Prostate: Location, Function, Conditions and Health Checks
Updated: 3 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Answer: What is the prostate?
The prostate is a small, firm, partly muscular gland below the bladder and in front of the rectum that surrounds part of the urethra and adds fluid to semen. It usually grows larger with age. Conditions include benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis and prostate cancer. Providers may use a prostate exam, PSA test, imaging or biopsy to evaluate concerns. [1]
What the research says
PSA screening lowered prostate-cancer deaths in a large European trial. After up to 16 years of follow-up of 182,160 men, screening was linked to a 20% lower risk of dying from prostate cancer (rate ratio 0.80, 95% CI 0.72–0.89); about 570 men needed to be invited and 18 diagnosed to prevent one prostate-cancer death (Hugosson et al., European Urology, 2019). [2]
Saw palmetto did not outperform placebo for urinary symptoms. In a double-blind trial of 369 men aged 45 or older with BPH-related urinary symptoms, up to three times the standard dose of saw palmetto extract for 72 weeks lowered symptom scores by 2.20 points versus 2.99 points with placebo, so it was no more effective than placebo (Barry et al., JAMA, 2011). [3]
More physical activity was associated with lower odds of BPH or urinary symptoms. In a meta-analysis of observational studies (eight studies, 35,675 men pooled), the odds ratio versus sedentary men was 0.74 for both moderate activity (95% CI 0.60–0.92) and heavy activity (95% CI 0.59–0.92) (Parsons & Kashefi, European Urology, 2008). [4]
What is the prostate?
The prostate is a small, firm, partly muscular gland that helps make up the male reproductive system. It surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body. [1]
The prostate creates fluid that helps make up semen. Semen carries sperm during ejaculation and usually leaves through the urethra after orgasm. [1]
When discussing anatomy, it can be more useful to say “people with a prostate” than to assume every reader uses the same gender identity. The prostate itself is described as part of the male reproductive system, while Skene’s glands are separate structures present in females that some people call the female prostate.
Where is the prostate located?
The prostate is below the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum. Because it surrounds part of the urethra, changes in prostate size or tissue can affect the passage used for urination and ejaculation. [1]
Its position also explains why a clinician can examine the prostate through the rectum. A self-exam cannot accurately check prostate health, so concerns should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Nearby structure | Relationship to the prostate |
Urinary bladder | The prostate is below it |
Rectum | The prostate is in front of it |
Urethra | The prostate surrounds part of it |
Semen pathway | Prostate fluid contributes to semen, which exits through the urethra |
What does the prostate do?
The prostate makes extra fluid in semen. This fluid contains enzymes, zinc and citric acid. These components help nourish sperm cells and lubricate the urethra. [1]
The prostate is also partly muscular. Its muscles help push semen into and through the urethra during orgasm. [1]
Prostate role | What it involves |
Fluid production | Adds fluid to semen |
Support for sperm | Enzymes, zinc and citric acid help nourish sperm cells |
Urethral lubrication | Prostate fluid helps lubricate the urethra |
Ejaculation | Muscles help push semen through the urethra |
The prostate is not responsible for every urinary, sexual or reproductive function. It works alongside the bladder, urethra, reproductive organs, nerves and other tissues.
What does the prostate look like?
The prostate is described as about the size of a walnut and weighing about 1 ounce, or 30 grams. As people age, it usually gets larger and can grow to about the size of a lemon. [1]
The prostate has five lobes or sections: anterior, posterior, lateral sections on the right and left sides and a median section in the middle. [1]
Connective tissue and glandular tissue make up the prostate. A thin, stretchy layer called the prostatic fascia covers it and helps hold it in place. [1]
Feature | Description |
Typical comparison | About the size of a walnut |
Approximate weight | About 1 ounce, or 30 grams |
Age-related change | Usually becomes larger with age |
Possible later comparison | May grow to about the size of a lemon |
Sections | Anterior, posterior, right and left lateral, and median |
Supporting layer | Prostatic fascia, a thin and stretchy connective-tissue covering |
Size alone does not determine whether the prostate is healthy. A clinician considers symptoms, examination findings, test results and personal history together.
Why does the prostate get larger with age?
