Prostate

The prostate (or prostate gland) is a small gland about the size of a walnut that sits below the bladder in people with a penis. Its main job is producing some of the fluid that makes up semen — the liquid that carries sperm during ejaculation. It also comes up in conversations about sexual pleasure because it has a lot of nerve endings and can be stimulated through the wall of the rectum.

• The prostate is a gland that produces fluid that forms part of semen.
• It sits just below the bladder, in front of the rectum, and surrounds part of the urethra.
• It's about the size of a walnut in young adults and grows with age.
• It can be stimulated through the rectum and is sometimes called the "male G-spot" or "P-spot."
• Prostate health is mainly an older-person concern (prostate cancer), but knowing it exists is part of understanding your anatomy.

What it does

The prostate produces a milky, slightly alkaline fluid that mixes with sperm (from the testicles) and other fluids (from the seminal vesicles) to form semen. This prostate fluid makes up roughly 25-30% of semen. [CHECK: commonly cited proportion] Its alkalinity helps protect sperm from the acidic environment of the vagina, improving their chances of reaching an egg.

During ejaculation, the prostate contracts and pushes its fluid into the urethra, where it combines with sperm and is expelled from the penis.

The pleasure side

The prostate has a high concentration of nerve endings, and stimulating it can produce intense pleasurable sensations — sometimes leading to a different kind of orgasm than penile stimulation alone. Some people describe prostate orgasms as deeper or more full-body.

The prostate can be reached through the rectum — it's located a few centimetres inside, towards the front of the body (towards the belly button). It can be stimulated with a finger or a specifically designed sex toy. Pressing or massaging the perineum (the area between the scrotum and the anus) can also provide indirect stimulation.

Prostate stimulation is something people of all sexualities explore. Being interested in it doesn't say anything about your sexual orientation — it's about anatomy, not identity.

Things people get wrong

"Only gay men are into prostate stimulation." The prostate is an anatomical feature, not a sexuality indicator. Plenty of straight men enjoy it. Plenty of gay men don't. What you enjoy sexually doesn't define your orientation — who you're attracted to does.

"The prostate is only relevant to older men." Prostate cancer and enlargement are mainly concerns for older people, but the prostate is present and active from puberty. Understanding your own anatomy at any age is a good thing.

"Prostate stimulation is dangerous." It's safe when done gently, with lube, and with clean hands or an appropriate toy (one with a flared base so it can't get lost). Like any anal activity, being gentle and using lubrication is important.

Things people ask about the prostate

Where exactly is it?

Inside the rectum, a few centimetres in, towards the front of the body. If you insert a finger into the anus and curve it towards the belly, you can usually feel a rounded, slightly firm area about the size of a walnut. That's the prostate.

Does everyone with a penis have one?

Yes. It develops during puberty and is part of the reproductive system.

Is it normal to be curious about prostate stimulation?

Yes. It's a part of your body with a lot of nerve endings. Curiosity about what feels good is normal. Exploring it — alone or with a partner — is a personal choice and nothing to feel weird about.

What about prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, but it mainly affects people over 50. It's not something young people typically need to worry about. Awareness is good; anxiety about it at a young age isn't necessary. [CHECK: current prostate cancer screening age/recommendations]

The prostate is a small gland about the size of a walnut. It's inside a boy's or man's body, just below where wee is stored (the bladder). Everyone with a penis has one.

Its main job is to make some of the fluid that mixes with sperm when someone ejaculates. This fluid helps protect the sperm.

The prostate also has lots of nerve endings, which means it can feel pleasurable when touched. It can be reached through the bum. Some people find that touching or pressing this area feels really good. Others aren't interested. Both are fine.

Being curious about this part of the body doesn't say anything about who you're attracted to. It's about anatomy, not sexuality. People of all types explore it.

Prostate problems like cancer mainly affect older people, not young people. But knowing the prostate exists is a useful part of understanding your own body.