What Is Prostatic Fluid?

The prostate is one of the male-specific urogenital organs, and one of its primary functions is to secrete prostatic fluid. Prostatic fluid constitutes the major component of semen—a liquid produced and secreted by the prostate gland; ejaculated semen consists predominantly of this fluid.

When prostatitis is clinically suspected, examination of prostatic fluid is often required. In unmarried men who have not experienced nocturnal emissions or masturbation for an extended period, or in married men who have abstained from regular sexual activity for a prolonged time, small amounts of viscous, mucus-like fluid may discharge from the urethral meatus—particularly noticeable in the early morning or around the time of defecation. This discharge is prostatic fluid.