Men's Health Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, diagnostic findings, and pharmacological treatments in men's health from the APEA 3P exam review.

Testicular torsion

A surgical emergency caused by twisting of the spermatic cord that cuts off blood flow, characterized by sudden severe scrotal pain, an absent cremasteric reflex, a high-riding horizontal lie, no relief on scrotal elevation (Prehn sign), and associated nausea and vomiting.

Prehn sign

A physical examination maneuver where lifting the scrotum provides relief of pain in epididymitis, but provides no relief in testicular torsion.

Bell clapper deformity

An anatomical defect that predisposes individuals to testicular torsion.

Epididymitis

Inflammation with gradual onset over days, presenting with relief on scrotal elevation (Prehn sign), a present cremasteric reflex, a normal testicular lie with a tender, swollen epididymis, dysuria, discharge, and fever.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Dihydrotestosterone-driven growth of the prostate transition zone compressing the urethra, causing hesitancy, weak stream, dribbling, incomplete emptying, frequency, urgency, and nocturia.

BPH digital rectal exam findings

A prostate that feels symmetric, smooth, rubbery, and nontender upon rectal exam, distinguished from prostate cancer which feels hard, nodular, and asymmetric.

Alpha-1 blockers

Medications such as tamsulosin and doxazosin that relax prostatic smooth muscle and work within days, with potential side effects including orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, and retrograde ejaculation.

5-alpha-reductase inhibitors

Medications such as finasteride and dutasteride that shrink the prostate gland over 6 to 12 months, halve PSA levels, lower libido, and must not be handled by pregnant women.

Prostatitis

An acute bacterial infection ascending from the urethra (usually E. coli, or gonorrhea and chlamydia in patients under 35) causing fever, chills, perineal or low back pain, and dysuria.

Prostatitis digital rectal exam findings

A prostate that feels warm, boggy, and very tender upon gentle rectal exam, during which vigorous prostate massage must be avoided.

Fluoroquinolone warnings

Key warnings associated with fluoroquinolones (such as levofloxacin used for prostatitis or enteric epididymitis), including tendon rupture, QT prolongation, and neuropathy.

Hydrocele

Fluid accumulation in the tunica vaginalis (caused by a patent processus vaginalis in infants) presenting as painless scrotal swelling that transilluminates and usually resolves by 12 months.

Varicocele

A scrotal condition that feels like a bag of worms, is usually left-sided, and does not transilluminate.

Psychogenic erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction characterized by sudden onset with preserved morning erections, as opposed to organic erectile dysfunction which presents with gradual onset.

PDE5 inhibitors

Medications such as sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil that prevent cGMP breakdown, contraindicated with nitrates, requiring caution with alpha-blockers, and causing side effects like headache, flushing, blue-tinted vision, and priapism.

Penile cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma presenting as a painless non-healing ulcer or mass on the glans or foreskin with inguinal lymph node involvement, associated with HPV 16 and 18, uncircumcised status, phimosis, and smoking.

Epididymitis treatment

Antimicrobial regimen consisting of ceftriaxone IM once plus doxycycline for 10 days for patients under 35 (covering chlamydia and gonorrhea), or levofloxacin for 10 days for patients over 35 (covering enteric organisms).