Reproductive System - 2

Male

What are the functions of the male reproductive system?

• Spermatogenesis: generates and transports sperm

• Produces sex hormones

• Aids in urination

What structures does the male reproductive system include?

• Includes penis

• scrotum

• testes

• duct system

• accessory glands

What are the functions of testosterone?

Gives males their secondary sex characteristics and sex drive

How does testosterone affect metabolism?

Regulates metabolism and protein anabolism

How does testosterone affect pituitary secretion?

Inhibits pituitary secretion of the gonadotropins.

What is hypospadia?

Urethral meatus located on the ventral surface of the penis.

What is epispadia?

Urethral meatus occurs on the dorsal surface of the penis and may extend the entire length of the penis.

What are the manifestations/risks of epispadia?

Can cause urination problems; increased risk for urinary tract infections. Usually develops during the first month of gestation; urinary defects often also present.

What is cryptorchidism?

Undescended testicle.

What occurs in cryptorchidism?

One or both testes do not descend from abdomen to scrotum; undescended testes usually remain along the path of descent.

What is a hydrocele?

Fluid accumulation between the layers of the tunica vaginalis or along the spermatic cord.

What causes a hydrocele?

• Congenital defect

• inflammation

• infection

• trauma

• tumors

What is the diagnosis of a hydrocele?

Painless scrotal enlargement that transilluminates and scrotal heaviness.

What is a varicocele?

Dilated vein in the spermatic cord.

What causes a varicocele?

Results from valve issues that allow blood to pool in the veins. Causes: congenital defects and obstructions.

What is a major consequence of varicocele?

Most common cause for low sperm counts and decreased sperm quality because of testicular ischemia.

What are the manifestations of varicocele?

“bag of worms” feeling to the scrotum and scrotal heaviness

What is testicular torsion?

Abnormal rotation of the testes on the spermatic cord.

What causes testicular torsion?

Trauma, but can also occur spontaneously.

What are the manifestations of testicular torsion?

Sudden scrotal edema and pain.

How is testicular torsion diagnosed?

• History

• physical examination

• scrotal ultrasound

What are the characteristics of penile cancer?

Rare malignancy. The exact cause is unknown.

What are the risk factors for penile cancer?

• Smegma

• being uncircumcised

• poor hygiene

• phimosis

• HPV infections

What can penile cancer look like?

A thick, grey-white lesion (Bowen lesion) or a red, shiny lesion (erythroplasia of Queyrat).

Who is most commonly affected by testicular cancer?

Uncommon but curable (even if metastatic) cancer most common in 15–35 year olds

What are the risk factors for testicular cancer?

• Family history

• infection

• trauma

• cryptorchidism

What are the manifestations of testicular cancer?

• Asymptomatic

• a hard, painless, palpable mass that does not transilluminate

• testicular discomfort or pain

• enlargement of the testicle

What is the diagnosis method listed for testicular cancer?

Monthly self-testicular examinations.

What are the characteristics of prostate cancer?

Most common cancer in men. Slow-growing tumor with an unknown cause; as it grows, it obstructs urethra.

What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?

History of STIs, family history, high-fat diets, and androgen hormone replacement.

What are the manifestations of prostate cancer?

• Urinary difficulties

• erectile dysfunctions

• bloody semen

• hematuria

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

Biopsy, the prostate-specific antigen test, and prostatic acid phosphatase test.

What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

Infections that can be contracted through sexual contact.

Which three STIs are reportable to the CDC?

• Chlamydia

• gonorrhea

• syphilis

What causes chlamydia?

Chlamydia trachomatis: intracellular parasite that requires a host cell to reproduce.

What are the complications of chlamydia?

PID, epididymitis, prostatitis, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.

Increases the risk for contracting other STIs.

What are the manifestations of chlamydia?

• If present, include dysuria

• penile, vaginal, or rectal discharge

• testicular tenderness or pain

• rectal pain

• and painful sexual intercourse

What causes gonorrhea?

Caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, an aerobic bacterium with many drug-resistant strains.

What are the complications of gonorrhea?

• PID

• epididymitis

• prostatitis

• infertility

• ectopic pregnancy

• arthritis

• dermatitis

• endocarditis

What are the manifestations of gonorrhea?

• If present, include dysuria

• penile, vaginal, or rectal discharge

• redness/edema at urinary meatus (in men)

• testicular tenderness

• rectal pain

• painful intercourse

• white blisters that darken and disappear

What causes syphilis?

Ulcerative infection caused by Treponema pallidum, a spirochete that requires a warm, moist environment to survive.

What characterizes primary syphilis?

1+ painless chancres form at site 2–3 weeks after infection; no other symptoms are present.

What happens to primary syphilis chancres?

Often go unnoticed and disappear about 4–6 weeks later, even without treatment.

When does secondary syphilis occur?

Occurs about 2–8 weeks after the first chancres form.

What are the manifestations of secondary syphilis?

• Generalized, brown-red rash

• malaise

• fever

What characterizes latent or tertiary syphilis?

Begins when the secondary symptoms disappear and lasts 1–4 years.

What complications can occur in tertiary syphilis?

• Blindness

• paralysis

• dementia

• cardiovascular disease

• death

What are the two forms of herpes simplex virus (HSV)?

HSV type 1 typically occurs above the waist and manifests as a cold sore. HSV type 2 typically occurs below the waist.

How is HSV transmitted?

Transmitted through sexual, direct skin-to-skin contact, and from mother to fetus.

When is HSV transmission risk greatest?

The risk of transmission is the greatest when lesions are present.

What happens to HSV after the initial infection?

The virus causes an initial infection at the entry site then the virus travels along the nerve root where it remains dormant until the next outbreak, which will occur at the same site.

What is the prodrome of genital herpes?

Outbreaks begin with a tingling or burning sensation at the site just before the lesion appears (prodrome).

How do genital herpes lesions develop?

The lesions first appear as a vesicle surrounded by erythema. Vesicles rupture, leaving a painful ulcerative lesion with watery exudate.

What happens as genital herpes lesions heal?

Crust forms over the ulcer, and it heals spontaneously in 3–4 weeks

What are human papillomaviruses (HPVs)?

Benign growths on external genitals, cervix, and anus caused by a group of viruses.

What are the manifestations of HPV?

• Asymptomatic

• growths that can be raised, flat, rough, smooth, flesh-colored, white, grey, pink, cauliflower-like, large, or barely visible, with abnormal bleeding, discharge, and itching

How is HPV diagnosed?

• History

• examination

• Pap smear

• biopsy

• PCR test

What causes trichomoniasis?

• Caused by Trichomonas vaginalis (a parasite)

• a one-celled anaerobic organism that can burrow under the mucosal lining

Where does Trichomonas vaginalis reside in men and women?

In men, the organism primarily resides in the urethra and causes no symptoms. In women, the organism resides in the vagina.

What are the manifestations of trichomoniasis?

Excessive odorous, frothy, white or yellow-green vaginal discharge; vagina and vulva irritation; itching; painful intercourse; and dysuria.

How is trichomoniasis diagnosed?

• History

• physical examination

• Pap smear