What a healthy prostate should feel like: description of structure and consistency

A healthy prostate is an opportunity to maintain men's health for a long time. If you notice pain in this organ, do not rush to begin self-medication. Before starting certain procedures, you need to consult a doctor to find out what the prostate should feel like.

Structure and consistency

The prostate is fixed below the bladder, almost in contact with the rectum at the back. The structure of this organ is also surprising. According to zonal anatomy, it consists of two main zones - peripheral and central.

The main task of the prostate is to produce testosterone. In addition, this organ affects the quality and condition of sperm.

If there is not enough testosterone in the body, then a chronic disease called prostate adenoma may appear.

The prostate gland helps remove urine from the body. The ejaculate contains polyamine, which every day protects the genitals from various types of bacteria.

Inflammation of the gland leads to incontinence, as well as to the point that a person cannot lead a normal sexual life. In addition, the risk of infection increases.

About the prostate gland

The prostate gland (prostate) is a chestnut-shaped organ of the male reproductive system located just below the bladder and surrounding the urethra. The main function of the gland is to secrete a secretion, which is involved in the liquefaction of the ejaculate and ensures the movement of sperm. From the moment of reaching puberty until approximately 40–45 years of age in men, the prostate gland has the greatest functional activity, then its function gradually fades away.

Dimensions and structure

Prostate development stops at age 20. The process of changes in a teenager’s body, as a result of which he becomes an adult and capable of procreation, slows down, the hormonal background is now calmer, the young man is a full-fledged man. Usually the size of the prostate increases, and this is quite normal.

For example, the size of a healthy organ at 50 years old should be about 22.9 cm3, and at 25 – 19.6 cm3. A slight enlargement of the gland is quite normal for the body. However, if a 50-year-old man has a prostate twice as large as normal, this is a serious reason to think about it and consult a doctor.

An unhealthy enlargement of the prostate gland is one that has gone beyond the normal range in a short period of time. Most often, this disease is accompanied by a number of symptoms, but it also happens that a person does not even notice the changes.

There is a specific Gromov formula that will help determine the normal size of the prostate. You just need to know the person's age.

Thanks to this, rounded figures can be recorded, but the exact calculations will only be revealed after visiting the hospital.

Prostate anatomy

The prostate gland is an androgen-dependent unpaired organ of the male reproductive system. The function of the prostate is to maintain spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules of the testicles, ensure the transport of sperm through the vas deferens and ejaculation, as well as the formation of sexual desire.

Shape and size

. The prostate has the shape of an irregular ball, reminiscent of a chestnut, the base of which faces upward. The size of the prostate gland varies significantly depending on the age of the man. The average vertical size of the prostate is 30 mm, frontal - 40 mm, sagittal - 20 mm. The mass of the gland in mature men under 30 years of age is about 16 grams. Normally, the prostate has an elastic consistency.

Location

. The prostate gland is located below the bladder between the pubic symphysis and the rectum. The base of the prostate, which is inclined slightly forward and downward, is almost completely fused with the bottom of the bladder. The posterior part of the gland is covered by the vas deferens and seminal vesicles. On the border between the posterior surface of the organ and its base there is a frontal groove. Through it, two vas deferens enter the prostate, which open into the lumen of the prostatic urethra on the sides of the seminal tubercle. From below, the gland is fixed by fibers of the anterior section of the muscle tissue that elevates the rectum. Anteriorly, the prostate connects to the pubic symphysis via the puboprostatic ligament.

Structure

. The prostate is divided into apex, base, anterior, posterior and inferolateral surfaces. The gland has right and left lobes, which are connected to each other by the middle lobe, or isthmus. It is limited to the places where the vas deferens enters the cavity of the gland. The isthmus of the prostate is closely adjacent to the bottom of the bladder and protrudes into its lumen, forming a “tongue”, which is practically not expressed in young men, and in old age can significantly increase and lead to urination problems. The lateral lobes of the prostate normally protrude slightly into the lumen of the anus, through which the gland can be felt during a rectal examination.

