The prostate is a small organ, which is part of the male system of urinary and genital organs. It is located under the bladder and surrounds the urethra, which is the tube draining the urine from the bladder through the penis to the outside. It starts out small in life, and is about 15 grams or 1/2 ounce in weight by the time of puberty. The primary function of the prostate gland is to produce part of the fluid that makes up semen. During ejaculation, muscles in the prostate contract to push the prostatic fluid through tiny ducts into the urethra, where it mixes with sperm and other fluid.

Figure 1. Normal anatomy of the male

urinary and genital tracts

More Information:

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Symptoms

Diagnostic Evaluation

Treatment

Return to Prostate Disease Center

For more information about the Department of Urology, contact:

Phone: 214-648-4765, FAX: 214-648-4789

Mailing Address: 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., J8.148, Dallas, TX 75390-9110