Prostate Gland Normal Size and Function

In a healthy young adult male, the normal dimensions of the prostate gland are approximately:

• Size: 3 cm (length) x 4 cm (width) x 2 cm (depth) — roughly the size of a walnut.
• Weight: 15 to 20 grams.
• Volume: 15 to 25 cc (cubic centimetres/mL).

(Note: Prostate size is usually measured via ultrasound and reported in 'cc' or 'grams'. 1 cc is roughly equivalent to 1 gram).

The primary function of the prostate gland is to produce a white, alkaline fluid that makes up about 30% of the semen volume. This fluid nourishes and protects sperm, helping them survive the acidic environment of the female reproductive tract.

As men age (usually after 50), the prostate naturally begins to grow. This non-cancerous growth is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

• Mild enlargement: 30 to 40 cc
• Moderate enlargement: 40 to 80 cc
• Severe enlargement: Over 80 cc (can sometimes reach 150-200 cc)

Because the prostate surrounds the urethra, an enlarged prostate squeezes the tube, causing frequent, difficult, or incomplete urination.