the prostate gland.
Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis: Gram-negative rod bacteria, such as E. coli, are the causative agent most frequently seen in cases of chronic bacterial prostatitis. Acute Prostatitis: It is less common than this condition. It is a prostate infection that is not severe and typically affects men in their later years.

Tests for the Prostate

Digital Rectal Examination: The digital rectal examination, also known as the DRE, is a test in which the doctor palpates the prostate using a finger that has been lubricated and is wearing gloves. The DRE was able to detect a wide range of issues, including cancerous nodules in the prostate, an enlarged prostate, and other issues related to the prostate.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA): The prostate is responsible for the production of the protein known as P.S.A. A blood test could be used to determine the amount of this protein. On the other hand, a diagnosis of prostate cancer and an enlarged prostate can be made if the PSA level is found to be above the normal range.
Trans Rectal Ultrasound Of Prostate: An ultrasound of the prostate employs sound waves to create images of a man's prostate gland. These images can then be used to assist in the diagnosis of symptoms such as difficulty urinating or an elevated blood test result.
Pet Scanning For Prostate Cancer: A radioactive tracer is used in PET scanning; this tracer is absorbed and visible in malignant cells associated to the prostate. PSMA The use of PET offers a more accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Prostate Biopsy: During a prostate biopsy, a needle is inserted into the prostate, typically through the rectum, in order to check for prostate disorders like prostate cancer. Typically, this procedure is performed from the rectum.
The C.T. Scan: Computerized tomography is another name for this imaging technique. In this doctor performs a series of X-rays on the patient at various angles in order to identify the various problems that can affect the prostate.
X- Ray: High-wavelength x-rays are used in this procedure, and the doctor uses them to identify problems in the prostate region.Gram Stain Culture Of The Urine: it is done for diagnosis of bacterial or any protozoal infection of the bladder and the prostate it is also presumed that due to infectivateology of the fruit prostate the swelling of prostate occurs.

Treatments for the Prostate

Prostatectomy: Prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the prostate in order to treat prostate cancer. This procedure is known as a prostatectomy.
Radiation: Radiation therapy is a type of treatment in which doctors expose patients to high doses of energy in order to kill cancer cells in the prostate region while limiting the amount of damage done to healthy cells.
Implantation Of Radioactive Seeds: In contrast to radiation therapy, which directs radiation from the outside in, this disorder involves the implantation of radioactive seeds in the prostate region in order to treat carcinoma in that region.
Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy is a procedure that is used to treat prostate cancer. It works by killing cancer-causing cells by freezing them, and this procedure is called cryotherapy.Hormone Therapy: Cancer cells grow in response to hormones. Cancer cells can be treated with hormones. On the other hand, the purpose of this treatment is to inhibit the effects of hormones.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is an innovative drug treatment that is employed with the purpose of eliminating the rapidly dividing cells that are characteristic of cancer.Watchful Waiting: Watchful waiting is a form of cancer treatment in which the doctor monitors the progression of the disease by delaying treatment when it appears that the cancer is only expanding slowly.
Urethral Resection And Ablation Of The Prostate: Benign prostatic hyperplasia can be treated with a surgery called transurethral needle ablation (TUNA), which stands for transurethral needle ablation of the prostate (BPH). During the procedure, interstitial radiofrequency (RF) needles are inserted into the urethra and into the lateral lobes of the prostate. This results in heat-induced coagulation necrosis, which is a type of tissue death.
Young's Perineal Prostectomy: An incision is made in the region between the anus and the scrotum in the radical perineal prostatectomy surgical technique. During this treatment, the entire prostate gland is removed through this incision (perineum).
Transurethral Resection Of The Prostate: The interior of the prostate gland can be removed using a surgical procedure known as transurethral resection of the prostate, or TURP for short. It is done to relieve the symptoms that come along with having an enlarged prostate.