The prostate usually grows larger as people age. This change can be normal, but enlargement may narrow the urethra and affect urination or ejaculation. [1]
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a common condition in which the prostate becomes larger. BPH usually occurs after age 40 and is not cancer. Almost all males develop some prostate enlargement as they age, although the effects and degree of enlargement vary. [1]
An enlarged prostate does not automatically mean cancer. Evaluation is important when urinary, sexual or pelvic symptoms appear because several conditions can cause similar changes.
What conditions can affect the prostate?
The main conditions described here are benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis and prostate cancer. [1]
Condition | What it means |
Benign prostatic hyperplasia | The prostate gets larger and may narrow or block the urethra; BPH is not cancer |
Prostatitis | Tissues in and around the prostate become inflamed, swollen and tender |
Prostate cancer | Cancer develops in prostate tissue; early stages may have no symptoms, while later disease may affect urination or cause pain |
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
BPH can press on the urethra as the prostate enlarges. This may make it harder to start urinating, weaken the urinary stream, cause dribbling or create a feeling of urgency. [1]
BPH can also affect ejaculation. Because BPH is not cancer, the words “enlarged prostate” and “prostate cancer” should not be used as if they mean the same thing. [1]
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is inflammation in and around the prostate. The tissues can become swollen and tender. It is described as a common urinary-system issue in males younger than 50 and also affects males older than 50. [1]
Symptoms and causes can vary. A healthcare professional can help decide whether urinary, pelvic or sexual symptoms may be related to inflammation or another condition.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer may not cause symptoms during its early stages. As it progresses, it may affect urination and cause pain in the area. [1]
A symptom does not prove cancer, and the absence of symptoms does not rule it out. Screening conversations and professional evaluation are separate from diagnosing a condition after symptoms appear.
What symptoms can prostate conditions cause?
Symptoms depend on the underlying cause. Possible changes include urinary, sexual and pelvic symptoms.
Symptom or change | How it may appear |
Blood | Blood in semen or urine |
Starting urination | Difficulty getting the urine stream started |
Dribbling | Urine continues to leak or dribble after urinating |
Bladder or bowel control | Urinary or fecal incontinence |
Nighttime urination | Getting up several times to urinate while sleeping |
Sexual pain | Pain during sexual intercourse |
Pelvic-area pain | Pain in the genitals, perineum or surrounding areas |
Painful urination | Burning or pain while urinating |
Pain after ejaculation | Pain or discomfort after ejaculating |
Urgency | Sudden urges to urinate |
Erections | Trouble getting or keeping an erection |
These symptoms can have causes outside the prostate. They do not show which condition is present, and they do not replace an examination.
When should urinary or pelvic symptoms be checked?
Make an appointment when urinary, sexual or pelvic changes are persistent, recurring, worsening or affecting daily life. Mention the timing, severity, triggers and any blood, fever or pain.
Seek prompt medical attention for inability to urinate, heavy blood in urine, severe or rapidly worsening pain, fever with urinary symptoms or sudden severe illness. These warning signs can have different causes, but they should not be managed by delaying care or relying on supplements.
How are prostate problems diagnosed?
A healthcare professional may use several types of evaluation. The right combination depends on symptoms, age, family history, examination findings and the question being investigated.
Evaluation | What it involves |
Prostate exam | May include a digital rectal exam and a PSA blood test |
Digital rectal exam | A clinician uses a gloved, lubricated finger through the rectum to feel the prostate |
PSA blood test | Measures prostate-specific antigen; a high level may indicate prostate cancer but does not establish a diagnosis by itself |
Urinalysis | A urine sample is checked for signs of bacterial infection |
MRI | Provides detailed prostate images and may help identify suspicious areas |
Transrectal ultrasound | Uses ultrasound imaging to examine the prostate and may help identify suspicious areas |
Cystoscopy | A pencil-sized lighted tube with a camera is used to look inside the urethra |
Biopsy | A needle obtains a sample of prostate tissue for laboratory examination |
A test result needs clinical context. A high PSA level, urinary symptom or suspicious imaging finding does not independently tell a person what diagnosis they have.
What is a prostate exam?
