Disorders and conditions of the reproductive system:

Question 1

The male reproductive system and complex care:

Answer 1

• complex procedures associated with the male reproductive system include cathetherisation and bladder irrigation and washout

Question 2

Disorders and conditions of the male reproductive system:

Answer 2

• Epididymitis:
• acute, painful inflammatory process of the epididymis
• Phimosis:
• narrowing of the prepuce orifice, which prevents retraction due to an infection, an inflammation or a congenital lesion
• Paraphimosis:
• tightness of the foreskin resulting in the inability to pull it forward from a retracted position. can be a complication of phimosis
• Testicular torsion:
• twisting of the spermatic cord that supplies blood to the testes and epididymis
• Prostatitis:
• inflammatory or infective condition of the prostate gland

Question 3

Paraphimosis:

Answer 3

• can be secondary to phimosis, following retraction of the prepuce for hygiene, catheterisation or sexual intercourse
• retracted prepuce can form a tight collar that reduces blood flow to the glans
• considered to be a urologic emergency

Question 4

Torsion of the testes:

Answer 4

• surgical emergency
• ischaemia to the testis will occur, leading to necrosis if the blood supply to the affected testicle is not restored within 4-6 hours
• unless the torsion resolves spontaneously, surgery to untwist the cord and restore blood supply must be performed
• most commonly seen in males <20 years old

Question 5

Disorders and conditions of the female reproductive system:

Answer 5

• females may experience pain, fear of loss of fertility, altered body image and sexual pattern
• Dysmenorrhoea:
• painful mensuration
• Menorrhagia:
• excessive and/or prolonged bleeding associated with erosive lesions, endometrial hyperplasia, bleeding disorder or tumors
• Amenorrhoea:
• absence of menstruation
• Endometriosis:
• Ectopic pregnancy:
• fertilized ovum implants outside the uterus

Question 6

Ovarian cyst:

Answer 6

• cysts range in size from mm to cm in diameter filled with a clear fluid which is high in oestrogens
• generally, the cysts resolve without the need for treatment, but a small number of women may require treatment
• diagnosis: pelvic examination, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI scan