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Only men have a prostate gland. From birth to puberty prostate remains small, about the size of a pea. During puberty it undergoes the first growth spurt, reaching the size of a walnut. It stays this way until about the age of 45, when the second growth spurt begins in most men. However, unlike growth during puberty, this second period does not have a natural ending, so the prostate may continue to grow for years and decades.

The prostate contains about 30 percent smooth muscle and about 70 percent glandular tissue composed of glands and small ducts. A thin membrane called the capsule covers the prostate.

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Reproductive System
The main function of the prostate is to produce a special milky fluid that is combined with the sperm during ejaculation. The sperm is made in the testicles and is delivered to the urethra during orgasm. Prostatic fluid contains a number of substances, including minerals, proteins, enzymes and a substance called prostatic specific antigen (PSA). These substances help the movement of the sperm through the urethra and the unfriendly environment of the vagina. They also nourish the sperm and keep it liquid by preventing it from becoming too sticky. PSA is especially useful in this regard.

Urinary System
Although the prostate gland is not a major component of the urinary system, it can cause urinary discomfort, especially when it becomes enlarged. Urine is produced by the kidneys, which continuously filter the blood and remove impurities, toxins, waste products, unneeded nutrients and extra water. Since the blood is being filtered and purified all the time, urine is also produced around the clock. Each kidney is connected to the bladder by a narrow muscular pipe called the urethra. Once formed, the urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder. This process continues until the bladder becomes full, at which time it sends a message to the brain, which in turn informs you that it is time to go to the bathroom to urinate.

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You are not necessarily destined to have prostate problems. I have seen men in their 80s without any symptoms whatsoever. However, the majority of men do go on to develop some kind of prostate problem. For example, one textbook of urology called Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) a “universal phenomenon among aging men.” In this case aging does not mean very advanced age, simply being over 50.

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There may not be any symptoms present in the early stages of prostate problems. When signs do appear they may be nonspecific, not limited to the prostate gland. In other words, these signs can be caused by other conditions, such as a kidney stone, urinary tract problems, or even a systemic issue.

Because of the location of the prostate gland, most signs of an unhealthy prostate are either urinary or sexual in nature. Below is the description of some of the signs:

• Frequent urination
• Having to wait before urination starts
• Decreased forth and strength of the urine stream
• Having a sensation that the bladder is not empty even after you finished urinating
• A feeling that you cannot hold the urine and must go NOW!
  Dribbling after the end of urination
• Urinating at night
• Inability to urinate
• Reduced libido

Urinary or other symptoms should never be accepted as just a “normal” part of getting older. Instead, you should seek the help of a knowledgeable doctor who can help you by guiding your options abd giving you information.

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There are a number of risk factors for prostate problems. You can change some of them, but not others.* Uncontrollable factors include age, ethnic background and family history. The factors that are in your control are exposure to toxins, diet and nutritional supplements.*