From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
The prostate gland plays a crucial role in male reproduction, secreting enzymes, lipids, and other substances essential for sperm function and fertility, as highlighted in a study published in 2016 1. The prostate is a small gland in men that produces seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation. Located just below the bladder and surrounding the urethra, the prostate's main function is reproductive. It secretes a milky, alkaline fluid that makes up about 30% of semen volume, helping to neutralize the acidic environment of the vagina to protect sperm and enhance their motility. Some key points about the prostate's function include:
- The prostate gland has a pivotal role in ejaculation, as prostatic fluid enriched in Zn(2+), citrate, and kallikreins is crucial for the molecular synchronization of the functional cascade triggered by ejaculatory stimuli 1.
- The prostate is the target of a number of common diseases that can affect male fertility at different ages, and consideration of prostate physiology emphasizes the central role of Zn(2+) and citrate in the regulation of prostate epithelium homeostasis and in ejaculation 1.
- The prostate also contains smooth muscles that contract during ejaculation to help propel semen through the urethra.
- Additionally, the prostate produces prostate-specific antigen (PSA), an enzyme that liquefies semen after ejaculation, allowing sperm to swim more freely. As men age, the prostate commonly enlarges, which can lead to urinary symptoms as it presses on the urethra. This condition, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), affects many men over 50 and is distinct from prostate cancer, though both conditions can cause similar symptoms. It is worth noting that the most recent and highest quality study on the topic, published in 2016 1, provides the most relevant information on the prostate's function and its role in male reproduction.