The_Prostate

https://www.innerbody.com/image_repmov/repo09-new4.html

Had a go at understanding prostate function, and what might be causing

men to develop prostate troubles, even cancers later in life. It is a difficult

topic for women because we have no experience of the switch between

urination and ejaculation mode.

But the major surprise for me was that the prostate is a gland that keeps on

growing throughout a man's life, so that problems later in life, such as an enlarged

prostate blocking urination, should not be a surprise...

                                                       

source: German-language Wikipedia 

Copilot:

Prostate cancer; explain to me how and where males switch from urination to ejaculation...

The switch between urination and ejaculation in males is controlled by the prostate, which acts as a muscle-driven mechanical switch. The transition happens in the prostatic urethra, which is the part of the urethra that passes through the prostate.

There are two key muscle systems that regulate this switch:

Urethral Dilator Muscle (Musculus Dilatator Urethrae): Located on the front side of the urethra, this muscle contracts during urination. When this muscle is active, it shortens and tilts the prostate, widening the prostatic urethra so that urine can flow out freely.

Ejaculatory Muscle (Musculus Ejaculatorius): Located on the back side of the urethra, this muscle activates during ejaculation. It contracts to close off the pathway for urine and instead directs the flow of seminal fluid out through the urethra.

The prostate also plays a role in producing and expelling prostatic fluid, which makes up a significant portion of semen. When a male experiences sexual stimulation, nerve signals trigger contractions in the prostate and surrounding structures, pushing the semen into the urethra and expelling it through ejaculation.

If you're interested in how this relates to prostate cancer or conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), both can affect the prostate's function and impact urination or ejaculation. Prostate cancer can sometimes lead to changes in urinary habits, while treatments for prostate enlargement may influence ejaculatory function.

Would you like to explore more about prostate health and conditions?

What are some tips for maintaining prostate health?

Maintaining prostate health is essential for overall well-being, especially as men age. Here are some key tips to keep your prostate in good shape:

Dietary Choices

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables: Aim for at least five servings daily, focusing on deeply colored produce like tomatoes, leafy greens, and berries.

Choose whole grains: Opt for whole-grain bread, pasta, and cereals instead of refined grains.

Limit red and processed meats: Reduce consumption of beef, pork, lamb, and processed meats like hot dogs.

Include healthy fats: Use olive oil, nuts (almonds, walnuts), and avocados while limiting saturated fats from dairy and animal products.

Avoid excessive sugar and salt: Cut down on sugary drinks and processed foods high in sodium.

Exercise & Lifestyle

Stay physically active: Regular exercise can lower the risk of prostate issues, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is linked to a higher risk of prostate problems.

Get enough vitamin D: Moderate sun exposure can help maintain prostate health.

Limit alcohol and caffeine: Excessive consumption can irritate the bladder and prostate.

Screening & Prevention

Consider regular check-ups: Prostate cancer screening recommendations vary, but men at higher risk should start screening earlier.

Avoid unnecessary supplements: Some, like vitamin E, have been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer.

Practice good hydration habits: Drinking enough water and avoiding excessive fluid intake before bed can help prevent urinary issues.

Would you like more details on any of these tips? You can also check out Harvard Health and Johns Hopkins Medicine for additional insights.

Ten diet & exercise tips for prostate health - Harvard Health

Do men who are sexually abstinent have higher rates of prostrate cancer?

There is some evidence suggesting that frequent ejaculation may be linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer. Studies have found that men who ejaculate more often—whether through sex, masturbation, or nocturnal emissions—tend to have a reduced likelihood of developing prostate cancer2. One major study tracked nearly 32,000 men over 18 years and found that those who ejaculated at least 21 times per month had about a 20% lower chance of prostate cancer compared to those who did so less frequently. Another study from Harvard showed that men who ejaculated 21 or more times a month had a 31% lower risk of prostate cancer.

The exact reason for this connection isn’t fully understood, but some researchers believe that ejaculation helps clear harmful substances from the prostate, reducing the buildup of potentially cancer-causing agents. However, it’s important to note that not all studies agree, and ejaculation alone does not guarantee protection against prostate cancer.

Would you like to explore more about prostate health or risk factors?

...

Prostrate; is there not a danger that the ejaculate will be infected given that is goes through the same canal as urine?

Great question! While urine and ejaculate both pass through the urethra, the body has built-in mechanisms to prevent contamination. Here’s how:

1. Prostate’s Role in Protection: The prostate produces antimicrobial secretions that help reduce bacterial growth, lowering the risk of infection.

2. Sphincter Control: During ejaculation, the internal urethral sphincter (a muscle near the bladder) closes tightly, preventing urine from mixing with semen.

3. Flushing Effect: Regular ejaculation may help clear out bacteria from the prostate and urethra, reducing the risk of infections like prostatitis.

4. Urinary Tract Defense: The flow of urine itself helps flush out bacteria, keeping the urethra clean.

However, infections can occur, especially if bacteria enter the prostate or urinary tract. Conditions like prostatitis can cause painful urination, discomfort during ejaculation, and cloudy urine. If someone experiences these symptoms, it’s best to consult a doctor.

Would you like to explore more about prostate infections or ways to maintain prostate health?

Prostatitis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

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DeepSeek:

Prostate; I read something that surprised me about the human prostate: that it keeps growing throughout the life of the individual. Do you know of any explanation for this?

Yes! The prostate's continuous growth throughout a man's life is a well-documented phenomenon, and while it may seem unusual, there are several biological and evolutionary explanations for it. Here’s why it happens:

1. Hormonal Influence (Androgens, Especially DHT)

The prostate is highly sensitive to androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent metabolite of testosterone.

Unlike most other organs that stop growing after puberty, the prostate retains the ability to respond to these hormones throughout life.

As men age, hormonal imbalances (like declining testosterone but relatively stable or fluctuating DHT levels) can stimulate further prostate growth, leading to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in many older men.

2. Stem Cell Activity

The prostate contains resident stem cells that can proliferate and differentiate into new glandular tissue.

Unlike many other tissues where stem cell activity declines sharply with age, the prostate’s stem cells remain active, contributing to gradual enlargement.

3. Evolutionary Trade-Off

Some researchers suggest that prostate growth may have been evolutionarily advantageous for reproductive fitness in ancestral males. A larger prostate produces more seminal fluid, potentially enhancing fertility.

Since prostate-related problems (like BPH or cancer) typically arise after peak reproductive age, natural selection may not have strongly selected against this trait.

4. Lack of Growth Inhibition

Many organs have strict regulatory mechanisms to limit growth, but the prostate appears to lack strong inhibitory signals in later life.

Inflammation and oxidative stress (common in aging) may further promote cell proliferation.

Consequences of Continuous Growth

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): By age 60, ~50% of men have BPH; by age 85, ~90% do. This can cause urinary symptoms (e.g., frequent urination, weak stream).

Cancer Risk: The prostate’s persistent cell division may increase the likelihood of mutations, contributing to its high cancer prevalence (the most common non-skin cancer in men).

Why Doesn’t This Happen in Other Organs?

Most organs reach a stable size after puberty due to tighter growth regulation. The prostate (along with organs like the nose and ears) seems to be an exception, possibly because its function (fluid production for reproduction) benefits from sustained growth earlier in life, with no strong selective pressure to stop later.

Would you like details on how this growth is medically managed (e.g., 5-alpha reductase inhibitors for BPH)?