The close proximity between the human rectum and prostate: a functional-anatomic arrangement favoring prostate health

Abstract

Prostate health is related to the frequency of ejaculation and prostate drainage. Frequent, repetitive ejaculations theoretically may pose a prostate cancer risk due to ensuing high testosterone levels and loss of zinc. In line with this, the proximity of the human rectum and prostate is of diagnostic and therapeutic importance. We provide evidence to support the view that the proximity of the rectum and prostate in men enables lower bowel distention to compress the prostate’s lateral side to facilitate drainage, which might lower cancer risk. This drainage mechanism is likely on-going and gradual, compared to rapid drainage following ejaculation. The physiological context suggests that these mechanisms of prostate drainage are complementary. Dietary content containing polyphenol- and fiber-rich meals, along with voluminous stool formation and increased gastrointestinal transit may all help improve prostate drainage. This may be important in voluntary abstinent men or other categories of sexually limited men. Recognizing that the anatomic relationship between the rectal area and prostate may facilitate prostate drainage, because of diet and gastro-intestinal activity, could be important to prostate health maintenance.