THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

The organs of the male reproductive system are specialized for the following functions:

To produce, maintain and transport sperm (the male reproductive cells) and protective fluid (semen) To discharge sperm within the female reproductive tract To produce and secrete male sex hormones

What are the external reproductive structures? Most of the male reproductive system is located outside of the mans body. The external structures of the male reproductive system are the penis, the scrotum and the testicles.

Penis -The penis is the male organ for sexual intercourse. It has three parts: The Root- which attaches to the wall of the abdomen; The Body or Shaft-which is the coneshaped end of the penis. The Glands -which also called the head of the penis, it is covered with a loose layer of skin called foreskin. (This skin is sometimes removed in a procedure called circumcision.

The body of the penis is cylindrical in shape and consists of three internal chambers. These chambers are made up of special, sponge-like erectile tissue. This tissue contains thousands of large spaces that fill with blood when the man is sexually aroused. As the penis fills with blood, it becomes rigid and erect, which allows for penetration during sexual intercourse. The skin of the penis is loose and elastic to accommodate changes in penis size during an erection.

 Semen,

which contains sperm, is expelled (ejaculated) through the end of the penis when the man reaches sexual climax (orgasm). When the penis is erect, the flow of urine is blocked from the urethra, allowing only semen to be ejaculated at orgasm.

Scrotum The scrotum is the loose pouch-like sac of skin that hangs behind the penis. It contains the testicles (also called testes), The scrotum has a protective function and acts as a climate control system for the testes. For normal sperm development, the testes must be at a temperature slightly cooler than the body temperature. .

Testicles (testes) The testes are responsible for making testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, and for generating sperm. Within the testes are coiled masses of tubes called seminiferous tubules. These tubules are responsible for producing the sperm cells through a process called spermatogenesis.

Epididymis
The

epididymis is a long, coiled tube that

rests on the backside of each testicle. It functions in the transport and storage of the sperm cells that are produced in the testes

What are the internal reproductive organs?

Vas deferens The vas deferens transports mature sperm to the urethra in preparation for ejaculation. Ejaculatory ducts These are formed by the fusion of the vas deferens and the seminal vesicles. The ejaculatory ducts empty into the urethra.

Urethra In males, it has the additional function of expelling (ejaculating) semen when the man reaches orgasm.

Seminal vesicles The seminal vesicles produce a sugar-rich fluid (fructose) that provides sperm with a source of energy and helps with the sperms motility (ability to move).

Prostate gland The prostate gland is a walnut-sized. The prostate gland contributes additional fluid to the ejaculate. Prostate fluids also help to nourish the sperm.

Bulbourethral glands These glands produce a clear, slippery fluid that empties directly into the urethra. This fluid serves to lubricate the urethra and to neutralize any acidity that may be present due to residual drops of urine in the urethra.

Developmental Considerations

Adults & aging adults

-Males do not experience definite end to fertility like females -Aging male

>Amt pubic hair & grays >Penis & testes size >Scrotum looks pendulous > testosterone -Slower, < intense sexual response >Even chronic illness does not mean end to sexual activity

Infants & children

Testes descend along inguinal canal into scrotum before birth

Document descended

if

palpated,

&

considered

Adolescents
Puberty 1st

begins ages 9 - 13

sign is enlargement of testes pubic hair appears & penis size

Then

Transcultural Circumcision
Cultural

reasons Prevention of phimosis & inflammation of glans & foreskin incidence of cancer of penis Slightly incidence of UTI in infants Possible complications

-Sepsis -Distal amputation -Excessive removal of foreskin -Urethrocutaneous fistula -Pain

Physical Assessment: Assessment of Male Genitalia Preparation

the procedure to the client Wash hands, apply gloves and appropriate infection control procedure Provide privacy
Explain

 Male

client standing with undershorts down & appropriate draping Or supine for 1st part of exam & standing for hernia check Consider clients feelings & embarrassment as well as your own Maintain a confident Do not discuss GU or sexual hx during exam Use a firm, deliberate touchnot soft, stroking If erection occurs, reassure it is normal

OBJECTIVE DATA
Inspect y y y y

& palpate the penis

Skin wrinkled, hairless, without lesions Dorsal vein may be seen Glans smooth & without lesions Ask uncircumcised male to retract foreskin
Or you may retract Should move easily May see cheesy smegma After inspection, return to original position

OBJECTIVE DATA
Inspect
y

& palpate penis

Urethral meatus just about centrally located y At base, pubic hair distribution consistent with age y Compress glans AP between thumb & forefinger Edge pink, smooth, without discharge If D/C, collect smear If hx D/C but not seen, ask client to milk shaft y Palpate shaft between thumb & 1st two fingers Smooth, semi firm, nontender

OBJECTIVE DATA
Inspect
y

& palpate scrotum

y y y y

Inspect scrotum as client holds penis out of way Or use back of your hand Scrotal size varies with room temperature Asymmetry normal, (L) usually lower than (R) side Spread rugae out between your fingers Lift sac to inspect posterior surface No lesions should be present except sebaceous cysts

OBJECTIVE DATA

Inspect & palpate scrotum

y

Palpate gently each scrotal half between thumb & 1st two fingers
Testes normally oval, firm, rubbery, smooth, equal bilaterally, freely movable, slightly tender to moderate pressure Each epididymis normally feels discrete, softer than testis, smooth, & nontender

OBJECTIVE DATA
Inspect

& palpate scrotum

Palpate each spermatic cord between thumb & forefinger from epididymis up to external inguinal ring

Should be smooth, nontender

Note any masses y Perform transillumination if note swelling or mass Shine string flashlight from behind scrotum Normal: no transillumination

OBJECTIVE DATA
Inspect

& palpate for

hernia
y Inspect

inguinal area for bulge as person stands & strains down

Normal: none present

OBJECTIVE DATA
Inspect y

& palpate for hernia

Palpate inguinal canal side

Male shift wt onto (L) leg Place index finger low on scrotal half Palpate up length of spermatic cord, invaginating skin to external inguinal ring y Feels like triangular slit y Gently insert finger if possible & bear down y Should feel no change

(L) side repeat procedure Palpate femoral area for bulge Should feel none

OBJECTIVE DATA
Palpate

inguinal lymph nodes

y Palpate

along horizontal chain along groin

Inferior to inguinal ligament

y Palpate

vertical chain along upper inner thigh y Normal to feel isolated node occasionally

, 1cm, soft, discrete, movable

TESTICULAR SELF-EXAM (TSE)

Teach

every male from age 13 thru adult to perform monthly Testicular cancer
y y y y y y

Incidence rare Most common age 15 to 40 Males with undescended testicles at greatest risk White males 4X > likely than nonwhites Tumor has no early symptoms If detected early by palpation & treated, cure rate almost 100%

TESTICULAR SELF-EXAM (TSE)

Timing

y Once

a month water relaxes scrotal sac

Shower

y Warm y

Examine

for changes y Report changes immediately