Know your prostate

The penis and testicles make a very public statement: “Here we are!” But they have a secret agent assisting them, the prostate gland, which is situated between the bladder and the rectum. Only men have this gland, which plays an important role in reproduction, producing the fluid that transports the sperm.

This tiny gland is also a secret pleasure centre, with loads of nerve endings that get stimulated during sex and make it feel oh-so-good.

We tend to not think about the prostate gland until something goes wrong, and it’s recommended that men over 50 should have a regular prostate check.  Often there are no symptoms in early stages of prostate disease, although trouble urinating or frequent urination can be clues. In some cases painful ejaculation could be a symptom of prostate disease.

Treatments for prostate conditions, for example surgery or radiation, may sometimes have side effects resulting in problems achieving or maintaining an erection. But your health is the most important thing, and there are lots of ways to please your partner – and yourself. So get that check done.

Visit our prostate centre.

(Health24, October 2012)