The prostate is a chestnut-shaped gland located below the urinary bladder, surrounding the first urethral portion, which secretes into it a milky fluid containing citric acid and enzymes that contribute to seminal coagulation. This fluid accounts for about 25% of semen and helps sperm viability.
The prostate gradually increases in size from birth to the start of puberty, increases very rapidly during puberty and then remains stable until the age of 40.
During the emission of seminal fluid, the prostate gland contracts rhythmically following the contractions of the vas deferens and releases the secretion that passes to enrich the seminal fluid.
BPE (Benign Prostate Enlargement) is one of the most significant urological changes affecting men. It is estimated that 25% of 40-year-old men have an enlarged prostate and this prevalence rises to 80% in males aged 70 years. However, the clinical significance is lower, so that only 10% of 40-year-old men or 40% of 70-year-old men will suffer symptoms derived from the growth of the prostate.
It is estimated that in developed countries the probability that a 40-year-old male will require some type of surgery for BPE at a given time of his life is 30%. Undoubtedly, it represents one of the most frequent causes of urological consultation and supposes a health expenditure of the first order.
This disease consists of a slow and progressive increase of fibromuscular and epithelial structures of the gland and is directly related to the alteration of male hormone rates.
The growth and enlargement of the prostate gland, preferably towards the inside of the urethra, causes a decrease in internal size, producing obstructive and irritative symptoms.