what is prostate

The prostate is a gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate is about the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra, the tube that empties urine from the bladder. Its primary function is to produce fluid that makes up a part of semen. The prostate uses male hormones called androgens to trigger and maintain male sex characteristics. As men age, the prostate tends to increase in size, which can cause the urethra to narrow and decrease urine flow, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. The prostate can be affected by various conditions, including prostate cancer, prostatitis, and benign prostatic hyperplasia.