Male Reproductive System: Anatomy, Function, and Common Issues

Male Reproductive System

Glands Attached

• Seminal Vesicles: These two glands produce 60% of the seminal fluid, which contains fructose. They generate peristaltic contractions in the ejaculatory ducts. The clotting proteins in the semen form a weak coagulum in the vagina, keeping the semen in the deeper regions.
• Prostate: Nut-shaped, it surrounds and is traversed by the urethra. Prostatic fluid contributes 13-22% of semen volume and contains calcium, phosphate ions, and a clotting enzyme. The prostate's volume can increase with age (benign prostatic hyperplasia). Symptoms include increased prostate volume, difficulty urinating, and post-urination dribbling.
• Cowper's Glands: These glands clear the urethra of residual urine before sperm ejection. They are smaller than the seminal vesicles and located below the prostate.

Common Issues

• Phimosis: Narrowing of the foreskin, preventing easy retraction over the glans.
• Varicocele: Varicose veins in the testicles.
• Celibacy: Sexual abstinence.
• Premature Ejaculation: Expulsion of sperm before the desired time.

Semen Composition

Semen consists of seminal fluids, sperm, and secretions from the Cowper's glands.

Key Components

• Testicles: The male gonads that produce sperm and hormones. Sperm creation takes approximately 72 days, progressing through these stages: spermatogonia, spermatocyte I, spermatocyte II, spermatids, and spermatozoa.
• Seminiferous Tubules: Coiled tubules responsible for sperm production from puberty onward. This process requires hormonal stimulation by FSH.
• Epididymis: The site where sperm mature and are stored. Sperm can survive here for about 60 days; if not ejaculated, they are reabsorbed.
• Vas Deferens: A long tube that transports sperm to be expelled. Vasectomy is performed on this structure.
• Urethra: A conduit for both urine and sperm disposal, measuring over 10 cm in length. It has three sections: prostatic urethra, membranous urethra, and spongy urethra. Inflammation can cause urethritis.
• Azoospermia: The absence of sperm in the ejaculate, leading to infertility.