The prostate gland is part of the reproductive system for people who are assigned male at birth. The prostate is located below the bladder. It surrounds the tube (the urethra) that carries urine and semen out of the body. The prostate makes fluid. This fluid mixes with fluid from the seminal vesicles and sperm from the testicles to form semen. During ejaculation, semen goes through the urethra and out of the penis. Prostate health is closely linked to hormones. These are chemicals that carry messages all over the body. Normal levels of hormones, such as testosterone, keep the prostate working correctly.
Featured in
Online Medical Reviewer: Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP
Online Medical Reviewer: Marc Greenstein MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Date Last Reviewed: 08/01/2023
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Need Help? We're Here for You
Our Member Services team is here to help you understand your benefits, find care, or resolve concerns.
1-800-510-9132
Call NC Quitline
Need support to quit smoking, vaping, or to quit other nicotine products? You can receive support including medicines free of charge:
1-800-784-8669
Schedule Transportation
Need transportation to a doctor's office, pharmacy, or other covered healthcare service? Contact us to arrange your ride.
1-800-510-9132
Provider Directory
Need to find a provider like a Primary Care Physician, Specialist, OB/GYN, or a Psychiatrist?
Provider DirectoryRelated Articles
Male Reproductive Anatomy
A diagram and explanation of the main parts of the male reproductive anatomy.
Prostate Cancer: Grade and Stage
Once your healthcare provider knows you have cancer, the next step is to find out the grade and stage of the cancer.
Adult Circumcision
Circumcision is a procedure to remove the foreskin, the loose fold of skin that covers the head of the penis. Read on to learn more about adult circumcision and how it's done.
No-Scalpel Vasectomy
The no-scalpel procedure is similar to a traditional vasectomy. But it's done without cuts (incisions) or stitches. And it generally results in faster healing. Read on for details.
