31.26 : Disorders of the Male Reproductive System

Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.

Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms include frequent or painful urination, lower back pain, and blood in the urine. While bacterial infections of the prostate (prostatitis) may be treated with antibiotics, other disorders, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer, require alternative treatments.

Prostate cancer is often detected through a combination of elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and other assessments, such as digital rectal examination (DRE) and imaging. However, PSA levels alone cannot distinguish between benign prostatic hyperplasia, infection, or cancer. Current guidelines recommend that men discuss the potential benefits and risks of PSA screening with their healthcare provider, typically beginning at age 50, or earlier for those with higher risk factors, such as a family history of prostate cancer or African ancestry.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED), defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity, is another common issue. It can result from hormonal imbalances, diabetes, systemic disorders, physical abnormalities, or side effects of certain medications. Psychological factors, such as anxiety or depression, also contribute to ED. Effective treatments, including drugs like sildenafil (Viagra), work by enhancing smooth muscle relaxation in the penis, improving erectile function.