Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system comprises internal and external organs involved in sexual function, reproduction, and urination. These organs produce sperm and semen, which can fertilise a female’s ovum (egg) during sexual intercourse, leading to conception. In addition to their role in reproduction, the male reproductive organs produce hormones crucial for developing sexual functions and characteristics typically associated with males. Parts of this system also facilitate urination, allowing liquid waste to be expelled from the body.

What are the functions of the parts of the male reproductive system?

In males, the external reproductive organs comprise:

• Penis: A tubular and muscular organ that becomes engorged with blood during arousal, facilitating sexual intercourse.
• Scrotum: A pouch-like sac that hangs below the penis and encases the testes.
• Testicles: These two oval-shaped organs produce sperm cells and testosterone.
• The internal reproductive organs include the vas deferens, prostate, and urethra.

While men are born with all their sexual organs, these organs do not fully function until puberty, which typically begins around age 12. During puberty, hormonal changes affect the gonads and induce lasting changes, marking the transition from boyhood to manhood. This process leads to increased height, muscular development, and hair growth on the genitals and face. Puberty signals the time when a male’s sexual organs become fully functional, making him capable of fathering offspring.

The testes produce spermatozoa (sperm), which are released during sexual climax, known as ejaculation. Upon ejaculation, sperm exit the penis within a fluid mixture that supports and transports them into the female reproductive system for potential fertilisation. A single ejaculation can contain up to 750 million sperm cells, though only one is needed to fertilise an egg.

The testes also produce testosterone, a hormone directly absorbed into the bloodstream. Testosterone regulates sperm production and maintains sexual function, as well as facilitating secondary sex characteristics such as facial hair, a deeper voice, increased muscle mass, and broader shoulders. As men age, sexual function typically diminishes. Common sexual abnormalities in men include:

• Impotence (erectile dysfunction)
• Sterility
• Low sperm count
• Lowered testosterone levels
• Premature ejaculation

How Does the Male Reproductive System Function?

Sex hormones regulate the male reproductive system, including androgens and estrogens. Both males and females produce these hormones, but males typically produce more androgens, and females produce more estrogens. Testosterone, an androgen, is the primary sex hormone in males. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) regulate testosterone production and the development and maturation of sperm cells. The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, produces these hormones.

FSH and androgens stimulate and sustain spermatogenesis(the production of sperm) together. LH directly stimulates the testes to produce more testosterone. These hormonal interactions are essential for numerous biological and physiological functions in males, including:

• Puberty and Secondary Sexual Characteristics: This phase involves the growth of facial hair, the enlargement of the Adam’s apple, voice deepening, increased height, and greater muscle mass.
• Sexual Function: This includes aspects such as sex drive (libido), achieving erections, and ejaculation.
• Fertility and Reproduction: This involves the quantity and viability of sperm.

One aspect of the male reproductive system not related to reproduction or sexual activity is urination. The expulsion of urine through the penis is managed by both voluntary and involuntary sphincter muscles, with the latter preventing urine from entering the urethra during ejaculation.

What are some Conditions and Disorders of the Male Reproductive System?

Numerous conditions and disorders can impact the functioning of the male reproductive system. Age-related changes, including declines in testosterone levels and other physiological factors, influence some of these issues. However, certain conditions can affect males of all ages.

