Disorders and Issues of the Testicular System

What is hypogonadism?

diminished functional activity of the gonads (testes/ovaries)

What can happen in hypogonadism?

decreased biosynthesis of sex hormones- defective primary or secondary sexual development

low testosterone, small testes, decreased libido and energy

impaired spermatogenesis/ovulation- partial or complete infertility possible

What can hypogonadism come from?

congenital (genetic) or acquired (tumor, T2DM, supplementation with exogenous testosterone)

What is cryptorchidism?

undescended testes

When does cryptorchidism usually happen?

during prenatal development (testes migrate from near kidney)

How is cryptorchidism usually fixed?

with surgery shortly after birth

What can cryptorchidism lead to?

infertility, and increased risk of testicular cancer

How does abnormal morphology impact sperm?

ability to swim and fertilize

What are three abnormal morphologies of sperm?

head defects, neck defects, and tail defects

What is considered low sperm count?

What is a symptom of low sperm count?

water or clear semen

What do you need to do to have high sperm count?

eat healthy, drink water, avoid alcohol and drugs, no hot tubs or tight pants, avoid pesticides, exercise

What is benign prostate hyperplasia?

enlarged prostate

Who is more likely to have benign prostate hyperplasia?

older men

How is benign prostate hyperplasia treated?

alpha blockers (relax muscles), phosphodiesterase (+ED), alpha reductase inhibitors (lowers T to DHEA)

What is prostatitis?

infection of the prostate

What are two symptoms of prostatitis?

painful urination and pelvic pain

What is prostate cancer?

cancer in the prostate

How is prostate cancer treated?

radiation

How can prostate cancer be detected?

painful urination and PSA testing

What is testicular cancer?

cancer in the testes

Who usually has testicular cancer?

20-40 year old males

How is testicular cancer treated?

removal of testicle