Epididymitis

Overview Epididymitis is the bacterial infection and inflammation of the epididymis.1 There is one epididymis for each testicle. The epididymis is a single, narrow, tightly-coiled tube that collects sperm from a testicle and moves it to the vas deferens. After spermatogenesis occurs, sperm are moved to the epididymides and stored there for several weeks to…

How to Increase the Chances of Pregnancy

Some couples are able to get pregnant effortlessly, while others experience varying degrees of difficulty. Many couples who are trying to conceive are anxious to do so. Although having intercourse within the “fertile window” is one of the best known ways to increase the probability of fertilization, there are several other ways that couples can…

Male Sterilization

Male Sterilization A vasectomy is a permanent method of birth control for males. It is a surgical procedure, typically involving local anesthesia, in which the vas deferens are cut, tied, or blocked off so that sperm cannot leave the scrotum. This procedure prevents the expulsion of sperm from the male’s body during ejaculation, thus eliminating…

Testicular Cancer

In early 2021 the estimated number of new cases of testicular cancer was 9,740. It is a rare disease, yet the chance of someone losing their life to it is only 1 in 5,000.1  What is it? Testicular cancer begins in the germ cells located in the testicles. Germ cells are responsible for making sperm…

How to Give a Sensual Massage

A sensual massage is a massage that focuses on the partner’s erogenous zones to provide both stress relief and increased intimacy between both partners. This is a very unique activity that provides both partners with the opportunity to build intimacy and trust. Sensual massages are unique because the goal of the sensual massage is not…

Male Genital Self-Exam

The major regions of the male genitalia include the penis, scrotum, and urethra. A genital self-examination consists of physically and visually investigating for abnormalities. Maintenance of sexual health includes regular self-examination of the external genitalia. Individuals should perform self-examinations as often as possible to identify abnormal masses and avoid complications that may arise from conditions…

Hydrocele (of the Testes)

A hydrocele is a fluid-filled sack that surrounds a testicle and causes swelling in the scrotum.1 A hydrocele can develop on one side of the scrotum (unilateral), or on both sides of the scrotum (bilateral). Hydroceles are common in newborns and infants, though most hydroceles go away by the time the child turns 1 year old….

The Testes

Typically, males have two testes. The testes are contained within the scrotal sac, located beneath the penis and in front of the anus. They are round in shape and tend to be about the same size as golf balls. Testicles are attached to the body via the spermatic cords, which are cord-like tissue structures formed…

Overview of the Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system includes the penis, the testes, and a host of internal organs that assist the evolutionary function of reproducing genetic material. Because the penis and testes are largely external organs, males are typically more familiar with their own reproductive systems than females are of the female reproductive system. The purpose of the male reproductive system is…