Male Anatomy When a baby boy is born he has all the parts of his reproductive system in place, but it isn’t until puberty that he is able to reproduce. When puberty begins (usually 10 to 14 years) the pituitary gland (located near brain) secretes hormones that stimulate the testicles to produce testosterone. The production of testosterone brings many physical changes.

Changes during puberty First stage – scrotum and testes grow larger Second stage – penis becomes longer, seminal vesicles and prostate gland grow Third stage – hair appears in pubic area (later on face and underarms). Voice deepens. Fourth stage – Boys undergo a growth spurt

Swimming for your life A sperm is a tiny package with a big responsibility – to fertilize the egg and create a human life. So that tiny package is loaded with “gear” for its important journey. A few facts: Daily sperm production by a healthy man: 10 million to 50 million Contents of average ejaculation: 50 million sperm; 25 million moving; 20 million deformed Maturation: 72 days Average swimming speed of a sperm: 8 inches per hour Survival time in a woman: 2 to 7 days

Male Anatomy Testosterone: the male reproductive hormone made by the testicles which causes the changes of puberty. (deeper voices, bigger muscles, body and facial hair, stimulates the production of sperm) Penis: the organ of transfer of sperm to female. Scrotum: Loose pocket of skin in the groin area that holds the testicles. Very sensitive to temperature changes – moves testicles closer or further from body to regulate temperature. Testicles: two round glands located in the scrotum which produce male hormones (testosterone). Sperm are produced and stored here. Usually asymmetrical (left one hangs lower).

Male Anatomy Sperm: the microscopic cells produced by the male’s testicles which can fertilize the female’s ovum. Prostate Gland: Size and shape of golf ball. Secretes thin milky fluid that makes up 30% of semen. Can become diseased and enlarged enough to cause interference with urination. Cowper’s Glands: behind the base of the penis which secretes clear sticky fluid that appears at the tip of penis before ejaculation. Removes urine from urethra and neutralizes acidity so sperm can live..

Ejaculation – Process in which semen is expelled from the body through the penis. Erection – Process in which the penis engorges with blood and increases in size. Seminal Vesicles: Pouches located near prostate. Produce seminal fluid which makes up 70% of semen. Provides nutrients for sperm. Helps with sperm mobility. Foreskin – Covering of skin over the glans

Urethra:Starts at bladder and runs all the way to end of penis. Carries urine and semen out of body. Sphincter valve closes off during sexual arousal so urine can’t pass through Epididymis: the structure that forms a mass over the back and upper part of each testes. Sperm cells mature here. Vas Deferens: two 17” tubes leading from the epididymis to the seminal vesicles. Can be cut so no sperm can pass through.

Disorders of the Scrotum, Testicles, or Epididymis Testicular Injury – Even a mild injury to the testicles can cause severe pain, bruising or swelling. Testicular Torsion – one of the testicles twists around, cutting off its blood supply Varicocele – An abnormally swollen vein (varicose vein) that develops in the testicle region. Can sometimes damage or decrease sperm production. Testicular Cancer – explanation in later slide

Disorders of the Scrotum, Testicles, or Epididymis Epididymitis – Inflammation of the epididymis caused by infection (such as from chlamydia) Hydrocele – Occurs when fluid collects in the membranes surrounding the testes. Causes swelling in the scrotum, but usually painless. Surgery may be needed to correct Inguinal – A portion of the intestines pushes through an abnormal opening into the groin or scrotum (hernia). Corrected with surgery.

Disorders of the Penis Inflammation of the penis – Glans (head of the penis) becomes inflamed. Symptoms include penile swelling, redness, itching, and pain. Posthitis – Foreskin inflammation due to a yeast or bacterial infection. Hypospadius – Urethra opens on the underside of the penis, not at the tip.

Other related concerns Circumcision: A process that surgically removes the flap of skin that covers the glans of the penis. Nocturnal Emissions: normal, involuntary ejaculation of semen and sperm while a male is asleep. Impotence: the failure to get or maintain an erection Vasectomy: surgical procedure of cutting the vas deferens for sterilization of the male. Undescended Testicle: At birth testicles are usually in scrotum. If one or fail to descend by age 1 surgery is necessary. Will cause infertility due to too high temperature.

Testicular Cancer One of the most common cancers for men ages Usually no symptoms other than a lump on a testicle Testicular cancer develops rapidly – early detection is key 90% survival rate for men treated in early stages

Testicular Self - Exam Takes 3 minutes once a month. Best time to examine yourself in or right after a warm shower. Heat causes the scrotum to relax. 1. Hold scrotum in the palm of your hands. 2. Feel each testis, applying a small amount of pressure as you slowly roll it between your thumb and fingers. You are looking for a hard, painless lump. 3. Examine your epididymis and vas. It should feel firm, moveable, and smooth.

Prostate Cancer Most frequently diagnosed cancer in men Symptoms are not common in early stages. Symptom is usually urinary complications. Detected by physician – inserts finger into rectum to feel for abnormalities. Blood test – PSA (prostate specific antigen) Risk factors: Old age Family history Smoking Obesity and sedentary lifestyle