What Does Your Prostate Do?
The ‘ber months (months that end in ber) are here; famously, they kick off with September. September is known for many things: back to school, the start of fall, Hispanic Heritage Month, and even Sourdough September! Here at Popstar, September is most importantly, Prostate Health Month. A large percentage of men aren’t even very familiar with their prostate, until they have their first prostate exam, or, God forbid, they experience a prostate-related health issue. We thought what better way to celebrate Prostate Health Month than going back to backdoor basics and learning all about the prostate?
Popstar is back with the tips (and so much more than just the tip) on 4 things you didn’t know your prostate did!
What is a Prostate?
As I said, we are going back to backdoor basics, with emphasis on the backdoor if you catch my drift. The Prostate is a walnut-sized gland located behind the bladder, just in front of the rectum, and can be accessed through a man’s…well, backdoor. This sounds like the Google Maps of glands, but we are painting a visual here. This nut-sized gland behind your nuts has numerous functions from seminal production, hormonal influence, and even plays a role in sexual pleasure, but more on that later.
Let’s get crackin’ and go nuts, shall we?
1. Semen Production
Many would argue that the primary, and most important function of the prostate is to produce a significant portion of the fluid that constitutes semen. The prostatic fluid is crucial to the nourishment, protection, and mobilization of sperm. This prostatic fluid contains nutrients that energize the sperm, supporting their vitality. The fluid also protects sperm by neutralizing the acidic environment of the vagina, as well as liquifying semen and improving sperm motility post-ejaculation. All of which increases the likelihood of sperm reaching an egg.
2. Semen Expulsion
The prostate aids not only in semen production but semen expulsion as well. If we think of semen production as a business, the prostate not only helps with making the product, but it covers the cost of shipping as well.
Essentially, when a man is getting his world rocked and his rocks off, the prostate contracts and forcefully pushes semen through the urethra, and out the tip of the penis. So next time you pop your cork and shoot rope, you have your prostate (and possibly Popstar Labs' signature formula) to thank.
3. Hormone Regulation
The prostate is also involved in hormone function, specifically for the male sex hormone, testosterone. It converts testosterone into a more potent form called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which plays a role in the normal development and function of the prostate throughout your entire life.
The conversion of testosterone to DHT helps regulate the overall effects of testosterone in the body. By converting some of the circulating testosterone into DHT, the body ensures a balanced androgenic effect, which is important for maintaining various physiological functions. This process is especially important during puberty as DTH is responsible for secondary sexual features such as facial hair, deeper voice, etc.
While this conversion is a completely normal process, if your walnut is an overachiever when it comes to converting testosterone, increased levels of DHT can lead to conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). To learn more about BPH, click here.
4. Male G-Spot
Finally, the part we have been waiting for. The climax of the article. And you know how we love to climax! Enough of that medical mumbo-jumbo.
Most men only think about their prostate when they pay their yearly visit to their primary care physician and have to have their (often dreaded) prostate check. But perhaps your doctor isn’t the only person who should be giving any attention to this gland. You, your partner, or both should be giving this gland some extra TLC. Why you may ask? Well, the prostate is like pushing a pleasure button.
We have all heard of the G-spot, the area of the vagina involved in vaginal orgasm. I’m sure most people think the G-spot is exclusive to women, but we are here to dispel that myth. Men have one as well, and it’s, you guessed it, the prostate. Just like a vagina, the prostate is highly sensitive and provides pleasure when stimulated. The prostate can be stimulated internally through anal penetration. In fact, it is only about two inches into the rectum, so a small toy or even a finger should do the trick. Turns out you’re only just a few inches away from seeing God. To learn more about having a prostate orgasm, click here.
Though we are nearing the end of September, there is still time to celebrate Prostate Health Month. However you choose to celebrate, make sure you are praising your prostate well into the ‘ber months and the rest of the year. For more resources on how to be a pal to your prostate, click here!
Dr. Joshua Gonzalez
Dr. Joshua Gonzalez is a board-certified urologist who is fellowship-trained in Sexual Medicine and specializes in the management of male and female sexual dysfunctions. He completed his medical education at Columbia University and his urological residency at the Mount Sinai Medical Center. Throughout his career, Dr. Gonzalez has focused on advocating for sexual health and providing improved healthcare to the LGBTQ+ community.
Dr. Brian Steixner
Dr. Brian Steixner is a board-certified urologist and an expert in men’s sexual medicine. He completed his General Surgery and Urology training at The University of Pennsylvania and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, one of the busiest and most comprehensive programs in the nation. During his career, Brian has treated thousands of men with sexual health issues including male factor infertility.