A prostate exam may include a digital rectal exam and a PSA blood test. [1]
During a digital rectal exam, a clinician inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate. The exam can provide information about the prostate’s physical features, but it is only one part of an evaluation. [1]
A PSA blood test checks the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. A high PSA level may indicate prostate cancer, but it does not establish a diagnosis by itself. A clinician interprets PSA with other information and decides whether further evaluation is appropriate. [1]
What is a prostate biopsy?
A biopsy uses a needle to obtain a sample of prostate tissue. The sample is sent to a laboratory for examination. [1]
A biopsy is different from a screening test. It is a tissue-sampling procedure used when a clinician needs more information. Whether it is appropriate depends on the examination, PSA result, imaging and other personal factors.
How can prostate health be supported?
General guidance described for supporting prostate health includes discussing regular prostate screenings, staying physically active, eating healthy foods each day and quitting tobacco products.
The American Cancer Society advises people at average risk to talk with a healthcare professional about screening starting at 50, and earlier, at 40 to 45, for those at higher risk, including Black men and people with a close family history of prostate cancer. Screening timing should be discussed with a healthcare professional rather than treated as a one-size-fits-all rule.
Supportive habit or conversation | Why it matters |
Discuss regular screening | Screening decisions can consider age, family history and personal factors |
Stay physically active | More active people are described as less likely to have BPH |
Choose healthy foods | Fruits, vegetables and healthy protein may support general prostate health |
Quit tobacco products | Tobacco products increase cancer risk |
These are general health measures. They do not diagnose or treat an individual prostate condition.
Can supplements improve prostate health?
Dietary supplements do not have to go through clinical trials or receive approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration before being marketed. As a result, there is limited data on them. They may offer minor benefits, but most people will not see their prostate health improve from taking them. [1]
Do not use supplements as a substitute for screening, evaluation or treatment. Bring any supplement label to a healthcare professional, especially if symptoms are present or medicines are being considered.
Can someone live without a prostate?
Yes. A healthcare professional may recommend removing the prostate, called a prostatectomy, to treat prostate cancer. [1]
Living without a prostate can cause changes in day-to-day life. Common possible side effects include erectile dysfunction and uncontrollable urination, but these effects do not occur in everyone who has a prostatectomy.
Questions about treatment should include the reason for surgery, expected benefits, possible side effects, recovery and available support.
Can someone check the prostate through a self-exam?
A person cannot accurately check prostate health through a self-exam. The prostate can be felt from the outside through the perineum or more directly through the rectum, but self-examination cannot reliably assess prostate health.
Some people find prostate massage sexually satisfying, but that is not the same as a health check. If you have concerns about the prostate, talk with a healthcare professional who can evaluate them appropriately.
What questions should you ask a professional about your prostate?
Useful questions about your prostate include what your PSA result means, whether symptoms could come from outside the prostate, which tests you need and when to seek urgent care.
Which symptoms or changes should I describe in detail?
Could my urinary, pelvic or sexual symptoms have a cause outside the prostate?
Should we discuss screening based on my age, family history and personal factors?
What does my PSA result mean in context?
Would a digital rectal exam, urinalysis, imaging, cystoscopy or biopsy answer the clinical question?
If my prostate is enlarged, does that mean I have BPH, cancer or neither yet?
If prostatitis is possible, what evaluation is appropriate?
Are any medicines or supplements affecting my symptoms or test results?
Which symptoms should prompt urgent or emergency care?
If surgery is being considered, what side effects and recovery should I expect?
Conclusion
The prostate is a small, partly muscular gland below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds part of the urethra, adds fluid to semen and helps push semen through the urethra during ejaculation. [1]
The prostate usually becomes larger with age. BPH, prostatitis and prostate cancer can affect it, but an enlarged prostate is not the same as cancer, and symptoms alone cannot determine the cause. Changes such as difficulty urinating, blood in urine or semen, pelvic pain or erectile problems deserve professional context when they persist or worsen. [1]
A prostate exam, PSA blood test, urinalysis, imaging, cystoscopy or biopsy may be used depending on the clinical question. Screening timing should be discussed with a healthcare professional, particularly when age or family history changes the conversation. [1]
Want a clearer next step for prostate-health questions? Read more health articles before speaking with a healthcare professional. [1]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prostate?
