Table structure and functions of the reproductive system. The reproductive system of women. Diseases of the reproductive system

The male reproductive system includes the scrotum, testicles, seminal ducts, gonads, and penis. These organs work together to produce sperm, male gametes, and other components of sperm. These organs also work together to carry sperm out of the body and into the vagina, where it will help fertilize the egg to produce offspring… [Read below]

  • Lower torso

[Start from above] … Scrotum
The scrotum is a burso similar body, made of skin and muscle where the testicles are. It is located lower than the penis in the pubic region. The scrotum consists of 2 testis sacs located side by side. The smooth muscles that make up the scrotum allow them to regulate the distance between the testes and the rest of the body. When the testicles become too warm to support spermatogenesis, the scrotum relaxes to move the testicles away from heat sources. Conversely, the scrotum moves closer to the body with the testicles when the temperature drops below the ideal range for spermatogenesis.

testicles

The 2 testes, also known as the testicles, are the male gonads responsible for the production of sperm and testosterone. The testicles are ellipsoidal glandular organs about 4 to 5 cm long and 3 cm in diameter. Each testis resides inside its own sac on one side of the scrotum and is connected to the abdomen by the funiculus and cremaster muscle. Internally, the testicles are divided into small compartments known as lobules. Each lobule contains a section of seminiferous tubules lined with epithelial cells. These epithelial cells contain many stem cells that divide and form sperm through the process of spermatogenesis.

Appendages

The epididymis is a sperm storage area that wraps around the superior and posterior margins of the testicles. The appendage consists of several long, thin tubes that are tightly folded into small mass. Spermatozoa are produced in the testicles and pass into the adnexa to mature before being passed through the male reproductive organs. The length of the appendage delays the release of spermatozoa and gives them time to mature.

spermatic cord and vas deferens

In the scrotum, a pair of spermatic cords connects the testes to the abdominal cavity. spermatic cords contain the vas deferens along with nerves, veins, arteries and lymphatic vessels that support testicular function.
The vas deferens is a muscular tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the abdominal cavity into the ejaculatory canal. The vas deferens is wider in diameter than the epididymis and uses its internal space to store mature sperm. The smooth muscles of the walls of the vas deferens are used to move sperm to the ejaculatory duct through the peristalsis.

seminal vesicles

The seminal vesicles are a pair of lumpy exocrine glands that store and produce some of the liquid semen. The seminal vesicles are about 5 cm long and are located behind the bladder closer to the rectum. The fluid in the seminal vesicles contains proteins and phlegm and has an alkaline pH to help sperm survive the acidic environment of the vagina. The liquid also contains fructose to feed the sperm cells so they survive long enough to fertilize an egg.

Ejaculatory canal

The vas deferens passes through the prostate and joins the urethra at a structure known as the ejaculatory duct. The ejaculatory canal also contains canals from the seminal vesicles. During ejaculation, the ejaculatory canal opens and expels semen and secretions from the seminal vesicles into the urethra.

Urethra

Sperm travels from the ejaculatory canal to the outside of the body through the urethra, a 20 to 25 cm long muscular tube. The urethra passes through the prostate and ends at the external opening urethra located at the end of the penis. Urine exiting the body, from the bladder, passes through the urethra.

The prostate gland is the size of Walnut borders the lower end of the bladder and surrounds the urethra. The prostate produces most of the fluid, which is semen. This fluid is milky white color and contains enzymes, proteins and other chemicals to support and protect sperm during ejaculation. The prostate also contains smooth muscle tissue which can compress to prevent the flow of urine or semen.

cooper glands
Cooper's glands, also known as bulbourethral glands, are a pair of pea-sized exocrine glands located below the prostate and up to the anus. Cooper's glands secrete a thin, alkaline fluid into the urethra, which lubricates the urethra and neutralizes acid from the urine that remains in the urethra after urination. This fluid enters the urethra during sexual arousal prior to ejaculation to prepare the urethra for the flow of semen.

Penis
The penis is the male external sex organ located above the scrotum and below the navel. The penis is roughly cylindrical and contains the urethra and the external opening of the urethra. Large pockets of erectile tissue in the penis allow it to fill with blood and become erect. Excitation of the penis leads to its increase in size. The function of the penis is to deliver semen to the vagina during intercourse. In addition to its reproductive function, the penis also allows urine to pass through the urethra to outside body.