Blood supply

. The prostate gland contains arteries that are branches of the middle rectal inferior vesical blood vessels. Around the prostate there is a plexus of broad veins, which is connected with similar plexuses of the urethra and the end of the intestine.

Lymphatic drainage

. The lymphatic vessels of the prostate gland are located along the vas deferens. They pass along the lateral walls of the pelvis to the internal and external iliac lymph nodes, as well as along the anterior surface of the sacrum towards the sacral lymph nodes.

Innervation

. The prostate gland contains nerves that consist of postganglionic sensory parasympathetic and sympathetic fibers. Nerves travel to the prostate from the inferior hypogastric plexus. On the surface of the gland, the fibers form the prostatic nerve plexus.

How to palpate the prostate

At the moment, medicine has stepped forward and offers us a wide range of ideas to solve this problem.

Objective research

This method is used if the disease of the gland has not reached its highest peak and there is no need to use additional equipment. Based on the examination, the specialist can make a preliminary diagnosis and prescribe tests.

What is included in the basic plan of this diagnostic method:

1. The doctor finds out the patient’s main complaints, asks how long he has been bothered by symptoms associated with the prostate gland, what caused the disorder, how quickly it developed, and whether there is a risk of the situation worsening.
2. Examination of the external genitalia.
3. Doctor feeling the prostate gland.

BPH

(benign prostatic hyperplasia) is a benign tumor that occurs as a result of the proliferation of cells in the glandular tissue of the prostate due to the improper action of the male sex hormone testosterone on it.

Adenoma often occurs in men over 50 years of age. To date, all the causes of adenoma are not fully known. Factors that influence its development include not only age and hormonal disorders, but also the presence of a number of diseases (for example, atherosclerosis), large weight gain, age-related lifestyle changes, stress, and environmental factors. It is generally accepted that prostate adenoma is a manifestation of male menopause.

An enlarged prostate gland compresses the urethra, which leads to disruption of the outflow of urine from the bladder: from a slight decrease in the flow rate of urine to a complete inability to empty the bladder.

Disruption of the normal process of urination leads to stagnation of urine and, as a result, to the development of urolithiasis, cystitis, pyelonephritis, etc.

Without appropriate treatment, there may be complications of prostate adenoma:

1. Acute urinary retention , which can be caused by hypothermia, alcohol abuse, poor diet, prolonged failure to empty the bladder, etc. Regardless of the degree of the disease, acute urinary retention requires urgent hospitalization.
2. Hematuria (the appearance of blood in the urine) occurs when the veins of the bladder are damaged due to increased pressure in it.
3. Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor associated with hormonal changes - high levels of testosterone. Prostate cancer usually occurs in men over 50 years of age. At a young age, this disease is rare. In the formation of a malignant tumor, a pathological change in hormone production in the gonads and adrenal glands is of great importance, which leads to the development of atypical epithelial cells, i.e. to the formation of cancerous nodes. The causes of prostate cancer are not yet fully understood. However, it is known that a high level of testosterone in a man’s blood increases the risk of developing malignant tumors.

Risk factors for developing prostate adenoma also include:

• old age (over 50 years);
• progressive adenoma;
• hereditary predisposition (close relatives have prostate cancer);
• influence of carcinogenic factors;
• unfavorable environmental situation;
• consumption of large amounts of animal fats, etc.

Prostate cancer is characterized by a slow progression. It can take 10-15 years from the formation of a small tumor to the stage of metastasis. However, metastases can appear much earlier, which depends on the individual characteristics of the disease. Metastases usually spread to the lymph nodes, adrenal glands, bones, lungs, and liver.

Until the tumor began to spread to other organs, i.e. has not metastasized, it can be removed, and the person will be healthy. But if metastases appear, the patient cannot be completely cured.

