Ch. 27 - Male Reproductive System

Pathophysiology Exam 3

What is the primary function of the male reproductive system?

To produce, nourish, transport, and deliver sperm, and to produce testosterone

Which cells produce testosterone?

Leydig cells in the testes

Which hormone stimulates the Leydig cells to produce testosterone?

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Which cells support sperm production?

Sertoli cells

Which hormone stimulates spermatogenesis?

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

What are the primary functions of testosterone?

Development of male reproductive organs

Maintenance of secondary sex characteristics

Libido

Muscle mass

Bone density

Support of sperm production

Where are sperm produced and where do they mature?

They are produced in the seminiferous tubules and mature tin the epididymis

What is the pathway sperm trace from production to ejaculation?

Seminiferous tubules → Epididymis → Vas deferens → Ejaculatory duct → Urethra → Outside the body

What is cryptorchidism?

Failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum

Why is cryptorchidism important to treat?

It increases the risk of infertility and testicular cancer if not corrected

What is hypospadias?

A congenital condition in which the urethral opening is located on the underside of the(ventral surface) of the penis

What is epispadias?

A congenital condition in which the urethral opening is located on the upper (dorsal surface) of the penis

What is varicocele?

Enlargement of the veins of the smermatic cord, similar to varicose veins

How can a varicocele affect fertility?

It increases scrotal temperature, which can decrease sperm production and quality

Which anatomical abnormality is the most common correctable cause of male infertility?

Varicocele

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

A noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that commonly occurs with aging

What causes the urinary symptoms seen in BPH>

Enlargement of the prostate compresses the urethra, obstructing urine flow

What are the common symptoms of BPH?

Urinary hesitancy

Weak stream

Frequency

Urgency

Nocturia

Incomplete bladder emptying

Dribbling

What does nocturne mean?

Waking during the night to urinate

What complications can occur if BPH becomes severe?

Urinary retention

Recurrent urinary tract infections

Bladder stones

Hydronephrosis

Kidney damage

How is BPH diagnosed?

History

Digital rectal exam (DRE)

Urinalysis

PSA testing (to help rule out prostate cancer)

Assessment of urinary symptoms

How is BPH treated?

Lifestyle changes

Alpha-1 blockers

5-alpha reductase inhibitors

Surgery If symptoms are severe

What is the goal of treatment for BPH?

Relieve urinary obstruction

Improve urine flow

Prevent complications

What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?

The persistent inability to achieve to maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual activity

What are common physical causes of erectile dysfunction?

Diabetes

Hypertension

Cardiovascular disease

Obesity

Hormonal disorders

Neurological disease

Medications

Smoking and alcohol use

What psychological factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction?

Stress

Anxiety

Depression

Relationship problems

What medications are commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction?

Phosphodiestrase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, sich as sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil

What is an important contraindication to PDE-5 inhibitors?

They should not be taken with nitrate medications because the combination can cause severe hypotension

How is male infertility commonly evaluated?

With a semen analysis, which assesses sperm count, motility, morphology, and semen volume

What is the most common test used to evaluate male fertility?

Semen analysis

What are common causes of male infertility?

Low sperm count

Poor sperm motility

Abnormal sperm morphology

Varicocele

Hormonal disorders

Infections

Genetic conditions

Obstruction

What lifestyle factors increase the risk of male infertility?

Smoking

Excessive alcohol use

Anabolic steroid use

Obesity

Heat exposure

Illicit drug use

Environmental toxins

Why can anabolic steroid use lead to infertility?

It suppresses FSH and LH production, reducing testosterone production within the testes and decreasing sperm production

Which condition is the most common correctable cause of male infertility?

Varicocele

What is the goal of treating male infertility?

To identify and correct reversible causes', improve sperm quality, and increase the likelihood of conception