Muscles located within the prostate squeeze prostatic fluid into the urethral tract during ejaculation. Most of the semen consists of this fluid, which provides nourishment and protection for the sperm. This is inflammation of the prostate gland, is common in men of all ages, and is the most frequent type of prostate problem. Sometimes hormonal changes, from aging, may be a contributing factor. When urine retention results, the bladder becomes distended, weak, tender, and liable to infection.
Infection can easily pass up the ureters to the kidneys.
It is the gradual enlargement of the prostate, and occurs in half of all men over 50, and three-fourths of men over 70. It is probably the most common infirmity of aging in the human male. More than 500,000 American men are afflicted each year. This results in more of a powerful form of testosterone, called dihydrotestosterone. As it does, it eventually tends to pinch upon the urethra, and interfere with the flow of urine.