This is why early diagnosis of this disease is so important.

To examine the prostate gland, a urologist currently has enough techniques in his arsenal: ultrasound diagnostics, bacteriological methods for studying prostate secretions, examination for sexually transmitted infections, studying a spermogram, computed tomography, determination of hormonal status, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), etc. d. The patient examination data obtained by the urologist allows one to objectively establish the causes and mechanisms of development of the pathological process in the prostate, which helps the urologist in choosing the correct treatment method. This can be conservative medication, physiotherapy or surgical treatment.

The Sadko clinic uses all types of physiotherapy (ultrasound, magnets, iontophoresis, thermotherapy, intraurethral electrophoresis, etc.) in combination with other therapeutic methods, selected for each patient individually in accordance with the diagnosis and intended treatment plan for prostatitis. Thus, there is an obvious need for men to visit a urologist after 30 years of age for the purpose of timely detection, prevention and effective treatment of prostate diseases.

Useful video: prostate - structure, functions

Instrumental method

If the first method did not help to establish the cause of the disease of this organ, you need to use an instrumental approach. These include:

• a method for examining the urethra (urethra) using an optical device;
• medical method of examination, examination of the inner surface of the bladder, type of endoscopy;
• ultrasonography;
• radiography.

The first two methods are used to detect narrowing of the urethra. Based on ultrasound, the actual size of the gland, its shape, and the degree of narrowing of the urethra are determined. X-ray examination promotes complete visualization of all pelvic organs and their relationships with each other.

Biopsy

The most common method is a biopsy.
However, it can only be used as prescribed by a doctor. First of all, this is necessary for the differential diagnosis of glandular hyperplasia and a malignant process.

In addition, this method can confirm a previously established diagnosis, and also record the stage of the disease.

During palpation of the organ, the patient should not feel any discomfort, much less pain.

What should the prostate feel like? The consistency of the prostate gland should be elastic and tight, and its contours should be clear.

How is the size of the prostate determined?

1. Palpation. The gland can be felt through the wall of the rectum. This method allows you to establish the main characteristics of the prostate, as well as to conclude what size the prostate is - moderate or enlarged. Physical examination is not an accurate method, so instrumental ones are used.
2. The most common method that allows you to determine the size of the prostate down to a millimeter is transrectal ultrasound. The sensor is inserted into the rectum. The condition of the internal organs is reflected on the doctor’s monitor. Thus, the doctor can determine the linear size, the presence of nodules and formations.
3. Tomography. The method also helps to determine the length, thickness and width, identify cysts and tumors
4. In some cases, prostatography is used. A solution is injected that stains not only the prostate gland, but also nearby organs. This method allows you to get a clear image of the prostate and determine the presence of stones and cysts. The method is not so widely used, as preliminary preparation of the patient is required.

Pathology options

There are several stages of development of the disease of this organ, at which completely different symptoms can be identified.

For adenoma

Main manifestations of the disease:

1. Difficulty urinating, weak stream, or even painful urination.
2. Frequent feeling of bladder congestion and fullness.
3. Inability to sleep due to the constant urge to go to the toilet.
4. Pain in part of the bladder.

Note! Without additional examination by a doctor and the opportunity to correct the situation, chronic prostatitis, inflammation of the bladder, and inflammatory kidney disease, characterized by damage to the kidney parenchyma, calyces and renal pelvis, appear. In the future, problems with erection and rapid ejaculation are possible.

For prostatitis

Prostatitis is a form of chronic or acute inflammation of the prostate gland.
In a serious form: a sudden increase in body temperature, a feeling of cold, accompanied by muscle tremors, acute pain in the lower abdomen on both sides.

You may also experience severe pain when trying to go to the toilet.

Acute prostatitis without proper treatment can lead not only to chronicity of the inflammatory process, but also to infertility, as well as generalization of the infection.

