Male Reproductive System Diseases

Question 1

Hypospadias

Answer 1

• Literally “below the fleshy spike”
• A condition in which the external urinary meatus (opening) opens anywhere below the tip of the penis rather than at the tip

Question 2

Hydrocele

Answer 2

• A fluid filled sac partially surrounding the testis
• Manifests itself as a swelling on the side of the scrotum
• May cause discomfort
• Can be surgically corrected
• Surgically done by a urologist

Question 3

Varicocele

Answer 3

• Dilated and twisted veins of the testis, sort of “hemorrhoids” of the scrotum
• Manifests itself as a swelling on the side of the scrotum which may look and feel like a “bag of worms”
• May be surgically corrected if causing discomfort
• This condition may also cause reduced sperm count and male sterility due to sluggish blood flow elevating testicular temperature

Question 4

Cryptorchidism

Answer 4

• Literally “hidden testicle”
• A condition of lack of descent of one or both testes into the scrotum
• If not corrected, usually by surgery, before puberty, can lead to sterility and increased risk of testicular cancer

Question 5

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)

Answer 5

• Swelling of the prostate gland which surrounds the base of the male bladder and urethra causing difficulty urinating, dribbling, and nocturia
• Becomes more common as men age

Question 6

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

Answer 6

• The surgical cure for BPH
• An instrument inserted through the penile urethra is used to partially cut away the prostate to relieve obstruction of the urinary tract

Question 7

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)

Answer 7

• PSA is a marker protein for prostate cell secretions which can be detected with a lab test
• A rising PSA may be an early sign of prostate cancer, although there may be other causes including false positive tests