Disorders of Male Reproductive System (39)

Normal sperm count

100 million/mL

• sterility occurs when sperm count is less than 20 million/mL

Where is testosterone made?

In the testes

prostate specific antigen (PSA)

Levels above 10 can be a sign of prostate cancer

Causes of ED

• Vascular problems

• Depression + anxiety

• Antihypertensives

• DM

• Hypertension

• CAD

Nitrate drugs should NOT be taken with ED drug therapy (true or false)

true, significant b/p drop can occur

Priapism

Persistent abnormal erection longer than 4 hours

• emergency

• can be side effect of ED medications

Retrograde ejaculation

Semen travels towards the bladder rather than exiting the penis

Hydrocele

Larger than normal fluid in scrotal sac

• may be caused by trauma, infection

Enlargement of the scrotum, usually painless

• only sometimes treated

Varicocele

Clumping causing swelling and enlargement of spermatic veins "bag of worms"

• can cause infertility

Cremaster reflex

-Muscle that attaches to testicle, allowing each to be drawn in or pushed away from the body

• Test by stroking inner thigh causing retraction of testicle

• absent during testicular torsion

Digital rectal exam

yearly for men over 40

• assessing prostate for lumps, hardness, swelling

BPH

Enlargement of the prostate causing obstruction of urine flow

• dribbling after urinating, hard to start/stop urinating

retention of urine is defined as

more than 60 mL left after voiding

Prostatitis

• Inflammation of prostate gland

• usually caused by bacteria

• High PSA levels (sometimes mistaken for ca)

testicular cancer

• most common in ages 15-40

• high risk for men with partially or fully undescended testicle

• monthly self exams

Pt teaching after prostectamy

• drink 12-14 glasses of water per day

• do not lift more than 8 lbs