What is the prostate?

The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system which is about the size of a walnut in a healthy male. It is located just below the bladder and surrounds the starting part of the urethra.

The prostate begins to grow before birth. When a male is born, the weight of the prostate gland is usually around 3 to 5 grams. It starts to grow bigger in size during puberty, so at around 20 years of age, the prostate weighs about 20 to 40 grams. With age, the prostate increases in size and gradually the amount of muscle fibres, as well as connective tissue increases. In extreme cases, the prostate gland can weigh as much as 200 grams.

Changes in the prostate

How can I tell something is wrong?

Symptoms of acute prostatitis may appear rapidly and include painful urination and ejaculation, fevers or chills. Chronic prostatitis, benign prostate enlargement or prostate cancer, however, can progress over a long period of time without any noticeable complications that would be alarming.

If you experience any of the complications mentioned above, it is crucial that you contact your doctor immediately and undergo exams which will establish what changes or illness you are dealing with.

Schedule your urological examination today!