Common Disorders Of The Male Reproductive System

1. Common Disorders Of The Male Reproductive System By Joan Meade October 2006

3. Testicular Trauma Occurs when testicles are struck, hit, kicked or crushed Symptoms are severe pain, bruising, swelling

4. Torsion of Testicles Testicular torsion is the twisting of the spermatic cord, which cuts off the blood supply to the testicle and surrounding structures within the scrotum

5. Torsion of Testicles Some men may be predisposed to testicular torsion as a result of inadequate connective tissue within the scrotum. However, the condition can result from trauma to the scrotum, particularly if significant swelling occurs. It may also occur after strenuous exercise or may not have an obvious cause.

6. Torsion of Testicles Symptoms    Sudden onset of severe pain in one testicle, with or without a previous predisposing event Swelling within one side of the scrotum Nausea or vomiting Light headedness Testicle lump Blood in Semen

7. Torsion of Testicles Surgery is usually required and should be performed as soon as possible after symptoms begin. If surgery is performed within 6 hours, most testicles can be saved. During surgery, the testicle on the other (non-affected) side is usually also anchored as a preventive measure. This is because the non-affected testicle is at risk of testicular torsion in the future.

8. Undescended Testicles Undescended testicle occurs when one or both testicles fail to move into the scrotum prior to birth. Surgery (orchiopexy) is the definitive therapy. The trend in literature favours earlier surgery to prevent irreversible damage to the testis, which may cause infertility.

9. Orchitis Orchitis is an inflammation of one or both of the testicles, often caused by infection Caused by numerous bacterial and viral organisms. The most common viral cause is mumps.

10. Orchitis Symptoms    Scrotal swelling Tender, swollen, heavy feeling in the testicle Tender, swollen groin area on affected side Fever Discharge from penis Pain with urination (dysuria) Pain with intercourse or ejaculation Groin pain Testicle pain aggravated by bowel movement or straining Blood in the semen

11. Orchitis Treatment    Medications to treat infection are prescribed if the causative agent is bacterial. Pain medications and anti-inflammatory medications are also commonly prescribed. In the case of gonorrhea or chlamydia, sexual partners must also be treated. When orchitis is caused by viral agents, only analgesics (pain relievers) are prescribed. Bed rest, with elevation of the scrotum and ice packs applied to the area, is recommended.

12. Hydrocoele A hydrocoele is a fluid-filled sack along the spermatic cord within the scrotum Hydrocoeles can be easily demonstrated by shining a flashlight through the enlarged portion of the scrotum. If the scrotum is full of clear fluid, as in a hydrocoele, the scrotum will light up (transillumination).

13. Hydrocoele During normal development, the testicles descend down a tract (tube) from the abdomen into the scrotum. Hydrocoeles result when this tube fails to close. Hydrocoeles may also be caused by inflammation or trauma of the testicle or epididymis, or by fluid or blood obstruction within the spermatic cord. This type of hydrocoele is more common in older men.

14. Hydrocoele Treatment Drainage Surgery

15. Inguinal Hernia An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin area, when an organ, usually a part of the intestine, protrudes through the abdominal wall into the inguinal canal. The inguinal canal carries the spermatic cord in men.

16. Inguinal Hernia Symptoms: None until the doctor discovers it during a routine medical exam. Bulge created by the protruding intestine when you stand upright, especially if you cough or strain. Other signs and symptoms: Pain or discomfort in your groin, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting A heavy or dragging sensation in your groin Pain and swelling in the scrotum around the testicles when the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum

17. Phimosis Tightening of the foreskin which may cause it not to be able to retract and may interfere with urination Treatment is usually circumcision

18. Paraphimosis Entrapment of the foreskin behind the head of the penis Can be congenital or acquired Acquired due to poor hygiene or forceful retraction of foreskin Vigorous sexual activity may also cause paraphimosis

19. Paraphimosis Symptoms Pain and swelling Pain with erection Treatment Manual reduction of the foreskin Slitting the foreskin to free the constriction Circumcision

20. Hypospadias & Epispadias The urethral opening appears either on the underside or upper side of the penis but not at the tip Treatment – reconstructive surgery

21. Varicocoele Varicose vein in the spermatic cord Cause - the valve that regulates blood flow from the vein into the main circulatory system becomes damaged or defective. Inefficient blood flow causes enlargement (dilation) of the vein.

22. Varicocoele Signs and Symptoms Most men who have a varicocoele have no symptoms. Signs and symptoms may include the following: Ache in the testicle Feeling of heaviness in the testicle(s) Infertility Shrinkage (atrophy) of the testicle(s) Visible or palpable (able to be felt) enlarged vein

23. Varicocoele Treatment If the patient is asymptomatic or the symptoms are mild and infertility is not an issue, the condition can be managed by wearing an athletic supporter or snug-fitting underwear to provide the scrotum with support. Surgery If the varicocoele causes pain or atrophy, if it damages the testicle(s), or if the condition is causing infertility, surgery may be recommended. Most varicoceles can be corrected through a surgical procedure called varicocoelectomy (i.e., surgically "tying off" the affected spermatic veins).

24. Prostatitis Prostatitis - inflammation the prostate gland Cause - bacterial infection, but evidence of infection is not always found Symptoms - painful urination and ejaculation

25. Prostatitis Diagnosis Digital rectal exam to determine if the prostate gland is tender or swollen Urinalysis determines the presence of white blood cells (leukocytes) in the urine Urine culture to identify bacteria Treatment is antibiotics and analgesics

26. Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer commonly occurs in men over age 50 Twice as common in black men as it is in whites. The likelihood of developing prostate cancer doubles if there is a family history.

27. Prostate Cancer Symptoms include hesitant, frequent or painful urination, blood in the urine, sexual dysfunction, swollen lymph nodes in the groin, and pain in the pelvis, hips, back, or ribs. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of two or more of these approaches.