The male reproductive system is made up of the visible structures, the penis and testicles, and the unseen but equally important components: the prostate and seminal glands, which produce fluid that makes up semen, and the epididymis and vas deferens, the tubes that transport semen to the penis for ejaculation. The pituitary gland, which produces hormones that regulate male sex characteristics and sperm production, is also an important player in the male reproductive system. Disease can develop in any part of the system.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is the most common solid tumor found in males age 15 to 34, the Mayo Clinic says. Testicular cancer has a high cure rate even if metastasis, the spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body, has occurred. Usually, just one testicle develops the disease. Symptoms of testicular cancer include a lump in the testicle that may or may not be painful, fluid accumulation in the scrotum, the bag of skin that holds the testicle, abdominal ache or discomfort, or feeling sick. Breasts may be enlarged or tender to touch.
Testicular cancer usually begins in the germ cells, which produce immature sperm cells, the Mayo Clinic says. Factors that increase your chance of developing testicular cancer include a history of undescended testicles, or cryptorchidism, or other testicular abnormalities and family history of the disease. Testicular cancer is more common in Caucasians than African-Americans. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are all possible treatments for testicular cancer.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer develops in the prostate. This gland produces seminal fluid, which makes up part of the semen. Prostate cancer is normally a low-growing cancer most commonly found in men older than 65; African-Americans; people with a family history of the disease; and in those with certain genes, such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes also associated with breast cancer. Symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty urinating, pain during urination, nocturnal or nighttime urination and urine flow that starts and stops. Blood may be seen in the urine or semen; having an erection may be difficult. Rectal exams, biopsies and ultrasound may be used for diagnosis. Treatment may be surgical; radiation, chemotherapy or hormonal treatment may be given.
Epididymitis
Epididymitis is an infection of the epididymis, the coiled tube inside the testicle that connects the testicle to the vas deferens. Epididymitis is a disease of young men, usually occurring in those 19 to 35. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are common causes of epididymitis; the infection is more common in uncircumcised men, those with bladder abnormalities and those with multiple sexual partners. Symptoms of the disease are pain in the scrotum, testes, abdomen and during ejaculation; fever; blood in the semen; and a discharge from the urethra, the opening at the tip of the penis. Treatment is antibiotics for infection. If sexually transmitted disease is present, both partners must be treated.
