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The Male Reproductive System

• Hydrocele. A hydrocele occurs when fluid collects in the membranes surrounding the
testes. Hydroceles may cause swelling of the testicle but are generally painless. In some cases,
surgery may be needed to correct the condition.

• 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, it is known as an inguinal
hernia. The hernia may look like a bulge or swelling in the groin area. It can be corrected with
surgery.

Disorders of Penis

Disorders of the Penis Disorders affecting the penis include the following:

• Inflammation of the penis. Symptoms of penile inflammation include redness, itching,
swelling, and pain. Balanitis occurs when the glans (the head of the penis) becomes inflamed.
Posthitis is foreskin inflammation, which is usually due to a yeast or bacterial infection.

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

• Phimosis. This is a tightness of the foreskin of the penis and is common in newborns and
young children. It usually resolves itself without treatment. If it interferes with urination,
circumcision (removal of the foreskin) may be recommended.

• Paraphimosis. This may develop when a boy's uncircumcised penis is retracted but doesn't
return to the unretracted position. As a result, blood flow to the penis may be impaired, and your
child may experience pain and swelling. A doctor may try to use lubricant to make a small
incision so the foreskin can be pulled forward. If that doesn't work, circumcision may be
recommended.

• Ambiguous genitalia. This occurs when a child is born with genitals that aren't clearly
male or female. In most boys born with this disorder, the penis may be very small or
nonexistent, but testicular tissue is present. In a small number of cases, the child may have both
testicular and ovarian tissue.

• Micro penis. This is a disorder in which the penis, although normally formed, is well
below the average size, as determined by standard measurements.

• Sexually transmitted diseases. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can affect boys
include human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS),
human papillomavirus (HPV, or genital warts), syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes,
and hepatitis B. They are spread from one person to another mainly through sexual intercourse.

• Erectile dysfunction. E.D. is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual
intercourse. This can also called impotence. The word "impotence" may also be used to describe
other problems that can interfere with sexual intercourse and reproduction, such as problems
with ejaculation or orgasm and lack of sexual desire. Using the term erectile dysfunction
clarifies that those other problems are not involved.

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