Reproductive Flashcards
What is testicular torsion?
Sudden twisting of spermatic cord within the scrotum
Why is testicular torsion an emergency?
Risk of ischaemia and infarction of the testis
Irreversible damage after 6-12hrs of torsion
How does testicular torsion present?
Sudden onset unilateral testicular pain May radiate to lower abdo Swollen and tender testicle Nausea and vomiting Abnormal position of testicle: - Abnormal transverse lie - Scrotal elevation - Possible undescended testes (predisposes to testicular torsion)
When is testicular torsion most common?
Neonatal period (first 30 days of life) Puberty
What signs may / may not be elicited in testicular torsion?
Absent cremasteric reflex
Prehn sign negative
What is Phren sign? What does it suggest?
A positive Prehn sign is the relief of pain during elevation of the testes and suggests epididymitis rather than torsion
What investigations are done for testicular torsion?
Clinical diagnosis
Can US or radionuclide image scrotum if atypical features
What may an US show in testicular torsion?
Twisting of spermatic cord = whirlpool sign
Reduced / absent blood flow to / from the affected testis
Heterogenous appearance of testicular parenchyma indicates testicular necrosis
What may a radionuclide image show in testicular torsion? How does this compare to epididymitis?
Areas that do not absorb radionuclide as a result of decreased blood flow to affected testis = cold spots
Asymmetric blood flow
(Epididymytis would shot hot spots due to increased blood flow in inflammation)
What is the management of testicular torsion?
Surgical emergency - within 4-6 hrs
Bilateral orchidoplexy - cord and testis untwisted and both testicles fixed to the scrotum
Analgesics
Antiemetics
NBM
If testis not visible, orchidectomy - prosthetsis can be inserted at time of surgery or later date
What is the epididymis?
The tube located at the back of the testis that stores and carries sperm
Inflammation = epididymitis
+/- inflamed testes (epididymo-orchitis)
How does epididymis present?
Gradual onset (few days / weeks) Painful swelling \+/- urethral discharge Fever Dysura Urinary frequency
What may an examination show in epididymis?
Very tender
Positive Phren sign
Positive cremasteric reflex
What may bloods and urine show in epididymis?
Raised inflammatory markers
Possible pyuria
What is the tumour marker for testicular cancer?
Alpha fetoprotein (AFP)
How may testicular cancer present?
Slow progression (weeks to months) Usually painless testicular mass - may feel dull ache / heavy sensation
What may an examination show in testicular cancer?
Palpation of solid mass
Possible manifestations of metastatic disease eg LN, chest pain, GI symptoms
Possible ipsilateral lower limb swelling = venous engorgement due to obstruction
What can lead to insidious onset of unilateral scrotal pain in boys aged 3-5?
Torsion of testicular appendage (hydatid of Morgagni)
Describe what happens in torsion of testicular appendage (hydatid of Morgagni)
The hydatid of Morgagni (appendix of testes) is an embryological remnant on the upper pole of the testes or at the epididymis (the remnant of the Müllerian duct)
This has the potential to rate
Causing symptoms that resemble acute testicular torsion
How does infarction of the hydatid of Morgani appear through the skin?
“blue dot” sign
What is prostatitis? What are the subtypes?
Inflammation of the prostate gland
Infectious (5%)
- acute vs chronic bacterial
Noninfectious (95%)
- chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS)
What is the most common cause of acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis?
E coli
What are some risk factors for acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis?
Other genitourinary tract infections eg urethritis, cystitis, epididymitis
Genitourinary tract interventions:
- Indwelling catheter
- Transurethral surgery
- Prostate biopsy
Voiding dysfunction and bladder outlet obstruction
How does acute bacterial prostatitis present?
Spiking fever, chills, malaise
Acute dysuria, freq, urgency, cloudy urine
SEVERE perineal and pelvic pain, worse with defecation
Tender, boggy swollen prostate
How does chronic bacterial prostatitis present?
Commonly no systemic fever, sometimes low grade present
Chronic bladder irritation:
- Dysuria, freq, urgency
ED
Possibly bloody semen
Mild genitourinary pain worse on ejaculation
Prostate may be often normal, may be enlarged and tender
How does CPPS present?
Systemic symptoms absent - no fever ED Painful ejaculation Bloody semen May have symptoms of bladder irritation Moderate genitourinary pain: - Lower abdo, perineum, scrotum or penis Prostate usually normal but may be slightly tender
How is prostatitis diagnosed?
Bacterial - urinalysis and culture
CPPS - diagnosis of exclusion
What is the treatment of bacterial prostatitis?
14 day course of:
Ciprofloxacin 500 mg PO BD or
Ofloxacin 200 mg PO BD twice daily first line
or if they are unsuitable trimethoprim 200 mg PO BD
Analgesics
Hydration
Review after 48hrs
Suprapubic catheterisation in cases of acute urinary retention and persistent fever
What is the treatment of CPPS?
Alpha blockers eg tamsulosin, doxazosin = improves urinary voiding by relaxing smooth muscles in prostate and bladder
5-alpha reductase inhibitors eg finasteride = reduce prostate size by blocking growth-inducing effect of androgen on the prostate
NSAIDs
Anti-inflammatory phytotherapeutic agents eg cernilton
Physio - prostatic and pelvic floor masage
Why is finasteride is not recommended in young patients?
5-alpha-reductase inhibitors reduce semen volume
What are some complications of prostatitis?
Prostatic abscess
Acute urinary retention
Pyelonephritis and sepsis
Epididymitis