The prostate is a small, firm, partly muscular gland that helps make up the male reproductive system. It sits below the bladder, in front of the rectum and around part of the urethra.
What does the prostate do?
The prostate adds fluid to semen. The fluid contains enzymes, zinc and citric acid that help nourish sperm cells and lubricate the urethra. Prostate muscles also help push semen through the urethra during orgasm.
Where is the prostate located?
The prostate is below the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds part of the urethra.
Is an enlarged prostate cancer?
No. BPH causes prostate enlargement but is not cancer. Because several conditions can cause similar symptoms, a healthcare professional should evaluate persistent or worsening changes.
What is prostatitis?
Prostatitis is inflammation that makes tissues in and around the prostate swollen and tender.
Can prostate cancer cause no symptoms?
Yes. Prostate cancer may have no symptoms in its early stages. As it progresses, it may affect urination or cause pain in the area.
What are possible symptoms of prostate problems?
Possible symptoms include difficulty starting urination, dribbling, nighttime urination, urgency, painful urination, blood in urine or semen, pain in the genitals or perineum, pain after ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. These symptoms do not identify one condition by themselves.
What is a PSA test?
A PSA test is a blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen. A high PSA level may indicate prostate cancer, but it does not establish a diagnosis on its own.
What tests can check the prostate?
Evaluation may include a prostate exam, digital rectal exam, PSA blood test, urinalysis, MRI, transrectal ultrasound, cystoscopy or biopsy.
When should prostate screening begin?
The American Cancer Society advises a screening discussion starting at 50 for people at average risk, and at 40 to 45 for those at higher risk, including Black men and people with a close family history of prostate cancer. Screening is an individual discussion, not a universal schedule.
Do supplements improve prostate health?
Evidence is limited. Supplements may offer minor benefits, but most people will not see their prostate health improve from taking them. Supplements should not replace screening or medical evaluation.
Can someone live without a prostate?
Yes. A prostatectomy may be recommended to treat prostate cancer. Possible side effects include erectile dysfunction and uncontrollable urination, but they do not occur in everyone.
Can a self-exam check prostate health?
No. A person cannot accurately check prostate health through a self-exam. Concerns should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
When is a prostate-related concern urgent?
Inability to urinate, heavy blood in urine, severe or rapidly worsening pain, fever with urinary symptoms or sudden severe illness needs prompt medical attention.
Related Reading
Prostate Exam: What It Is, Why It's Done, What to Expect and Results explains what happens during a prostate exam, including the digital rectal exam and the PSA blood test.
PSA Test: Normal Levels by Age, How to Prepare and What High Results Mean explains the blood test used to screen for and monitor prostate problems.
Gleason Score: How Prostate Cancer Is Graded and What Your Score Means explains how prostate cancer is graded from biopsy samples.
Prostate Ultrasound and Biopsy: Why It's Done, How to Prepare, What to Expect and Recovery explains the ultrasound-guided biopsy used to check for prostate cancer, how to prepare and what recovery is like.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Prostate: Anatomy, Location, Function & Conditions. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated November 24, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23965-prostate
Hugosson J, Roobol MJ, Månsson M, et al. A 16-yr follow-up of the European Randomized study of Screening for Prostate Cancer. Eur Urol. 2019;76(1):43-51. PMID 30824296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2019.02.009
Barry MJ, Meleth S, Lee JY, et al. Effect of increasing doses of saw palmetto extract on lower urinary tract symptoms: a randomized trial. JAMA. 2011;306(12):1344-1351. PMID 21954478. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2011.1364 Erratum in: JAMA. 2012;307(22):2374. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2012.5393.
Parsons JK, Kashefi C. Physical activity, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and lower urinary tract symptoms. Eur Urol. 2008;53(6):1228-1235. PMID 18358592. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2008.02.019
National Cancer Institute. Prostate Cancer—Patient Version. National Cancer Institute. Accessed October 30, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate
Disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
It explains prostate location, structure, semen and ejaculation functions, age-related enlargement, BPH, prostatitis, prostate cancer, possible symptoms, professional evaluation, screening discussions, supplements, prostatectomy and the limits of self-examination. It does not diagnose cancer, BPH, prostatitis or another condition, and it does not treat an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer as the same thing.
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