• Delayed Ejaculation: The inability to achieve orgasm despite sexual desire and stimulation. Causes include low testosterone, nerve damage (such as diabetic neuropathy), alcohol, certain medications, depression, and stress. Anorgasmia refers to the inability to climax.
• Enlarged Prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): This condition, common in older males, can obstruct urine flow. Symptoms include difficulty urinating, frequent urination, urinary urgency, and nocturia (frequent nighttime urination).
• Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis, often caused by bacterial infections such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhoea. It typically affects one testicle, causing pain, swelling, frequent urination, painful urination, pain during intercourse, or blood in semen.
• Erectile Dysfunction (ED): The inability to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse. Risk factors include age, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, pelvic surgery, nerve damage, depression, stress, and certain medications.
• Hypogonadism: Abnormally low testosterone levels due to testicular dysfunction, leading to low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, muscle loss, depression, and weight gain. Causes include undescended testicles, testicular surgery or radiation, liver disease, kidney disease, HIV, and certain genetic disorders.
• Hypospadias is a congenital condition where the opening of the urethra is not located at the tip of the penis but rather somewhere along the penile shaft or at the junction of the penis and scrotum. Corrective surgery by a specialised pediatric surgeon is often necessary to address this condition.
• Micropenis: An adult penis smaller than 2.8 inches (7 centimetres) when erect. This condition can sometimes make conceiving a baby difficult and may require assistance from a fertility specialist.
• Peyronie’s Disease (PD): The development of scar tissue inside the penis, causing curved, painful erections. It is often caused by repeated penile trauma and can lead to pain during intercourse, interfere with sexual function, and increase the likelihood of erectile dysfunction.
• Phimosis and Paraphimosis: Phimosis is a condition where a tight foreskin cannot be pulled back over the head of the penis, increasing the risk of infection. Paraphimosis is a related emergency condition where the foreskin is trapped behind the head of the penis, obstructing blood flow.
• Priapism: An erection lasting four or more hours, usually without sexual arousal, causing pain and potentially leading to permanent nerve damage and erectile dysfunction if not treated promptly. Causes include certain medications, spinal cord or genital injury, sickle cell disease, and certain cancers.
• Testicular Torsion: A medical emergency where a testicle rotates excessively, twisting the spermatic cord and cutting off blood supply, leading to sudden, severe pain and swelling. Immediate treatment is necessary to prevent permanent damage and loss of the testicle.
• Varicocele: The development of enlarged varicose veins within the scrotum, causing swelling and a painless lump on a testicle. It can lead to low sperm production, decreased sperm quality, lower testosterone, and infertility.
• Cancer: Several cancers can affect the male reproductive organs, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, penile cancer, colorectal cancer, and anal cancer. Treatments for these cancers, such as prostatectomy (prostate removal) and rectal radiation, can also impact reproductive function or cause the loss of urinary control.

Maintaining a Healthy Reproductive System

Improving the overall health of the male reproductive system involves several proactive steps that can be implemented at any age. Here are key strategies:

• Practice Good Hygiene
  • Regular Washing: Wash the penis and genital area daily with soap and warm water to reduce the risk of infections such as balanitis and urinary tract infections (UTIs). This is especially important for uncircumcised men, as bacteria can accumulate under the foreskin. Gently retract the foreskin while bathing and ensure thorough drying afterwards to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Avoid Moisture Traps: Refrain from using talcum powder or similar products that can trap moisture, creating a favourable environment for bacterial growth.
• Get Tested for STIs
  • Regular Testing: Untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can lead to severe complications, including infertility and increased risk of HIV transmission. For sexually active individuals or those with multiple partners, regular testing is essential. Annual testing is generally recommended for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV. Individuals at higher risk, such as men who have sex with men (MSM) or those with HIV, may require more frequent testing to ensure early detection and prompt treatment.
  • Consult Healthcare Provider: If you suspect you have been exposed to an STI or experience symptoms like unusual discharge or genital sores, seek prompt testing and appropriate treatment from a healthcare provider.

• Avoid STIs
  • Safe Sexual Practices: Consistently use condoms to reduce the risk of STIs. Limiting the number of sexual partners also lowers your risk. Consider vaccination against STIs like hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV) where appropriate.
• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
  • Manage Chronic Conditions: Conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes are linked to erectile dysfunction and prostate issues. Regular exercise, a healthy low-fat diet, and a healthy weight can help reduce these risks.
  • Monitor and Control Health Conditions: Work closely with your healthcare provider to manage conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure effectively.
• Quit Smoking: Tobacco use is associated with erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, and reduced sperm count and quality. Quitting smoking can significantly improve reproductive health outcomes.

By adopting these strategies, you can promote the health and function of your reproductive system, address potential issues proactively, and enhance overall well-being.