Sperm
Sperm is the fluid produced by males for sexual reproduction and ejected from the body during intercourse. Sperm contains spermatozoa, the male sex gametes, along with a number of chemical substances suspended in a liquid medium. Chemical composition semen gives it a thick, sticky texture and a slightly alkaline pH. These traits help sperm maintain reproduction by helping sperm stay in the vagina after intercourse and to neutralize acid environment vagina. In healthy adult males, semen contains about 100 million sperm per milliliter. These sperm cells fertilize the oocytes inside the female fallopian tubes.

spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is the process of sperm production that occurs in the testicles and appendages of adult males. Before puberty, there is no spermatogenesis due to the lack of hormonal triggers. During puberty, spermatogenesis begins when enough luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are produced. LH initiates the production of testosterone by the testicles, while FSH causes the maturation of germ cells. Testosterone stimulates stem cells in the testes, known as spermatogonia. Each diploid spermatocyte goes through the process of meiosis I and splits into 2 haploid secondary spermatocytes. Secondary spermatocytes go through meiosis II to form 4 haploid spermatids of the cell. The spermatids of the cell go through a process known as spermatogenesis, where they grow a flagellum and develop a sperm head structure. After spermatogenesis, the cell finally turns into spermatozoa. The spermatozoa are ejected into the appendages, where they complete their maturation and become able to move on their own.

Fertilization

Fertilization is the process by which a sperm combines with oocytes or eggs to become a fertilized zygote. The sperm released during ejaculation must first swim through the vagina and uterus into the fallopian tubes, where they can find an egg. Having collided with the egg, the sperm must penetrate the layers of the oocyte. Sperm cells contain enzymes in the acrosomal region of the head, which allows them to penetrate these layers. After penetration into the oocyte, the nuclei of these cells fuse to form diploid cells known as a zygote. The zygote cell begins cell division to form an embryo.

The reproductive function of a man depends on underwear and living and working conditions!

The male ability to leave offspring in science has a term - fertility or reproduction. As it turned out, male reproduction is closely related to underwear that he is wearing. Male reproduction depends directly on the underwear and living conditions of a man. How does underwear affect male reproduction? Everything is very simple. Scientists have conducted studies that have shown that for normal spermatogenesis (the formation of spermatozoa, male germ cells of reproduction), the temperature of the testicles and scrotum should be 3-4 degrees lower than the normal body temperature of a man. That is why men reproductive organs located at some distance from the body so that they are cool and active.

Reproductive function of a man

There is another important feature - if a man freezes so that the testicles do not freeze and lose their reproductive function, the testicles are pressed closer to the body. If it is very hot, on the contrary, the testicles descend away from the body. Nature took care of our men.

Remember! Overheating of the genital organs adversely affects the reproductive function of men.

Living and working conditions are important! Certain conditions of life and work of a man can, under which overheating of the testicles occurs, can lead to some diseases of the reproductive system. For example, living and working conditions associated with constant exposure high temperatures or forced sitting for more than three consecutive hours (drivers, office workers, and so on.). A heated car seat is detrimental to men on long journeys.

Men's underwear must support normal temperature genitals. Hostesses and loving wives you need to pay more attention to your man's wardrobe, especially underwear. Refuse tight-fitting swimming trunks, thongs are especially harmful, which strongly tighten the genitals, preventing them from freely regulating their temperature for the normal functioning of the reproductive function.

Underwear for men

What should be underwear for men?

The best underwear for a man is loose, spacious boxer shorts. They should be made of cotton or silk, without any unnecessary artificial impurities. Also, scientists recommend sleeping naked, it is useful. like this simple advice it is possible to preserve the male reproductive function and produce healthy offspring. After all, children true meaning life. Let's save and increase the family - the cell of society! :)

ATTENTION! IMPORTANT! The information is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used as a guide to self-medication. Self-medication can be dangerous for your health! Please, before use, consult your doctor! The need for the appointment, methods and doses of the use of the agent (or method) are determined solely by the attending physician!

The reproductive function of women and men serves to continue the human race. According to statistics, for a normal reproduction of the population, it is necessary that half of the families on the planet have two or three children.

What's happened reproductive function human? Roughly speaking, the reproductive system is a complex of systems and organs that provide the process, and this, in turn, contributes to human reproduction.

Reproductive function of men

IN male body every 4 months, new spermatozoa are produced - male germ cells. Thus, from the moment of puberty, for the rest of his life, a man produces billions of spermatozoa. They are ejected at the end of intercourse along with the semen from the penis. Getting into female vagina, they can live there for 48-62 hours, waiting for the release of the egg for its fertilization.

