Diseases, Disorders, Conditions, and Dysfunctions
Some of the
more common diseases and conditions affecting the male reproductive system
include the following:
Disorders of the Scrotal Contents
Conditions affecting the scrotal
contents may involve the testicles, epididymis, or the scrotum
itself.
Testicular Disorders
- Testicular trauma. Even the slightest injury to the testicles can
cause severe pain, bruising, or swelling. Most testicular injuries occur when
the testicles are struck, hit, kicked, or crushed, usually during sports. To
protect their testicles from trauma, boys and men should always wear athletic
cups during contact sports.
- Testicular torsion. This testicular problem occurs most frequently
in males between the ages of 12 and 18. Within the scrotum, the testicles are
secured by a structure called the spermatic cord. When the testicle twists on
this cord, the blood supply to the testicle is cut off. Torsion might occur as
the result of trauma to the testicles, strenuous activity, or for no apparent
reason at all. In the United States, testicular torsion occurs in one out of
4,000 males younger than 25.
- Undescended testicles. A male baby may be born with his
testicles not having descended into the scrotum. The testes form in the
abdominal cavity in the early stages of fetal development, and then descend in
the month before birth. If the testicles do not drop by themselves, surgery
can bring them down.
- Testicular cancer. Although rare, this is one of the most common
cancers in men younger than 40. It occurs when cells in the testicle divide
and form a tumor. If detected early, the cure rate is excellent. Lance
Armstrong, champion U.S. cyclist, survived testicular cancer that was not
detected early and had spread to his abdomen, lungs, and brain. Teens should
be encouraged to perform self-examinations, because early detection of
testicular cancer can be life-saving.
- Epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis, the coiled tubes
that connect the testes with the vas deferens. It is usually caused by
infection or by the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia, and results in
pain and swelling at the back of one testicle.
- Hydrocele. A hydrocele - fluid in the membranes surrounding the
testes - may be present at birth or may develop later in life.
Hydroceles may cause swelling of the testicle but are generally painless.
If a large amount of fluid is present, a doctor may need to draw it out with a
needle.
- Inguinal hernias. When a portion of the intestines pushes through
the abdominal wall and into the groin or scrotum, it is known as an inguinal
hernia. The hernia is apparent as a bulge or swelling in the groin area. It
can be corrected with surgery.
Penile Disorders
Disorders affecting the penis include
the following:
- Hypospadias, a birth defect in which the opening of the
urethra is in the wrong place, such as the underside of the penis. Surgery can
correct it.
- Phimosis
, a tightening of the foreskin of the penis, which is common
in newborns and young children and usually resolves without treatment. If it
interferes with urination, circumcision may be recommended.
- Ambiguous genitalia
, a very rare condition in which a child is born
with genitals that aren't clearly male or female. In most boys born with this
disorder, the penis may be very small or nonexistent but testicular tissue is
present. In a small number of cases, the child may have both testicular and
ovarian tissue.
- Micropenis, another rare disorder where the penis,
although normally formed, falls well below the average size, as determined by
standard measurements.
Circumcision
Although circumcision is not a penile disorder or dysfunction, it is
something that parents of newborn boys may find themselves thinking a lot about.
Usually performed during the first few days of life, circumcision is a procedure
in which the foreskin is surgically removed, exposing the end of the penis.
Parents who choose circumcision often do so based on religious beliefs,
concerns about hygiene, or cultural or social reasons.
Sterility/Infertility
If a male is sterile, either his body doesn't
produce sperm at all or it doesn't produce enough sperm. This may occur as a
result of abnormalities of the reproductive organs, inflammation in the
genitals, alcoholism, or sexually transmitted diseases. Some men may also have
trouble ejaculating. In vitro fertilization and artificial insemination can aid
infertility.
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