What Is the Prostate Gland?

The prostate is a gland—about the size of a walnut—that makes and stores semen. The prostate is necessary for male sexual function and reproduction.

What Does It Do?

The main job of the prostate gland is to produce semen, the fluid that carries sperm. This fluid helps protect sperm from the vagina's acidity during ejaculation.

Where Is the Prostate Gland Located?

The prostate gland is located just below the bottom of the bladder and in front of the rectum.
It surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the body. Because of its location, if the prostate gland becomes enlarged, it can create bothersome urinary problems.