Topic 6c: Conditions in Specific Populations; Male Athletes

Question 1

where is spermatozoa produced?

Answer 1

the testes

Question 2

what stores, transports and nourishes the spermatozoa?

Answer 2

ducts

Question 3

what does accessory glands do in the male reproductive system?

Answer 3

contribute to the formation of semen

Question 4

what does urine and semen pass through?

Answer 4

the penis

Question 5

what is the primary hormone produced by the testes?

Answer 5

testosterone

Question 6

what can testosterone be responsible for?

Answer 6

the production of anabolic effects;
- increased bone growth
- increase bone density
- increased skeletal muscle size and mass

Question 7

what is spermatogenesis?

Answer 7

the generation of spermatozoa
- begins at an average age of 13 years and continues throughout the reproductive years of a man’s life
- occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testes
- testosterone is required for spermatogenesis to occur

Question 8

what injuries are more commonly found in males?

Answer 8

• penile or testicular injuries
• runners nipple
• genital related

Question 9

what types of penile trauma can occur in sport?

Answer 9

superficial injuries like wounds, contusions, lacerations, avulsions, fractures, frost bite

Question 10

what is pudendal nerve irritations?

Answer 10

a nerve in the pelvis which innervates the genitals and can lead to transient paresthesia (abnormal thermal sensation on the skin (tingling, numbness, burning, prickling))

Question 11

what is priapism?

Answer 11

where the nerve gets overstimulated and it can cause persistent and painful erection of the penis

Question 12

what is primary priapism?

Answer 12

when the priapism results from trauma, infection or neoplasm (abnormal growth like cancer)

Question 13

what is secondary priapism?

Answer 13

caused by different blood conditions and neurological conditions

Question 14

what sports may testicular trauma be most common in?

Answer 14

• soccer
• lacrosse
• hockey
• combat sports
• beach volleyball

Question 15

what are some of the potential signs and symptoms of testicular trauma?

Answer 15

• increased size
• visible bruising
• pain is definitely a first indicator

Question 16

what is hematocele?

Answer 16

swelling cause by blood collecting in a body cavity (likely the tunica vaginalis)
- tends to occur when there is blunt trauma to a plexus of veins which will then cause rapid blood
- 50% of patients with a traumatic hematocele will also have a testicular rupture (surgical repair might be necessary)
- aspirating is alternative to surgery (sticking a needle in to remove excess blood)
- swelling can cause it to be very large

Question 17

what is hydrocele?

Answer 17

when fluid collects within the sheath that surround the testicle
- common in newborns and usually disappears without treatment by age 1
- typically isn’t painful and occurs unilaterally and tends to be due to inflammation

Question 18

what is varicocele?

Answer 18

enlargement or rupture of vein within the scrotum (testes)
- more common on the left

Question 19

what is spermatocele?

Answer 19

a cystic swelling either on the epididymis or of the testes that contains spermatozoa

Question 20

what is testicular torsion?

Answer 20

• it happens when the spermatic cord, which blood flow to the testicle, rotates and becomes twisted
• the twisting cuts off the testicle’s blood supply and causes sudden pain and swelling

Question 21

signs and symptoms of testicular torsion?

Answer 21

• swelling, especially on one side of the scrotum
• nausea and/or vomiting
• abdominal pain
• one testicle appears to be higher than the other
• most common around puberty
• an emergency condition

Question 22

what is a hernia?

Answer 22

• protrusion of abdominal viscera through a portion of the abdominal wall - may be congenital (at birth) or acquired

Question 23

three common types of hernias

Answer 23

1. umbilical/direct
2. inguinal (most common)
3. femoral

Question 24

diagnosis of a hernia

Answer 24

• visual
• unusual feeling of pulling

Question 25

possible risk factors for testicular cancer

Answer 25

• age (15-40)
• family history
• HIV infection
• race and ethnicity

Question 26

symptoms for testicular cancer

Answer 26

• lump
• enlargement of a testicle
• feeling of heaviness inn scrotum
• dull ache in lower abdomen or groin
• sudden collection of fluid in scrotum
• enlargement or tenderness of breasts