Disorders Of The Male Reproductive System

Testicular Torsion Spermatic cord twists Males whose attachment is higher up are at risk of testicular torsion A male who notices the ability of either or both testicles to freely rotate within the scrotum should be aware that he is at risk of testicular torsion

TESTICULAR TORSION DESCRIPTION AKA “WINTER SYNDROME” The scrotum of a man who has been lying in a warm bed is relaxed. When he arises, his scrotum is exposed to the colder room air. If the spermatic cord is twisted while the scrotum is loose, the sudden contraction that results from the abrupt temperature change can trap the testicle in that position. The result is a testicular torsion.

Testicular Torsion Continued More frequent among adolescents, it should be considered in all cases where there is testicular pain Can destroy testes due to absence of blood supply to the testicle Cause: strenuous exercise, trauma, physical activity, sleeping

Testicular Torsion Continued Symptoms: pain in groin, swelling of scrotum, nausea, vomiting Treatment: immediate surgery, removal of testicle if not treated quickly If treated within 6 hours, there is nearly a 100% chance of saving the testicle. Within 12 hours this rate decreases to 70%, within 24 hours is 20%, and after 24 hours the rate approaches 0.Once the testicle is dead it must be removed to prevent gangrenous infection. gangrenous

Undescended Testes Testes remain inside the body rather than hanging loose in the scrotum Cause: occurs at birth Symptoms: undeveloped testes, unbalanced scrotum

Undescended Testes Continued Treatment: testes descend on their own within 1 st year or surgery If not treated: cancer or infertility may occur

Inguinal Hernia EXPLANATION: As a male fetus grows and matures during pregnancy, the testicles develop in the abdomen and then move down into the scrotum through an area called the inguinal canal. Shortly after the baby is born, the inguinal canal closes, preventing the testicles from moving back into the abdomen. If this area does not close off completely, a loop of intestine can move into the inguinal canal through the weakened area of the lower abdominal wall, causing a hernia.

Inguinal Hernia Continued Symptoms: tender bulge in scrotum, groin discomfort, very painful, nausea, vomiting Treatment: surgery

INGUINAL HERNIA

Infertility Inability to reproduce Too few sperm or that sperm cannot fertilize the egg

Infertility Continued Cause: exposure to drugs, X- rays, tight clothing, environmental reasons, heat Treatment: fertility drugs, fertility treatment, in vitro fertilization

Prostate Cancer Most common cancer among American males 2 nd leading cause of death among U.S. men Cause: unknown

Prostate Cancer Continued Symptoms: difficulty urinating, frequent urination, painful or burning urination Treatment: radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery

Testicular Cancer Early detection and treatment = excellent chance of recovery Self testicular examination; Figure 16-5 Cause: Abnormal cells begin to grow in the testes

Testicular Cancer Continued Symptoms: swelling or lump in testes, feeling of heaviness in scrotum, pain in groin Treatment: radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery