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…
Tag: Testes
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…
Orchiectomy
An orchiectomy is a surgical treatment that consists of the removal of one or both testicles (bilateral orchiectomy). The testicles are the male sex organ which produce sperm and testosterone.1 Multiple reasons exist for undergoing an orchiectomy. Contrary to popular belief, removing one testicle does not decrease a male’s sexual drive. A single testicle is sufficient for both fertility and proper…
Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is the production and development of sperm. This process begins at puberty and continues for the remainder of a male’s life. The sperm and the egg, which are the male and female gametes, meet during fertilization. Both gametes are haploid cells; these cells contain 23 unpaired chromosomes, which is half of the human genetic…
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…
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…