A Guide to the Male Reproductive System
November 21, 2024
4 mins
The male reproductive system is a lot more complex than it may appear on the surface. Multiple organs move fluid moves through to excrete urine and semen throughout the body.
When something is wrong, you may notice changes or feel discomfort in the testicles. Common conditions that lead to testicular pain include erectile dysfunction, diabetes, high blood pressure, and more. Read on to learn more about the function of each part of the reproductive system and how it can affect your health.
What are the Testicles?
The testicles are key reproductive glands within the scrotum located underneath the penis. Men generally have two oval-shaped testicles — commonly referred to as the testes. They first form in the abdomen before dropping into the scrotum.
The size of the testicles is around 5 cm long. It’s normal for one testicle to feel slightly larger than the other. They are made up of tightly coiled structures called lobules.
What Do the Testicles Do?
The testes produce testosterone and sperm. Testosterone is a hormone secreted from Leydig cells in the body to complete many basic bodily functions. Testosterone is responsible for the voice drop during puberty and male hair growth. Testosterone also plays a role in sexual libido and the development of genitals as the body grows.
As men age, the body gradually produces less testosterone. Keeping the testicles cool can help increase the amount of sperm produced as men age.
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How is sperm produced?
The process of creating sperm first happens in germ cells within tubules before maturing in the epididymis — a tubal structure in the back of the testicles. Mature sperm cells eventually become semen. Sperm within semen then travels through the vas deferens and other structures in the testes before being pushed out of the body through the urethra.
What are the Parts of the Male Reproductive System?
A healthy reproductive system is essential for urinary health and family planning. The male reproductive system is composed of the external organs (like the penis and testes) and internal organs (like the urethra, scrotum, and vas deferens). The connection between the brain and reproductive system alerts the body when you are sexually aroused.
Penis
The penis is the most visible reproductive organ made up of spongy tissue (the corpora cavernosa and the corpus spongiosum). The shaft and the glans make up the body and the end of the penis. The glans is where the foreskin is located. Foreskin is a loose layer of skin at the end of the penis.
Seminal vesicles
A set of glands, including the prostate gland, that produces a slightly alkaline fluid in the body responsible for semen function and sperm production.
Prostate gland
This small part of the reproductive system sits near the bladder and the urethra. Seminal fluid carries sperm from the prostate gland into the rest of the reproductive system.
Urethra
Urine flows out of the body through the urethra. It is located at the tip of the penis. This is also where semen is released during ejaculation. Muscles in the urethra tighten when your body needs to go. The sphincter muscles in the urethra relax as urine exits the bladder.
Ureters
The tubes located in the uterus that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
What is the Anatomy of the Testicles?
Scrotum
The scrotum is a sack underneath the penis that contains the fascia, testes, epididymis, and spermatic cord. This part of the reproductive system protects the testes to enable sperm production. It may move the testes closer or further from the body for the optimal temperature.
Epididymis
The epididymis is a tube near the back of the testicles that connects to the vas deferens. It has three main parts — the head, body, and tail.
The head of the epididymis is where sperm is stored. It is located on the superior pole of the testis. Between the head and body, the body of the epididymis is a connector for the head to the tail in the epididymis. During ejaculation, sperm leaves the tail of the epididymis and travels into the deferent duct (vas deferens).
Spermatic chord
A chord-like structure that connects the testicle to the scrotum. It contains nerves, blood vessels, and the vas deferens.
Vas deferens
Also known as the ductus deferens, these are coiled tubes in the epididymis that help to carry sperm out of the body.
Potential Complications in the Male Reproductive System
Every now and then you may feel mild discomfort near the testicles for numerous reasons. Be sure to speak with a healthcare provider if you experience intense pain or discomfort that gets in the way of daily activities.
Discomfort near the testicles may be a sign of:
Erectile dysfunction
STIs (sexually transmitted infections)
Kidney stones
Hernia
Testicular torsion
Testicular cancer
Infertility
Certain medications can also cause pain and discomfort near the testicles. Statins, chemotherapy medications, and antibiotics may have a side effect of testicular pain. If your testicles are feeling uncomfortable, speak with a healthcare provider about potential causes. They may be able to provide alternative medications.
Side effects of erectile dysfunction and low testosterone
Men with erectile dysfunction have trouble reaching and maintaining an erection and an increase in inflammation in the area.
Some men experience testicular pain in the testes and scrotum when blood rushes to the penis and isn’t released during an orgasm. In the testes, the body may not be producing enough testosterone. Erectile dysfunction often occurs when there is limited blood flow to the penis.
Erectile dysfunction does not affect sperm count, but it can affect other parts of your health. The following health conditions maycan increase your risk of erectile dysfunction:
Epididymis
Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Chronic kidney disease
Bladder cancer
Peyronie’s disease
Multiple sclerosis
Blood vessel disease
Prostatitis
What causes testicular cancer?
In some cases, testicular pain can be an early symptom of a cancerous tumor in the testes. However, it’s unlikely that testicular cancer will present as just one symptom. Many men also notice a small lump or swelling in the testicles.
Cancer treatment can cause changes to the nerves in the penis. This can lead to erectile dysfunction in young men. There are medications a healthcare provider can prescribe after cancer treatment to restore erectile function.
How Rex MD Can Help
If you’re experiencing problems with erectile dysfunction, Rex MD can help you find a treatment option that works for you.
Rex MD offers access to a variety of erectile dysfunction treatments like Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) to treat erectile dysfunction.
Get started on exploring medications that could work for you today.