What Is The Male Reproductive System?

WHAT IS THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM?

-Most species have two sexes: male and female. Each sex has its own unique reproductive system. They are different in shape and structure, but both are specifically designed to produce, nourish, and transport either the egg or sperm -The male sex organs work together to produce and release semen into the reproductive system of the female during sexual intercourse. The male reproductive system also produces sex hormones, which help a boy develop into a sexually mature man during puberty.

PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM Guys may sometimes experience reproductive system problems. Below are some examples of disorders that affect the male reproductive system:

Epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis, the coiled tubes that connect the testes with the vas deferens. It is usually caused by an infection, such as the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia, and results in pain and swelling next to one of the testicles.

Treatment: Prompt treatment is important to minimize discomfort and to avoid longterm damage and transmission to others where the cause is a sexually transmitted organism. Antibiotics should clear up the problem.

Prevention: You may avoid epididymitis by seeking treatment for urethritis (urinary tract infection), bladder or prostate infections. Seek treatment quickly if you develop symptoms such as a burning sensation when you urinate and a yellow-green discharge. Getting treatment early will aid in preventing the spread of the infection to the testicles.

Inguinal hernia When a portion of the intestines pushes through an abnormal opening or weakening of the abdominal wall and into the groin or scrotum. The hernia may look like a bulge or swelling in the groin area.

Treatment: It can be corrected with surgery. If your hernia is small and isn't bothering you, your doctor might recommend watchful waiting. In children, the doctor might try applying manual pressure to reduce the bulge before considering surgery. Enlarging or painful hernias usually require surgery to relieve discomfort and prevent serious complications. There are two general types of hernia operations — open hernia repair and laparoscopic repair.

Prevention: Steps you can take to prevent an inguinal hernia include maintaining a healthy weight, effectively treat constipation when it occurs and always exercise extreme caution when lifting heavy objects. Wear a lifting support or lifting belt and squat before lifting, letting your legs bear the strain and not your groin or back. Finally do not smoke as it leads to a chronic cough that can worsen your inguinal hernia.

Hypospadias is a disorder in which the urethra opens on the underside of the penis, not at the tip.

Treatment: Hypospadias is fixed with surgery.

How can it be prevented? Often it cannot be prevented. Avoiding exposure to estrogens and to endocrine disruptors such as dioxin, PCBs, DDT, and some other pesticides can prevent some cases.

KEEPING THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM HEALTHY As was discussed in previous concepts, both infectious and noninfectious diseases of the reproductive system can be very serious. But there are ways to keep your reproductive system healthy.

What can you do to keep your reproductive system healthy?

You can start by making the right choices for overall good health. To be as healthy as you can be, you should:

• Eat a balanced diet that is high in fiber and low in fat. • Drink plenty of water. • Get regular exercise. • Maintain a healthy weight. • Get enough sleep. • Avoid using tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs. • Manage stress in healthy ways. • Keeping your genitals clean is also very important. • A daily shower or bath is all that it takes.