Chapter 59: Assessment and Management of Problems Related to Male Reproductive Processes

Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT)

Surgical (orchiectomy) or medical castration (luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists)

Cystostomy

Surgical creation of an opening into the urinary bladder

Orchiectomy

Surgical removal of one or both of the testes

Erectile Dysfunction

The inability to either achieve or maintain an erection sufficient to accomplish sexual intercourse; also called impotence

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

Resection of the prostate through endoscopy; the surgical and optical instrument is introduced directly through the urethra to the prostate, and the gland is then removed in small chips with an electrical cutting loop

Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA)

Substance that is produced by the prostate gland; is used in combination with digital rectal examination to screen for prostate cancer

Hydrocele

A collection of fluid, generally in the tunica vaginalis of the testis, although it also may collect within the spermatic cord

Orchitis

Acute inflammation of the testes (testicular congestion) caused by pyogenic, viral, spirochetal, parasitic, traumatic, chemical, or unknown factors

Varicocele

An abnormal dilation of the veins of the pampiniform venous plexus in the scrotum (the network of veins from the testis and the epididymis, which constitute part of the spermatic cord)

Priapism

An uncontrolled, persistent erection of the penis from either neural or vascular causes, including medications, sickle cell thrombosis, leukemic cell infiltration, spinal cord tumors, and tumor invasion of the penis or its vessels

Peyronie's Disease

Buildup of fibrous plaques in the sheath of the corpus cavernosum, causing curvature of the penis when it is erect

Phimosis

Condition in which the foreskin is constricted so that it cannot be retracted over the glans; can occur congenitally or from inflammation and edema

Brachytherapy

Delivery of radiation therapy through internal implants called seeds to a localized area of tissue

Retrograde Ejaculation

During ejaculation, semen travels to the urinary bladder instead of exiting through the penis

Circumcision

Excision of the foreskin, or prepuce, of the glans penis

Epididymitis

Infection of the epididymis that usually descends from an infected prostate or urinary tract; also may develop as a complication of gonorrhea, chlamydia, or Escherichia coli

Testosterone

Male sex hormone secreted by the testes; induces and preserves the male sex characteristics

Prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate gland caused by infectious agents (bacteria, fungi, mycoplasma) or various other problems (urethral stricture, prostatic hyperplasia)

Vasectomy

Ligation and transection of part of the vas deferens, with or without removal of a segment of the vas, to prevent the passage of the sperm from the testes; also called male sterilization

Cryptorchidism

Most common congenital defect in males; characterized by failure of one or both of the testes to descend into the scrotum

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Non-cancerous enlargement or hypertrophy of the prostate; the most common pathologic condition in older men

Prostatism

Obstructive and irritative symptom complex that includes increased frequency and hesitancy in starting urination, a decrease in the volume and force of the urinary stream, acute urinary retention, and recurrent urinary tract infections

Prostatectomy

Open or laparoscopic surgical removal of the entire prostate, the prostate urethra, and the attached seminal vesicles plus the ampulla of the vas deferens

Spermatogenesis

Production of sperm in the testes