Regulation and Reproduction

Question

An enlarged prostate could cause which of the following to occur?

 Reduced testosterone release due to a constricted urethra

 Reduced testosterone release due to a constricted vas deferens

 Reduced semen ejaculation due to a constricted urethra 



Reduced semen ejaculation due to a constricted vas deferens

Answer 1

The answer is reduced semen ejaculation due to a constricted urethra.

The prostate surrounds the urethra. Imagine your hand squeezing a hose, and the water flow becoming reducued as a result of the pressure you apply.

If the prostate becomes enlarged, it pinches off the urethra causing obstruction. Both semen and urine pass through the urethra, so both will be obstructed.

Release of testosterone is from the testicles, not the urethra, nor the vas deferens.

the vas deferens is on the path of semen ejaculation, but is not affected by the enlarged prostate.