It encircles the urinary outlet, or urethra. Contraction of the muscles in the prostate squeeze fluid from the prostate into the urethral tract during ejaculation.
Prostatic fluid makes up the bulk of semen.
The prostate is the most common site of disorders in the male genitourinary system. Prostatitis, common in men of all ages, is the inflammation of the prostate gland. The usual cause is infectious bacteria that invade the prostate from another area of the body. Hormonal changes associated with aging may also be a cause. The inflammation can result in urine retention.