Reproductive function of women

In the female body, the ovaries play a decisive role. Conception is possible only if a mature egg is present. And the maturation of the egg occurs precisely in the ovaries under the influence of pituitary hormones, which sends a signal about the need to start menstrual cycle at the onset of puberty in girls.

From birth, the ovaries contain the entire life set of eggs - there are hundreds of thousands of them. Each cycle, one egg matures, and if it does not find a male sex cell, then dies and menstruation occurs.

reproductive dysfunction

Sometimes it happens that for one reason or another, a person has reproductive dysfunction. This is often a blow to a family that wanted to have children. A long-term examination of the spouses is required to find the cause and solutions to the problem.

Many causes of infertility are treated with modern medicine. But it is much more important to prevent such a state. To do this, there are measures to prevent reproductive health. First of all, it is the use safe methods contraception, timely treatment inflammatory diseases genital organs, as well as sexually transmitted diseases, regular medical examinations, general healthy lifestyle life.

How to improve (restore) reproductive function?

If the reproductive function of the body is not normal, appropriate measures must be taken. But first, make sure that you have sex at the same time as you are ovulating. Without this condition, all attempts to conceive a child come to naught.

In addition, you need to try to change the position. Some poses greatly increase chance of conception. And the first of them is the classic missionary. In any case, try to avoid "leakage" of semen from the vagina after intercourse.

If that doesn't help, rethink your diet. Balanced diet helps fight hormonal imbalances and nourishes the reproductive system. But alcohol and nicotine, on the contrary, are almost halved.

Do not interfere and moderate physical exercise. Exercising helps burn excess fat by stabilizing the level of sex hormones and restoring the cycle. But don't overdo it - excessive loads reduce the chance of conception.

Basic concepts and key terms: REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. Female reproductive system. Male reproductive system. Remember! What is reproduction?

Interesting

The symbols of Mars and Venus are symbols of ancient astrology. female sign Venus is depicted as a circle with a cross pointing down. It is called the "mirror of Venus", and it symbolizes femininity, beauty and love. male sign Mars is depicted as a circle with an arrow pointing up and to the right. This symbol is called the "shield and spear of Mars." In biology, these symbols were introduced by Carl Linnaeus to indicate the sex of plants.

What are the features of human reproduction?

Reproduction is physiological function, providing self-reproduction of the view. It is characteristic of man sexual reproduction, in which germ cells, or gametes that have half the set of chromosomes, participate. These cells are formed by the sex glands of two types - the ovaries and testicles. They are located in the body of individuals of different sexes. Man is dioecious with the phenomenon of sexual dimorphism.

Human reproduction is provided by the REPRODUCTIVE (SEXUAL) SYSTEM (from Latin reproductio - reproduction) - a set of genital organs that provide sexual reproduction. Distinguish between the male and female reproductive systems.

All hereditary information about the human body is encoded in the DNA contained in the chromosomes. There are 46 of them in humans. Before reproduction, gametes are formed from the cells of the sex glands, in which there are 23 chromosomes and a half set of hereditary information. Shortly after fertilization and fusion of germ cell nuclei, a complete set of hereditary information is restored. That is why children have characteristics of both parents.

Human reproduction becomes possible with the onset of sexual and physical maturity. But man is a biosocial species, therefore, the mental readiness of future parents plays an important role in his reproduction, social conditions their lives and social norms of behavior.

A person may experience early puberty, which is associated with acceleration (acceleration individual development and height of children and adolescents compared to previous generations).

Table 50. FEATURES OF HUMAN REPRODUCTION

organizations

Peculiarity

Molecular

Hereditary information recorded in DNA is passed on to the next generation by carriers of heredity - chromosomes.

Cellular

Male gametes - sperm and female gametes - eggs contain 23 chromosomes

fabric

All 4 types of tissues are involved in the formation of the genital organs

Organ

The reproductive organs, unlike the organs of other systems, differ in men and women.

Systemic

The female and male reproductive systems have external and internal reproductive organs.

Organismic

Male and female body differ in primary (the structure of the genital organs) and secondary (features of the structure, functions and behavior that distinguish the male from the female) sexual characteristics

So, human reproduction is provided by the reproductive system and differs in male and female organisms.

What is the importance of the female reproductive system?

The reproductive system of a woman is formed by the external genital organs (labia and clitoris), internal genital organs (ovaries, the fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina), mammary glands (paired organs in which a secret is formed for feeding babies).


