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Male Reproductive System
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Male Reproductive System

Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system consists of several specialized structures, including the penis, prostate, and testicles, each associated with various health conditions and functions.

Key Anatomical Structures

  • Penis: Associated with conditions such as erectile dysfunction, various infections, and disorders.
  • Prostate: A gland involved in conditions like BPH and prostate cancer.
  • Testicles: Involved in fertility, reproductive technology, and testicular health.

Common Topics and Conditions

The following areas are central to understanding male reproductive health:

  • Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): Includes IVF, egg/sperm donation, and surrogacy.
  • Infertility: Covers male infertility, low sperm count, and artificial insemination.
  • Prostate Health: Includes BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), prostate cancer, and screening.
  • Sexual Health and STIs: Covers conditions such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, and genital warts.
  • Surgical Procedures: Includes vasectomy and circumcision.
  • General Disorders: Includes penis disorders, testicular disorders, and erectile dysfunction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is primarily driven by aging and hormonal changes, specifically the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It affects the majority of men over 50 and causes urinary symptoms like frequent urination, weak stream, or nighttime waking. Unlike prostate cancer, BPH is non-cancerous and does not spread to other parts of the body, though both conditions can coexist. Regular screening is important because BPH symptoms can sometimes mask the early signs of prostate cancer.
It is recommended to perform a testicular self-exam once a month, ideally in the shower or bath when the scrotum is relaxed and warm. You should look for any hard lumps, changes in size or shape, or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. While small, fluid-filled sacs (cysts) are common and often benign, any new, painless lump or persistent swelling warrants an immediate visit to a urologist, as early detection of testicular cancer significantly improves the cure rate.
vasectomy does not affect the ability to achieve an erection, the sensation of orgasm, or the volume of ejaculate, as the vast majority of semen is produced by the prostate and seminal vesicles, not the testes. However, it is not immediately effective; sperm remain in the reproductive tract for several weeks. Men must use alternative contraception until a follow-up semen analysis confirms the absence of sperm, which typically takes 8 to 12 weeks post-procedure.
Many STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can be asymptomatic in men, meaning they may not show visible symptoms like discharge or pain. However, when symptoms do appear, they often include burning during urination, penile discharge, or testicular pain. Because asymptomatic infections can lead to serious complications like infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease in partners, regular screening is crucial for sexually active men, especially those with new or multiple partners, even in the absence of symptoms.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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