The male urogenital system includes two different structures that are functionally and morphologically related to each other. In each of them there are certain bodies that perform certain tasks. Next, we consider in more detail what is the structure of the urogenital system of a man. The article will describe the tasks that it performs, as well as some pathologies.
General information
The system includes organs that form and then excrete urine. This is one of the available structures. The second is sexual. She is responsible for reproductive function. The structure of the male urogenital system is similar to the female in the part responsible for cleansing the blood from accumulated toxins. There are 2 kidneys in this zone. These organs are bean-shaped. They are located on the same level as the lumbar (upper) vertebrae. In addition to the kidneys, the renal pelvis, ureters, bladder and urethra are involved in blood purification.
Testicles
The male genitourinary system includes these paired organs responsible for the production of sperm and the hormone testosterone. Thanks to this attraction is formed. Hormones also affect the formation of sexual characteristics. Organs are formed already in the prenatal period. Initially, they form in the abdominal cavity (its upper part). Then gradually the organs enter the scrotum. The ability to move, however, remains with them throughout life. This is possible due to muscle contractions. This ability provides reliable protection against sudden effects of temperature extremes and physical overvoltage. In some cases, prolapse of the testicle does not end at the time of birth. This situation can be corrected by surgical methods. If you do not intervene and correct up to five years, then this is fraught with infertility. The skin of the testes is the scrotum. It provides protection against potential injuries. In the epididymis, presented in the form of a small channel, spermatozoa are located. Here they continue their maturation and gradually acquire the necessary mobility.
Urethra (vas deferens)
This formation is a continuation of the epididymis. Along with large-caliber blood vessels, the duct forms a spermatic cord, which has a relatively large length. It comes from the scrotum, goes along the inguinal fold into the abdominal cavity to the very base of the prostate. In the area of the prostate gland, the rope expands, passing into an ampoule. In this area, there is an accumulation of sperm cells until the onset of ejaculation.
Prostate
This body is developing a special secret. It helps sperm cells maintain their activity. In the prostate, in addition, the vas deferens and the urethra are combined. Due to the high degree of elasticity of the muscle ring located at the exit of the prostate, the penetration of sperm into the bladder during ejaculation is excluded. The same is true for another process. During ejaculation, urine does not enter the urethra.
Other components
The male genitourinary system includes seminal vesicles. These are small glands that produce fluid present in semen and make up about 95% of its total volume. Bubbles have excretory tubules. They are combined with the vas deferens. Cooper's gland produces a lubricant that facilitates sperm movement during sexual intercourse. Such, in general, is the anatomy of the urogenital system of men. With muscle tension of the perineum, full ejaculation is performed.
Some diseases of the genitourinary system in men
These are such ailments:
- BPH.
- Aspermia.
- Swelling of the scrotum.
- Inflammation of the genitourinary system in men (balanoposthitis, for example).
- Hydrocele (dropsy of the testicles).
- Cavernith.
- Cyst of the spermatic cord.
- Cryptozoospermia.
- Short bridle.
- Hypospadias.
- Infertility.
This is the list. This is not all diseases of the genitourinary system in men. These or other pathologies are due to a variety of reasons. Let's consider some of them further.
The main triggering factors
Infections of the genitourinary system in men are considered the most common cause of the development of many pathologies. They, in turn, are divided into non-specific and specific. The first include streptococci, staphylococci, Escherichia coli, viruses (herpes, acute respiratory infections, influenza, cytomegalovirus, herpes zoster), chlamydia, mycoplasma and others. Trichomonads, gonococcus, pale treponema, and mycobacterium tuberculosis are distinguished among specific infections. All of these microorganisms provoke urethritis, prostatitis, inflammation of the genitourinary system in men and other pathologies.
Oncology
This should also be mentioned. These diseases of the genitourinary system in men are caused by an imbalance in the circulation of sex hormones. These disorders, in turn, are provoked by age-related changes. Among other factors that increase the risk of developing cancer pathologies, it should be noted a genetic predisposition, a large amount of consumed animal fats. Most often, malignant tumors are detected in representatives of the Negroid race. At the same time, it should be noted that the above factors, as well as smoking, sexual activity, diabetes, hypertension, and liver damage do not belong to the reasons for developing prostate adenoma.
Other pathologies
Factors that provoke testicular tumors are cryptorchidism, trauma, radiation (ionizing and microwave), phimosis and inflammatory processes of the chronic course. The latter include stagnation due to reduced or increased sexual activity. Moreover, the latter may be accompanied by an interruption of the act, smoking, alcohol abuse. Pathologies of other structures and organs can also provoke diseases of the genitourinary system in men. These include hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes (sugar), depression, neurosis, obesity, injuries and lesions of the spinal cord and spine. Decreased sexual activity can also be caused by taking a number of drugs.