The main reproductive organs in women are two ovaries. These are paired oval-shaped organs located at the funnel-shaped ends of the fallopian tubes. They contain immature eggs, which are formed in the body of a woman even before she is born. The maturation of eggs in the ovaries of a woman occurs from the end of puberty to the end reproductive period. Each woman ovulates every month - one of the eggs reaches full maturity and leaves the ovary. After the egg is released, it enters the fallopian tube, along which it moves to the uterus. If the egg is not fertilized, menstruation occurs. In addition to eggs, the ovaries have secretory cells that secrete sex hormones (estradiol, progesterone).

The fallopian tubes are paired organs that connect the ovaries with the

uterine cavity. The total length of the fallopian tube is about 12 cm. Capturing a mature egg from the ovary, the fallopian tubes provide its nutrition and movement to the uterus. In the fallopian tubes, fertilization also occurs with the formation of a zygote.

The uterus is a hollow unpaired muscular organ in which the embryo and fetus develop from the zygote during pregnancy. It distinguishes between the body of the uterus, to which the fallopian tubes fit, and the cervix, which is the narrow end of this organ. The uterus passes into the vagina, through which the sperm enter the female body.

So, the female reproductive system is a set of organs that provide the formation of eggs, the secretion of female sex hormones, fertilization and intrauterine development.

What is the structure and function of the male reproductive system?

The reproductive system of a man is formed by the external genital organs (scrotum and penis), internal genital organs (testicles, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, ejaculatory duct), prostate gland. Unlike the female, the male reproductive system is located almost entirely outside. This structure is due to the fact that the maturation of spermatozoons requires a temperature below 36.6 °C.

The main genital organs of men are two testicles. These are paired organs located in the skin sac - the scrotum. The testicles are made up of sinuous seminiferous tubules that produce spermatozoa. In addition, testicular cells synthesize male sex hormones androgens, in particular testosterone. Next, the spermatozoons enter the epididymis, where they reach maturity and are stored until they are excreted. From each of the epididymis, the vas deferens begins, which connects to the duct of the seminal vesicles. These paired organs secrete fluid to provide sperm nutrients. The ducts of the epididymis and the ducts of the seminal vesicles merge into a common ejaculatory duct, which opens into the canal of the penis. Under bladder around the urethra is the prostate gland (prostate). It forms a secret that protects male gametes and maintains their mobility.

So, the male reproductive system is a set of organs that provide the formation of spermatozoons, the secretion of male sex hormones and insemination.


ACTIVITY

Learning to know

Independent work with the table

Apply the comparison method and determine the signs of similarity and difference between the female and male reproductive systems.

female reproductive system

male reproductive system

external organs

Internal organs

Location of major organs

The name of the cells that form

Hormones that form

Biology + Chemistry

The body of an adult contains about 2-3 g of zinc, almost 90% of it total concentrated in muscles and bones. A significant amount of this trace element is found in the prostate gland and seminal fluid, which indicates its importance for human reproductive health. Also, this trace element has a significant impact on the state immune system. Zinc is an activator of the activity of T-lymphocytes, the synthesis of cytokines by lymphocytes that regulate the immune response and act as a growth factor for the immune system. How does zinc enter the human body? In what food products does it contain zinc?

Biology + Mythology

In ancient Roman mythology, Cupid is a winged boy, a small god of lovers, a satellite of Venus. He is armed with a golden bow and arrows with which he hits human hearts making people feel loved. Hence the expression "to be wounded by Cupid's arrow" - to fall in love. Try to find a physiological connection between sex hormones, heart function and love. What role does the endocrine system play in the regulation of human reproduction processes?

RESULT

Questions for self-control

1. What is the reproductive system? 2. What set of chromosomes do gametes contain? 3. What is the female reproductive system? 4. Name the genital organs of women that form eggs. 5. What is the male reproductive system? 6. Name the genital organs of men that form spermatozoons.

7. Name the features of human reproduction. 8. What is the importance of the female reproductive system? 9. Describe the structure and functions of the male reproductive system.

What role does the endocrine system play in the regulation of human reproduction processes?

This is textbook material.

All living beings reproduce. Reproduction - the process by which organisms create more organisms like them - is one of the things that distinguishes living things from non-living things.

In humans, the male and female reproductive systems work together to make a baby. In the human reproductive process, two types of germ cells or gametes are involved.

A male gamete, or sperm, and a female gamete, an egg or ovum, meet in a woman's reproductive system to create a child. The male and female reproductive systems are essential for reproduction.

People pass on some characteristics of themselves to the next generation through their genes, special carriers of human traits.

