The prostate may be small, but its function is mighty. Found only in men, this walnut-sized gland is essential to several key aspects of health—from fertility to urinary function. Yet many don’t fully understand what the prostate does until they face a health concern.
At Craft Body Scan, we believe that understanding leads to action. This blog will help you explore the role of the prostate, the risks associated with ignoring it, and the power of proactive health screening.
Role of the Prostate Gland
So, what does the prostate do exactly? It sits just below the bladder and surrounds part of the urethra—the tube that carries urine out of the body. While small, the prostate plays a crucial role in male reproductive and urinary health.
Here’s how the prostate supports men’s health:
- Produces seminal fluid: The prostate creates a nutrient-rich fluid that combines with sperm to form semen. This fluid protects and nourishes sperm on its way through the reproductive tract.
- Helps with ejaculation: During orgasm, the prostate contracts to push semen through the urethra, aiding ejaculation.
- Controls urine flow: Because the urethra runs through the prostate, any enlargement or inflammation of the gland can affect urinary control and flow.
Though its functions may not seem obvious day to day, changes in the prostate can create noticeable disruptions—and in some cases, signal more serious problems.
Common Prostate Health Issues
As men age, the prostate often changes. These changes can be benign or serious, but either way, they’re important to monitor. Some men will experience symptoms, while others won’t notice anything until the issue has advanced.
The most common prostate health concerns include:
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): This non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate is very common after age 50 and can cause urinary problems like weak stream or frequent nighttime urination.
- Prostatitis: This is inflammation or infection of the prostate, leading to pain, difficulty urinating, and discomfort during ejaculation.
- Prostate Cancer: One of the most common cancers in men, prostate cancer is often slow-growing but can be life-threatening if undetected.
Each of these conditions may affect quality of life—and each is more manageable when caught early.
Importance of Early Screening
Many prostate issues, including cancer, develop quietly. Men often don’t realize something is wrong until symptoms disrupt daily life. Early screening is the best way to stay ahead of prostate disease.
Why early detection matters:
- Symptoms aren’t always present: Prostate cancer and even advanced BPH can be symptom-free in the beginning.
- It improves outcomes: When caught early, prostate cancer has one of the highest survival rates among cancers.
- Monitoring is simple: With non-invasive imaging and blood tests like PSA, you can stay informed about changes to your prostate health.
The goal isn’t to scare men—it’s to inform them that a few minutes of screening can offer years of peace of mind.
How Craft Body Scan Supports Men’s Health
Craft Body Scan specializes in advanced imaging that helps detect health issues early—before they become more serious or harder to treat. When it comes to prostate health, our scans are designed to give men detailed, accurate information with minimal discomfort or downtime.
How we help:
- Advanced MRI imaging: We use high-resolution MRI to visualize the prostate and surrounding tissues, helping detect inflammation, enlargement, and tumors early.
- Radiation-free and non-invasive: MRI avoids harmful radiation and provides better soft-tissue detail than many other scans.
- Ideal for regular monitoring: Especially for men over 40 or those with a family history of prostate issues.
We believe in giving men the tools to take charge of their health. With Craft Body Scan, that starts with better imaging—and earlier answers.
FAQs About the Prostate Gland
- What age should I start screening my prostate?
Screening often starts around age 50 for average-risk men. If you have a family history or other risk factors, earlier screening may be recommended—often by age 40. - Can prostate problems affect sexual health?
Yes. Enlarged or inflamed prostates can affect ejaculation, libido, and performance. Getting evaluated early can help preserve sexual health. - Does prostate cancer always cause symptoms?
Not always. Many early-stage prostate cancers cause no symptoms at all. That’s why routine screening is critical. - Can lifestyle changes help maintain prostate health?
Definitely. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol can all support prostate health and reduce inflammation. - What’s the difference between a PSA test and an MRI?
A PSA test checks prostate-specific antigen levels in the blood, which can signal potential issues. An MRI offers a visual of the prostate and can spot growths or changes that PSA alone may not reveal.
Lifestyle Tips for a Healthier Prostate
In addition to screening, there are daily habits that support prostate wellness. These lifestyle changes can help lower your risk of inflammation or disease over time.
Consider the following tips:
- Eat more tomatoes and cruciferous vegetables: These are high in lycopene and antioxidants that may support prostate health.
- Limit red meat and processed foods: A diet high in saturated fat has been linked to higher risk of prostate disease.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity improves hormone regulation and reduces inflammation.
- Stay hydrated: Proper hydration supports urinary health and function.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can affect hormone balance and inflammation levels.
Pairing these changes with proactive scans creates a powerful strategy for long-term health.
Who Should Be Proactive About Prostate Health?
While all men should understand and monitor their prostate health, some groups are at higher risk and should take screening more seriously.
You should prioritize prostate screening if you:
- Are over the age of 50
- Have a family history of prostate cancer or BPH
- Are African American, as data shows higher risk within this group
- Have urinary or sexual symptoms
- Have elevated PSA levels
Being proactive doesn’t mean something is wrong—it means you’re putting your health first.
Don’t Wait for Symptoms – Get a Scan Today
By now, it’s clear that the answer to what does the prostate do goes beyond a simple biology lesson. The prostate supports essential functions, but its silent nature makes regular screening crucial.
At Craft Body Scan, we’re committed to helping men understand their health better—before problems arise. Our non-invasive, detailed scans are designed to give you clarity, peace of mind, and early warning when it matters most.
Book your prostate health scan today and take a confident step toward lifelong wellness.
