MT M7 7.3 Medical Conditions and Procedures Common to the Male Reproductive Tract Flashcards
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can occur in both men and women. They are bacterial and viral infections of the urogenital tract that are transmitted to others via sexual contact or can be passed from a mother to a child while pregnant.
The most common STIs
The most common STIs are chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhea, and herpes genitalis. HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B are also sexually transmitted infections.
STIs have a latent period
Most STIs have a latent period where an individual is infected but has yet to show signs of the infection. The latent period of these infections makes it difficult to stop the infectious agent from spreading from person to person.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis. In men, symptoms include discharge from the penis, burning and itching in the genital area, dysuria, and swollen testes. In women, chlamydia can cause symptoms of vaginal discharge, cystitis, pelvic pain, and cervicitis. Complications of untreated chlamydia include pelvic inflammatory disease in women and sterility in both men and women. This infection is treated with an antibiotic and is reported to the public health authorities in the United States.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Symptoms include vaginal and urethral discharge, dysuria, and urinary frequency. This infection can also lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and sterility in women. This infection is treated with an antibiotic and is reported to the public health authorities in the United States.
Genital warts
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus causes cauliflower-like growths on the penis and perianal area in men and around the vagina and perianal area in women. HPV is also the cause of some vaginal and vulvar cancers in women. Genital warts are treated with laser surgery, chemotherapy, cryosurgery, and cauterization. Infection from four types of this virus can also be prevented with a vaccine called Gardasil.
Herpes genitalis
Herpes genitalis is a viral infection from the herpes simplex virus 2. This infection typically causes fluid-filled blisters on the penis and around the vaginal area. Patients will also have general flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, malaise, anorexia, and muscular pain. There is not a cure for this infection and patients will have times of active symptoms and times where the virus is latent. Patients are treated with anti-viral medications that can relieve the symptoms of pain and itching during acute outbreaks. Herpes simplex is a viral infection caused by the herpes virus type 1, and it usually causes blisters around the lips and the nose that are painful.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is enlargement of the prostate gland. This is a common condition that occurs as a man ages.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
symptoms
The symptoms caused by this disease are obstructive urinary complaints and irritative symptoms.
Obstructive urinary complaints
symptoms
Obstructive urinary complaints include a feeling of hesitancy prior to initiating urination, a decrease in the force of urination, a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, straining to urinate, and post-void dribbling. Irritative symptoms are urgency, frequency, and nocturia.
BPH diagnosed
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
BPH is diagnosed through a careful history and physical exam. Patients will undergo a digital rectal exam. A urinalysis will be completed to rule out an infection or hematuria.
BPH treatment
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
BPH can be closely monitored without treatment if the patient has mild symptoms. If a patient has severe symptoms, there are several options for treatment. Medications such as alpha-blockers, which relax the neck of the bladder, and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, which decrease the body’s ability to make testosterone, can ease voiding symptoms and decrease the size of the prostate. There also are several minimally invasive surgical options available to destroy parts of the prostate and relieve symptoms.
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is the consistent inability to achieve and maintain an erection for sexual intercourse.
common cause of ED
The most common cause of ED is vascular disease that obstructs the blood flow to the penis. It also can be caused by neurogenic or hormonal conditions, complications of diabetes mellitus, several prescription drugs, and substance abuse.
ED treatement
This condition can be treated with oral medications, medications that are injected at the base of the penis, a vacuum erection device, or surgical implantation of a penile prosthesis.