Male genitourinary system: symptoms of pathologies
Signs of violations of the structure are conventionally divided by specialists into several categories.
The first group should include changes in the external genital organs, detected by palpation and examination. So, for example, during the examination it is easy to detect micropenia (the size of an organ in an erection state is less than 9 cm), megalopenis (as a manifestation of hyperactivity in the adrenal cortex), pathological enlargement of the penis (against the background of priapism, if palpation is accompanied by pain, then injury is likely), trunk curvature (Peyronie's syndrome is possible with pain). On examination, a clear change in the size of the scrotum may also be noticeable. The increase, in particular, is two-sided and one-sided. If pain occurs during palpation, the likelihood of an inflammatory process in the testicles or their appendages should be taken into account. If there is no pain, then this may indicate a hydrocele or elephantiasis. In the absence of both testicles in the scrotum, cryptorchidism or agenesis is likely.
The next category of symptoms is general manifestations. These include, for example, fever. In this condition, an increase in temperature is noted against the background of the inflammatory process. Common signs include weight loss (due to malignant tumors), gynecomastia (can act as a consequence of estrogen therapy for prostate cancer). The next common symptom is pain. Against the background of certain pathologies, it can be localized in the groin area (in the external organs and perineum). With acute urethritis, pain accompanies the process of urination. As a rule, it is painful and has a sharp character. Against the background of fibrous induction, aching pain and curvature of the penis are detected. Another common manifestation of pathologies is an upset urination process. In particular, at night, patients are disturbed by frequent desires (against the background of prostate tumors), incontinence (with adenoma), difficulty emptying, polyuria. Another symptom is a change in the transparency and color of the urine. She can become muddy. As a rule, such a manifestation is characteristic of inflammatory pathologies. Against the background of malignant neoplasms, blood may appear during emptying. Also, a change in sperm or abnormal discharge from the urethra is considered a symptom. Pus appears with urethritis. There is a constant or frequent release of sperm from the urethra without ejaculation, orgasm, erection (spermatorrhea). With pathologies of the prostate gland , a prostate secret often appears after an act of defecation or urination, but without an admixture of spermatozoa (prostatorea).
Sperm change
In 1 ml of ejaculate, at least 20 million sperm are normally present. More than half of them are mobile. With blockage of the vas deferens, there is a lack of ejaculation during sexual contact - aspermatism. With an insufficient amount (less than 20 million), oligozoospermia is diagnosed. This pathology can develop due to infections, cryptorchidism, hypoplasia, or underdevelopment of the testicles. The triggering factors are nicotine, drugs and alcohol. In the case of fewer motile spermatozoa, asthenozoospermia is diagnosed, in the presence of germ cells with insufficient morphology, teratozoospermia is detected. In the absence of sperm in the ejaculate against the background of varicocele, atrophy of the seminiferous tubules, azoospermia is diagnosed with inflammation. In the presence of a normal number of spermatozoa (but not possessing mobility) and in the absence of the possibility of their recovery, they speak of necrospermia. Against the background of prostate cancer, vesiculitis, hemospermia is diagnosed. In this case, blood is detected in the semen.
Diagnostics
In the presence of inflammatory pathologies, several studies are prescribed. One of them is a blood test. Against the background of inflammation, there will be an increased concentration of leukocytes, an increase in ESR. Urinalysis will identify microorganisms - pathogens. In the diagnosis of prostate diseases, digital transrectal examination occupies a special place. During this procedure, the size of the gland, its contours, the presence / absence of foci of softening / compaction are determined. Along with this, the specialist receives the secret of the prostate, which is also subsequently examined. Endoscopic methods allow you to examine the mucous membrane of the urethra. Widely used MRI, CT, X-ray methods of research. Ultrasound of the genitourinary system in men allows you to diagnose pathological changes in the prostate, testicle and its appendages. Identification of erectile dysfunction is carried out using a sexological test, laboratory tests for hormones, gonadotropic compounds. They also examine the vessels of the penis, conduct cavernosography, electromyography. Timely and correct diagnosis allows the treatment of the genitourinary system in men most effectively.
Therapeutic and preventive measures
What should I say here? Treatment of the genitourinary system in men is selected strictly individually in each case. Therapeutic measures are aimed at eliminating the causes and alleviating the manifestations of pathology. With severe pain, a specialist can prescribe analgesics or antispasmodics. In case of infection, the doctor will recommend an antibiotic. The drug is selected in accordance with the results of analyzes that identify the pathogen and its sensitivity. In some cases, surgery may be required. As a preventive measure, negative factors should be excluded from everyday life, including those contributing to the development of oncology (microwave radiation, for example). It is necessary to review your regime, abandon bad habits, eliminate the pathology of other systems and organs. After 40 years, annual preventive examinations are recommended, including laboratory and instrumental diagnostic measures.