Male Reproductive System Disorders

What are the external organs of the male reproductive system?s

• Penis

• scrotum

• urethra

What are the internal organs of the male reproductive system?

• Testes

• epididymis

• vas deferens

• seminal vesicles

• ejaculatory ducts

• prostate

• bulbourethral glands

What do Y chromosome genes do in male development?

They signal development of male gonads (testes).

What hormone stimulates the release of FSH and LH?

GnRH (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone) → Released by Hypothalamus

What is the function of FSH in males?

Stimulates spermatogenesis (sperm production) in the testes.

What is the function of LH in males?

Stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone.

What cells produce testosterone?

Leydig cells

What is the role of testosterone in male reproduction?

Supports sperm production and male secondary sex characteristics.

What is the function of inhibin?

Suppresses GnRH and inhibits FSH (and indirectly LH) to regulate sperm production.

What is the function of the seminiferous tubules?

Site of sperm production (spermatogenesis); produce sperm within the testes.

What happens to sperm after leaving the seminiferous tubules?

They travel to the epididymis for maturation and storage

What is the function of the epididymis?

Site where sperm mature and are stored (can be stored for weeks).

What is the function of the vas deferens?

Transports sperm from the epididymis toward the ejaculatory ducts/urethra.

Where does the vas deferens originate?

It ascends from the epididymis.

What is a vasectomy?

Surgical procedure where the vas deferens is cut to block sperm from entering the semen.

What is the spermatic cord?

A bundle of structures that suspends the testes from the abdomen into the inguinal region.

What structures are found in the spermatic cord?

Vas deferens, blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics.

What is the role of spermatic cord positioning?

It supports and suspends the testes and helps regulate temperature for sperm production.

Risk factors for Male Reproductive Disorders

• Injury/trauma

• Teratogens

• Tight undergarments

• Overheating of testes

• Radiation

• Lifestyle

What areas are assessed during a physical exam for male reproductive disorders?

Lower pelvis, inguinal region, and scrotal area.

What is a digital rectal exam (DRE)?

Physical exam where a provider inserts a finger into the rectum to assess the prostate gland.

What does a DRE assess?

Size, shape, texture, and tenderness of the prostate gland.

What types of testing are used to evaluate male reproductive disorders?

Genetic testing, hormonal testing, and STI screening

What does PSA stand for?

Prostate-Specific Antigen

What is PSA used for?

Screening and monitoring prostate conditions (e.g., prostate cancer, inflammation, enlargement → high PSA → prostate cancer

Precocious Puberty

Present if secondary male sexual characteristics are evident prior to 9 years of age

What do Tanner stages assess?

Physical sexual maturation during puberty.

What does the Tanner Stage evaluate?

Pubic hair, testicular size and development , and penile growth and development

Cryptorchidism

Undescended testicles, full descent occurs by age 1.

Hypospadias

Urethral orifice is on the ventral, or underside of the penis instead of the glans

Epispadias

Urethral orifice is on the dorsal, or anterior side.

Phimosis

Foreskin is too constricted and cannot easily retract from the penis

Paraphimosis

Foreskin is permanently retracted behind the tip of the penis.

Peyronie’s disease

Inflammatory vasculitis where the penis takes on curvature due to scar tissue in corpora cavernosum and can impedes blood flow in severe cases

Priapism

Abnormally prolonged erection that is painful

Hydrocele

Collection of serous fluid in the scrotum due to blood or infection (Trama)

Hematocele

Collection of blood in scrotum and is often caused by trauma or infection

Varicocele

Enlargement of veins in scrotum

Testicular Torsion