In the chronic form: similar symptoms, which, however, occur more slowly, with periodic exacerbations. Chronic prostatitis leads not only to infertility, but also to the development of an ascending infection - an inflammatory process in the bladder, kidneys, testicles and seminal vesicles.

For hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (adenoma) is usually a consequence of chronic diseases of the genitourinary system. During the period of adenoma development, the organ in question becomes hard and swelling is observed. In addition, a tumor appears, which is benign in the first stage.

Prostatitis

This is one of the most common diseases in men. From 30 to 85% of men over 25 years of age suffer from prostatitis, there is no doubt: the incidence of prostatitis is growing. Urologists call the symptoms of prostatitis: pain in the perineum, suprapubic region, testicles, and lower back. Pain during urination worries more than half of patients: frequent and painful urination, frequent urge to urinate, thin and sluggish stream of urine. Pain during sexual intercourse occurs in 5-12% of patients. Prostatitis in more than 80% of cases, according to urologists, leads to a decrease in the sexual potency of men: pain during ejaculation, “erased” orgasm, early ejaculation or its delay, leakage of prostate secretions during defecation and straining, deterioration of erection, its incompleteness and short duration In addition, the fertilizing ability of sperm is also reduced.

Men of any age can suffer from congestive prostatitis with insufficient sexual activity. A sedentary lifestyle, drinking alcohol and smoking, and sauna abuse also have a harmful effect on the development of prostatitis. These factors reduce immunity, disrupt blood and lymph circulation in the pelvic organs, and lead to hormonal changes. Under such circumstances, infection in stagnant semen can cause illness. Predisposing factors play an important role in the development of prostatitis.

Risk factors for the development of prostatitis include:

• frequent infection with sexually transmitted infections as a result of promiscuity;
• sedentary work, a sedentary lifestyle, which leads to congestion in the pelvic veins and the development of congestive prostatitis;
• weakened immune system (due to overwork, stress, lack of sleep, poor or irregular nutrition, etc.);
• smoking, alcohol abuse, drug use;
• chronic perineal injuries (common among motorists);
• general hypothermia of the body;
• frequent constipation;
• irregular sex life, prolonged sexual abstinence or excessive sexual activity;
• chronic inflammatory diseases.

Reasons for changes in consistency

Hardness and swelling are the main signs of identifying the disease in men. Most often, the causes of prostatitis are age-related changes or hormonal imbalance.

A soft prostate may indicate swelling of the tissue as a result of stagnant processes.

In addition, the following play an important role:

1. Eating junk food.
2. Smoking, alcohol.
3. The use of drugs and compounds that reduce the level or activity of male androgen hormones in the body.
4. Hypothermia.

In addition, a bacterial form is isolated.
The occurrence of bacterial prostatitis is promoted by the appearance of specific types of pathological bacteria.

How does the infection get inside the organ?

• from the urethra;
• from other inflamed parts of the body;
• through vessels consisting of fused lymphatic capillaries, through which the body drains lymph from tissues and organs into the venous system.

Symptoms

Doctors identified the main symptoms:

1. Constant desire to go to the toilet in the middle of the night, weak urine pressure, feeling that the bladder is still full after urination, lack of control over the flow of urine.
2. Pain during urine output, ejaculation, discomfort in the urethra at the end of urination, acute pain in the perineum and testicles.
3. Decreased quality of erection, short sexual intercourse, presence of blood in the ejaculate.

A urologist will help solve this problem, so you should contact him first. Tests will need to be taken upon arrival at the hospital:

• clinical urine analysis;
• a portion of urine for three glasses;
• detection of sexually transmitted infections;
• examination of prostate secretions.

Diffuse changes are visual disturbances in the structure of the parenchyma. Most often they occur due to inflammation, abscesses or the discovery of a tumor in the tissue.

Important! Ultrasound is the best way to assess the signs of the gland - its size, structure, heterogeneity, structure, shape - and identify deviations from the norm.