The prostate is a small gland about the size of a walnut, located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra in males. Its primary function is to produce a fluid that is a key component of semen. This prostatic fluid nourishes and protects sperm, helping to keep them healthy and motile, which is essential for fertility

. During ejaculation, the muscles of the prostate contract to forcefully expel this fluid into the urethra, where it mixes with sperm from the testicles and fluids from other glands (like the seminal vesicles) to form semen. The prostate also helps close off the urethra to the bladder during ejaculation to prevent semen from entering the bladder

. The fluid produced by the prostate contains enzymes such as prostate- specific antigen (PSA), which helps thin the semen, making it easier for sperm to swim. It also contains substances like spermine that support sperm motility. Additionally, the prostate plays a role in hormone metabolism by converting testosterone into its active form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

. In summary, the prostate's main functions are:

• Producing and secreting prostatic fluid that nourishes and protects sperm.
• Assisting in the ejaculation process by pushing semen through the urethra.
• Preventing semen from entering the bladder during ejaculation.
• Converting testosterone into its active form to regulate prostate function