Prostate Medicines

Alfuzosin for Enlarged Prostate: These medications are classified as alpha-blockers, and they are prescribed for the treatment of an enlarged prostate. The purpose of alpha-blockers is to relax the muscles in the area of the urethra, which makes it simpler to urinate.
Doxazosin for Prostatitis: Doxazosin is prescribed for the treatment of prostatitis. This medication belongs to the class of drugs known as alpha-blockers, and it is employed to relax the muscles surrounding the urethra in order to alleviate the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Additionally, it facilitates the passage of urine.
5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors For Enlarged Prostate: In the treatment of an enlarged prostate, these medications are called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. They work by lowering the levels of a specific type of testosterone. When there is a low amount of DHT in the body, the prostate shrinks, which results in an improvement in the flow of urine.
Prostascint For Prostate Cancer: In order to establish the severity of prostate cancer in patients who have already undergone a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, a Prostascint scan is performed. A nuclear imaging test known as a ProstaScint scan is one that can assist your doctor in determining whether or not your prostate cancer has migrated to other areas of your body.
Tumor Markers For Prostate Cancer: Tumor marker assay (test) of blood serum for antigen secreted from cells in prostate tissue. This test is known as prostatic acid phosphatase.
Uroflowmetry For BPH And Prostate Cancer: It is a vital inquiry that can help in the identification of common lower urinary tract dysfunctions, and uroflowmetry is a noninvasive diagnostic screening that estimates the flow rate of urine to assess bladder and sphincter function.
Cystometry For BPH: Cystometry is a test that determines how well the bladder is functioning by measuring the pressure that is present inside of the bladder. It is a test that determines whether or not there are issues with the bladder's ability to fill and drain properly.PSA Density For BPH: Instead of using PSA to evaluate people at risk of prostate cancer who may require further testing or a prostate biopsy, PSA density should be utilised instead.
PSA Velocity for Prostate Cancer: As a potential indicator of whether or not a person has prostate cancer, the pace at which PSA levels shift, also known as PSA velocity, has been the subject of research. In individuals whose PSA levels are between 4 and 10 ng/ml, it has been hypothesised that a spike in PSA of 0.75 ng/ml or more may be cause for worry regarding the possibility of malignancy.
Finasteride for BPH: It is a 5 alpha -reductase inhibitor is known for treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia
Flutamide For Prostrate Cancer: Is androgen receptor and antagonist known for using in treatment of prostate cancer and also causes side effects like gynecomastia breast tenderness and sexual disfunction
Ciprofloxacin for Prostatitis: Ciprofloxacin is the fluoroquinolone medication that is considered to be the most powerful option for treating persistent prostatitis.
Silodosin for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: In the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, silodosin:This medicine is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and is stored in the 1-adrenoceptor.
Tamsulosin for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: For the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, tamsulosin is recommended. Tamsulosin belongs to the class of medications known as alpha blockers and is used to stimulate more frequent urination as well as treat benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Amoxicillin for Bacterial Infection: These are medicines that are kept in antibacterial conditions in order to treat infections that are brought on by bacteria.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the prostate gland made of?

The male reproductive system includes a tiny, muscular gland called the prostate gland.

What is the main problem of prostate?

The main problem of the prostate is prostatitis and prostate cancer.

What causes prostate gland problems?

Prostate gland problems are caused due to chronic prostatitis or bacterial prostatitis. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is another potential reason.

What age do prostate problems start?

Prostate problem is common in men above 50 years of age.

What is the main cause of prostate enlargement?

Prostate enlargement is called Benign prostate enlargement and its cause is unknown however, it is believed to be due to hormonal changes as one age.

Are prostate problems serious?

Many prostate problems are not serious, however, one should consult a doctor in case of urinal problems or prostate issues symptoms are visible, especially in older age people who are at higher risk.

How do I keep my prostate healthy?

There are no conclusive findings of ways to keep the prostate healthy, however, one should follow a balanced diet and do regular exercise.

What happens if the prostate is not treated?

If untreated, prostate cancer has the potential to spread to other body tissues.

Can an enlarged prostate cause death?

An enlarged prostate gets worse as one ages & can cause urinary problems and infection in the kidney or bladder which may lead to death if left untreated completely.