Male Reproductive System Diseases

Question 0

Hydrocle

Answer 0

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.

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

Varicocele

Answer 2

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 3

Cryptochidism

Answer 3

Literally “hidden testicle.” A condition of lack of a 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 4

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)

Answer 4

Swelling of the prostate gland which surrounds the base of the male bladder and urethra causing difficulty urinating, dribbling, and nocturia. The bane of old men!

Question 5

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

Answer 5

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 6

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)

Answer 6

PSA is a marker protein for prostate cell secretion 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.