While women may have a variety of reproductive issues such as ovarian cancer and endometriosis, men also have their own share of disorders. The male reproductive system contains several parts, including the penis, testicles and prostate. Each area can have a variety of disorders, with the most common ones sometimes being the most life-threatening.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a common disorder that inhibits a male from being able to achieve and maintain an erection. In order for an erection to occur, blood must fill the sponge-like tissue that makes up the penis. The causes of erectile dysfunction vary with each person. The most common are diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurological issues and side effects from medication.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is the presence of malignant cells in the testicles. In the United States alone, roughly 8,000 men are diagnosed with this form of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 250 men will develop testicular cancer in his lifetime. Symptoms include the presence of a lump or mass inside one testis, the hardening of the testicles, numbness or pain, lack of sexual interest, fluid buildup in the scrotum, burning sensation after physical activity and lower back pain.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is the swelling of the prostate gland due to an infection. According to a study conducted by physicians, prostatitis is diagnosed in 8 percent of all urologist visits. Prostatitis is classified into four categories: acute prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is the most common classification of prostatitis, constituting up to 95 percent of all diagnoses.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a form of malignant cells that have invaded the prostate, which is a male reproductive gland located in the genital region. This type of cancer often spreads to other parts of the body, especially to the skeletal system and lymph nodes. Prostate cancer can produces symptoms such as difficulty urinating, problems maintaining sexual arousal and pain.
