Mens'Affairs

DISEASES AND DISORDERS OF THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM AND THEIR TREATMENT

The male reproductive organs and genitalia are subject to various diseases and disorders, some of which are more common than others. A familiarity with and understanding of these conditions should be essential knowledge for every young man (and those concerned about him) from the time of puberty, so that he is better able to protect his health.

   Infections which affect the reproductive organs can be roughly grouped into two categories, although there is some overlap between them. The first group are those which are most commonly acquired as a result of sexual activity and include the classic SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES OR STDS. 

   The second group include infections which are not necessarily acquired by sexual intimacy but may be contracted by other means. This group, along with congenital (inborn) structural and cancerous disorders of the reproductive organs, are described in the following sections. They are grouped according to the organs which they affect.

TESTICLES

CRYPTORCHIDISM OR UNDESCENDED TESTICLE

Cryptorchidism describes the condition in which one (or rarely both) testicle has failed to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum of a newborn baby boy. In most cases, the testicle descends spontaneously in the infant’s first year of life and may even descend and retract one or more times. However, if it has not permanently descended by the child’s first birthday, corrective surgery is needed which is normally performed before the age of three years. The operation performed is called orchidopexy or testicle fixation and it is performed under general anaesthetic. A small incision is made in the scrotum and the testicle, along with its associated blood vessels and nerves, is carefully brought down into its correct position and secured by means of stitches so that there is no possibility of retraction. The external wound is then stitched and the child normally recovers quickly and completely within a short space of time.

   The cause of cryptorchidism is unknown but is believed to be related to hormonal influences during foetal development. The condition appears to be becoming more prevalent and there is concern that this is connected with material exposure to environmental chemicals, some of which mimic hormone activity. However, there is little available advice for expectant mothers on how they might be able to limit risks.

   It is essential that an undescended testicle is treated early and well before PUBERTY, because it cannot function at the prevailing body temperature within the abdomen. It is felt that the optimum time is between the age of two and three when the child is less likely to feel embarrassment or suffer psychological trauma and will forget about the operation as he grows older. An undescended testicle, even when treated early, increases the risk of testicular cancer hence it is essential for an affected individual to be vigilant in carrying out TESTICULAR SELF-EXAMINATION.

ORCHITIS (INFLAMMATION OF THE TESTICLES)

Orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) is an intensely painful condition in which there is redness, heat and swelling of the testicles and scrotum. There is usually an initial build-up of symptoms. There is usually an initial build-up of symptoms and it is essential to seek immediate medical treatment if pain or discomfort is noticed in this region. As with so many other conditions, the earlier treatment begins the sooner the condition can be cured. Orchitus is most commonly associated with GONORRHEA  but there are other causes as well. They include inflammation and infections of the bladder stones and cystitis, mumps and tuberculosis. Treatment involves bed rest, the use of support bandages and possibly ice packs to reduce inflammation, strong pain-relieving drugs and, if infection is involved, courses of antibiotics. In severe cases, admittance to hospital may be necessary where morphine may be administered to relieve pain.

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