Male Reproductive Health Overview

These flashcards provide key terms and definitions related to male reproductive health, covering conditions, treatments, and their implications.

Testicular Cancer

A major cancer in men aged 15-35, accounting for 1% of all male cancers and is highly curable.

Risk Factors for Testicular Cancer

Includes cryptorchidism, family history, Caucasian ethnicity, and HIV infection.

Germ Cell Tumors

Tumors that account for 95% of testicular cancers; can be divided into seminomas and non-seminomas.

Seminomas

A type of germ cell tumor that arises from immature germ cells, slow-growing, and easily cured with radiation.

Non-seminomas

Germ cell tumors that arise from mature germ cells, more aggressive, and usually treated with surgery.

Early Clinical Manifestations of Testicular Cancer

Include testicular enlargement, painless mass, and if discomfort present, a dull ache in the groin.

Late Clinical Manifestations of Testicular Cancer

May include cough, hemoptysis, swollen lower extremities, back pain, and dizziness.

Prostate Gland

A gland surrounding the urethra that produces seminal fluids, weighing between 4-20 grams.

BPH

Nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate leading to lower urinary tract symptoms.

Risk Factors for BPH

Non-modifiable factors: age, family history, race/ethnicity. Modifiable factors: obesity, caffeine intake, physical activity.

Etiology of BPH

Theories include hormone imbalance (testosterone and estrogen) and DHT accumulation which stimulates prostate cell growth.

Clinical Symptoms of BPH

Symptoms include frequent urination, urgency, dribbling, and difficulty initiating urination.

Treatment Options for BPH

Includes watchful waiting for mild symptoms, drug therapy for moderate symptoms, and invasive options for severe symptoms.

5-alpha reductase inhibitors

Medications like Finasteride and Dutasteride that block the conversion of testosterone to DHT.

Alpha1-adrenergic antagonists

Medications like Tamsulosin that relax smooth muscle cells and improve urinary flow.

Prostate Cancer

The most common male cancer in the US, highly variable among races and significantly increases after the age of 50.

Clinical Manifestations of Prostate Cancer

May resemble BPH presentation in early stages, and can metastasize to bone and lungs.

PSA Screening Controversy

Prostate cancer screening raises questions due to slow growth in many cases, leading to unnecessary treatment.

Prognosis Factors in Prostate Cancer

Includes Gleason score, tumor volume, PSA levels, and the number of positive biopsy cores.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

The inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse.

Primary ED

A rare condition characterized by lifelong inability to achieve normal erections, often due to severe psychiatric problems.

Secondary ED

ED experienced by someone with a previous history of normal erections, commonly due to organic or psychogenic causes.

PDE-5 Inhibitors

Medications like Sildenafil that increase cGMP levels and enhance the erectile response to sexual stimuli.

Safety Issues with PDE-5 Inhibitors

Include potential interactions with nitrates and risks of severe side effects like priapism.