Male Reproductive System

Epididymis

A collection of tubes that together are almost 20 ft long and is where sperm mature and are stored The epididymis collects sperm from the testis and provides the environment for sperm to mature and acquire the ability to move through the female reproductive system and fertilize an ovum.

Prostate Gland

A walnut sized structure that is located below the urinary bladder in front of the rectum The prostate gland contricutes additional fluid to the ejaculate. Secretions from the prostate gland combine with the sperm-containing fluid to form semen. Prostate fluids also help nourish the sperm.

Inguinal Hernia

An inguinal hernia is caused by defects in the mucles of the lower abdominal wall. Inguinal Hernias allow structures in the abdomen, such as intestine particles, to enter the scrotum. This may cause a slight lump or bulge in the groin area. The lump, or bulge may be easy to see when the man stands or lifts somthing heavy. It can be very painful when having to pass urine or to have a bowel movement. Surgery is usually required to repair the opening in the muscle wall. The following picture shows an inguinal hernia from a CT scan.

Prostate Disease

Benign prostate enlargement and prostate cancer The prostate gland can become enlarged as a result of an infection, a tumor, or possibly age-related problems

Care of the Male Reproductive Organs

Caring for the male reproductive organs is vital in the proper development and helps avoid health problems. This process involves medical check-ups, hygiene, protection, self-examination, and the practice of abstinence Medical Check-Ups: All males should have a regular medical check-up by a physican every 12 to 18 months. Hygiene: Males should bathe regularly and thoroughly, cleanse the penis and scrotum. Protection: Males involved in physical activities such as football or baseball should regularly use a protective cup or supporter to protect the external organs Self-Examinations: Males should examine their scrotum and testicles for signs of cancer and should report any changes to their primary physican Abstinence: Abstain from any sexual activity to avoid contracting STDs.

Testis

Each testis is divided into tiny tubules in which sperm are formed.

testicular cancer

One of the most common cancers in men under the age of 40. Testicular Cancer forms when the cells in the testicle divide abnormally and form a tumor. Some warning signs include swelling, lumps, or pain in the groin area. Men who develop these symptoms should consult with their physician. It is recommended by the American Cancer Society that men perform a testicular exam once a month

Urethra

Passageway through which both semen and urine leave the male body The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. It serves as a dual function

Seminal Vesicle

Sac-like pouches that attach to the vas deferens near the base of the bladder. The seminal vesicles produce a sugar-rich fluid (fructose) that provides sperm with a source of energy and helps assits with the movement of the sperm. The seminal vesicle also makes up majority of the ejaculatory fluid.

Infertility

The inability to achieve a pregnancy in a fertile woman due to low sperm production, blockages or other factors Infertility is caused by a problem called varicocele. Varicocele happens when a man's varicose vein is is too large in the testicle area. Some things that may increase a man's infertility include the following: Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking cigarettes, Various medications, Radiation therapy If a man is concerned with his testicles or possible infertility, he should consult with his primary care physician.

Vas Deferenal

Tubes that extend from each epididymis to the urethra The vas deferenal is a firm muscular tube comparable to the size of spaghetti that transports sperm from the epididymis into the pelvic cavity just behind the bladder. It also transports mature sperm to the urethra to prepare for ejaculation.

Chlamydia

a common STD caused by a bacterium and can infect both men and women. Chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial STD in the United States. Some of the symptoms reported by men include discharge from the penis and burning upon urination; both of these symptoms can cause serious damage to the reproductive system.

Semen

a thick fluid containing sperm and other secretions from the male reproductive system The process resulting in the discharge of semen is known as ejaculation

Penis

a tube-shaped organ that extends from the trunk of the body just above the testes The penis is the male organ for sexual intercourse and is composed of spongy tissue that contain blood vessels. It is also an external organ that propels sperm into the female during intercourse. When blood flow to the penis increases, it becomes enlarged and erect. The penis has three parts: the root, the body, and the glands. Root: Attaches to the wall of the abdomen Body: also known as the shaft Glands: also known as the head and is covered with a loose layer of skin called foreskin.

Syphilis

an STD that is cause by a bacterium. Syphilis can cause long-term complications and could lead to death if not properly treated. Syphilis appears as a reddish sore at the site of infection. Eventually, if left untreated, can lead to reddisn papules and nodules over much of the body.

Scrotum

an external skin sac The scrotum is the loose sac of skin that is behind the penis. It contains the testicles, as well as nerves and blood vessels. The scrotum acts as protection and also as climate control for the testicles. The cremaster muscles in the wall of the scrotum relax to allow the testes to hang farther from the body to cool or contract to pull the testes closer to the body for warmth or protection.

Genital Herpes

is an STD caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). Herpes is a virus that appears periodically as blisterlike sores in the genital area. This STD is one that can never be treated and the virus remains in the body for life.

Testicles (testes)

small glands that produce sperm The testicles are oval organs and average about 1.5 to 3 inches apart in length and 2 to 3 teaspoons in volume, they are similar to the size of a large olive and lie within the scrotum. Most men have two testicles. The testicles have two main functions: To produce sperm To produce testosterone

Fertilization

the joining of a male sperm cell and a female egg cell