What Does the Prostate Do? Function, Location, & Conditions

Your prostate works quietly for decades, and most men never think about it until something goes wrong. This small gland below the bladder plays a central role in reproduction by producing fluid that makes semen — about 20–30% of its volume, according to the Cleveland Clinic (health system), and this guide walks through the facts with clear sources.

Size: About the size of a walnut · Weight: About 1 ounce (28 grams) · Location: Below the bladder, surrounding the urethra · Function: Produces fluid that makes up 20–30% of semen

The table below shows baseline measurements and facts about the prostate — useful for spotting what’s normal and what might signal a change.

What are the 3 functions of the prostate gland?

Production of seminal fluid

The prostate’s primary job is to produce prostatic fluid, a key component of semen. This fluid makes up about 20–30% of the total volume of semen and contains enzymes, zinc, and other substances that nourish and protect sperm (Cleveland Clinic).

Secretion of fluid during ejaculation

During ejaculation, the prostate contracts and forces its stored fluid into the urethra, where it mixes with sperm from the testicles and fluid from the seminal vesicles. The combined mixture is then expelled (WebMD).

Nourishment and protection of sperm

The prostatic fluid contains substances like citric acid, calcium, and phosphate that help keep sperm viable. The prostate also secretes an enzyme called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) that liquefies semen, allowing sperm to swim freely (Prostate Cancer UK).

The implication: Without the prostate’s fluid, men cannot produce semen, but they can still achieve orgasm and live a full life.

Where is the prostate located?

Position relative to the bladder

The prostate sits directly below the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum (Cleveland Clinic). This location means changes in the prostate directly affect bladder function.

Surrounding the urethra

The prostate encircles the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body (Mayo Clinic). When the prostate enlarges, it presses on the urethra and restricts urine flow.

Relationship with the rectum

Because the prostate lies directly in front of the rectum, it can be felt during a digital rectal exam (DRE) — a key screening technique (Johns Hopkins Medicine).

The catch: The same location that makes the prostate easy to examine also makes it easy to cause urinary or sexual side effects during surgery.

What are the first signs of prostate problems?

Urinary symptoms

• Frequent urination, especially at night (WebMD)
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination (Mayo Clinic)
• Weak or interrupted urine stream (American Cancer Society)

Pain or discomfort

Men may notice a burning sensation during urination or ejaculation, or persistent pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvic area (Prostate Cancer UK).

Blood in urine or semen

The presence of blood (hematuria) in urine or blood in semen can be a sign of infection, inflammation, or cancer. It always warrants medical evaluation (Johns Hopkins Medicine).

The pattern: Urinary symptoms are nearly universal, but many men wait months before talking to a doctor — time that can matter for treatment success.

What happens if the prostate is removed?

Effects on fertility

Radical prostatectomy removes the entire prostate and often the seminal vesicles (Johns Hopkins Medicine). Because the prostate produces most of the fluid in semen, removal eliminates semen production entirely (American Cancer Society). Men experience “dry orgasms” — the sensation of orgasm without ejaculation of fluid (Prostate Cancer UK).

Urinary changes

After removal, the bladder and urethra are reconnected (UCLA Health (university medical center)). Some men experience temporary or permanent urinary incontinence. Pelvic floor exercises are strongly recommended to strengthen the muscles that control urine flow (Mayo Clinic).

Sexual function after surgery

Nerve-sparing techniques can preserve erectile function in some cases, if the cancer does not require removal of the nerves (Johns Hopkins Medicine). However, many men experience erectile dysfunction after surgery, and recovery can take months or years (Prostate Cancer UK).

The trade-off: For men with localized prostate cancer, radical prostatectomy offers a strong chance of cure, but the side effects require careful consideration and preparation.

Is ejaculating every day good for your prostate?

Possible benefits

Some observational studies have found that men who ejaculate more frequently (often 21 or more times per month) have a lower risk of prostate cancer (Prostate Cancer UK). The theory is that regular ejaculation may flush out carcinogens from the prostate ducts.

Risks and considerations

There is no evidence that daily ejaculation is harmful for most men (WebMD). However, the link between ejaculation frequency and cancer prevention is not yet definitive. The American Cancer Society notes that the data is observational, not causal.

Balance and moderation

Individual health factors matter. For men with existing prostate conditions, a doctor’s advice should come first. The consensus: regular ejaculation is likely neutral or slightly beneficial, but it is not a substitute for screening or a healthy lifestyle (Johns Hopkins Medicine).

The implication: Don’t count on frequency alone for protection. The strongest risk-reduction strategies remain diet, exercise, and regular screening after age 40.

What we know vs. what remains unclear

What the experts say

“The prostate is about the size of a walnut and weighs around 1 ounce. Its main job is to help produce the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.”

— Cleveland Clinic (health system)

“The prostate contributes fluid to semen that helps protect sperm and keep them healthy. Without this fluid, men cannot father children naturally.”

— NCBI InformedHealth (medical research institute)

“Men can live a full life without a prostate. The gland is not needed for survival, but it is essential for natural reproduction.”

— Prostate Cancer UK (charity)

These three perspectives — from a major hospital, a national research body, and a patient charity — reinforce the central message: the prostate matters most for fertility, but your body can function without it.

Moving forward: What this means for you

The prostate is a small gland with a big role in reproduction, but it is not essential for life. Understanding its function helps you interpret the first signs of trouble — urinary changes, pain, or blood — and know when to see a doctor. For men over 40, the choice is clear: get a baseline PSA test and digital rectal exam, or risk discovering a problem when treatment options are narrower and side effects harder to manage.

Understanding the prostate’s function is the first step toward recognizing potential issues, and learning about prostate cancer helps identify early symptoms and treatment options.

Frequently asked questions