The prostate gland is located below the bladder in men and produces fluid components of semen. It secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. A healthy adult prostate weighs about 20–25 grams (2/3 to 3/4 of an ounce). It measures 4 x 2 x 3 centimeters (1.6 x 1 x 1.2 inches).

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, or BPH, is one possible medical cause behind an enlarged prostate. This is a pretty common condition and usually nothing serious (hence the “benign” qualifier). In fact, over half of men ages 50+ show symptoms of BPH. But it does share symptoms with the early stages of prostate cancer, so it’s important to be aware of the difference.