About the prostate
What is the prostate?
The prostate is a small gland (approximately 3-4 centimeters in diameter) found in men, just beneath the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum. The uretha, which is responsible for carrying both urine and semen out of the body, runs through the prostate.
A normal prostate has a soft and squishy feel to the touch, and is even in consistency without lumps. It can be examined through the rectum due to its close proximity.
What does the prostate do?
The prime function of the prostate is in supporting the reproductive process, without which a man would be sterile. The prostate gland makes the whitish fluid that mixes with sperm to make semen. This fluid makes up about 30 percent of semen.
The liquid acts as a lubricant for the urethra, as well as providing nourishment for the sperm and activating them to "swim". It also has a high pH (alkaline) which makes the receiving vagina less acidic.