Parents of genes pass on to their offspring what makes children like others in theirs, but they also make each child unique. These genes come from the father's sperm and mother's eggs, which are produced by the male and female reproductive systems.

Understanding the male reproductive system, what it does and the issues that can affect it can help you understand better. reproductive health your child.

About the male reproductive system

Most species have two sexes: male and female. Each gender has its own unique reproductive system. They differ in shape and structure, but both are specifically designed to produce, feed, and transport either eggs or sperm.

Unlike the female, whose reproductive organs are located entirely inside the pelvis, the male has reproductive organs, or sex organs, that are both inside and outside the pelvis. The male genitalia include:

  • testicles;
  • the duct system, which consists of the epididymis and the vas deferens;
  • accessory glands, which include the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland;
  • penis.

In a pubescent guy, the two testicles (or testicles) produce and store millions of tiny sperm cells. The testicles have oval shape and are about 2 inches (5 centimeters) long and 1 inch (3 centimeters) in diameter.

Testicles are also part of endocrine system as they produce hormones including testosterone. Testosterone is a major part of puberty in boys, and as a guy makes his way through puberty, his testicles produce more and more.

Testosterone is the hormone that causes boys to produce deeper voices, bigger muscles, body and facial hair, and stimulates sperm production.

Along with the testicles are the epididymis and the vas deferens, which make up the male duct system. reproductive organs.

Seed oozing is a muscular tube that runs up along the testicles and transports a spermatic fluid called semen. The epididymis is a set of coiled tubes (one for each testicle) that connects to the seed of the seed.

The epididymis and testicles hang in a pouch-like shape behind the pelvis, called the scrotum. This bag of skin helps regulate the temperature of the testicles, which must be cooler than body temperature in order to obtain sperm.

The scrotum changes size to support correct temperature. When the body is cold, the scrotum contracts and becomes stiffer to retain body heat.

As it heats up, the scrotum becomes larger and more flexible to get rid of the extra heat. It happens without the guy thinking it through. brain and nervous system give the scrotum a cue to resize.

Accessory glands, including the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland, provide fluids that lubricate the duct system and nourish the sperm. The seminal vesicles are sac-like structures attached to the vas deferens towards the bladder.

The prostate gland, which produces some of the semen, surrounds the ejaculatory ducts at the base of the urethra, just below the bladder.

The urethra is the duct that carries semen out of the body through the penis. The urethra is also part of urinary system, because it is also the channel through which urine passes when it leaves bladder and exits the body.

The penis actually consists of two parts: the shaft and the glans. The shaft is the main part of the penis, and the glans is the tip (sometimes called the glans).

At the end of the head is a small slit or opening through which seeds and urine exit the body through the urethra. Inner part The penis is made up of spongy tissue that can expand and contract.

All boys are born with a foreskin, a fold of skin at the end of the penis that covers the glans. Some boys are circumcised, which means that a doctor or clergyman cuts off the foreskin.

Circumcision is usually done during the first few days of a boy's life. Although circumcision is not medical necessity, parents who choose to circumcise their sons often do so on the basis of religious beliefs, concerns about hygiene or cultural or social reasons.

Boys who have circumcised penises and those who don't are no different: all penises work and feel the same, whether or not it has been removed. foreskin.

What does the male reproductive system do

The male reproductive organs work together to produce and release sperm into the female's reproductive system during intercourse. The male reproductive system also produces sex hormones that help a boy develop into a sexually mature person during puberty.

When a boy is born, he has all parts of his reproductive system in place, but until puberty cannot reproduce. When does it start puberty Usually between the ages of 9 and 15, the pituitary gland — which is located near the brain — releases hormones that stimulate the testicles to produce testosterone.

The production of testosterone leads to many physical changes. Although the timing of these changes is different for each guy, the stages of puberty usually follow a predetermined sequence:

  • During the first stage of male puberty, the scrotum and testicles grow.
  • Then the penis becomes longer, and the seminal vesicles and prostate gland grow.
  • Hair begins to grow in the pubic area and then on the face and armpits. At this time, the boy's voice also intensifies.
  • Boys also have a growth spurt during puberty as they reach their adult height and weight.

Sperm

Men who have reached puberty produce millions of sperm cells every day. Each sperm is extremely small: only 1/600 of an inch (0.05 millimeter). Sperm develops in the testicles in a system of tiny tubes called seminiferous tubules.

At birth, these tubules contain simple, round cells, but during puberty, testosterone and other hormones cause these cells to transform into sperm.

Cells divide and change until they have a head and a short tail like tadpoles. The head contains the genetic material (genes).

The sperm use their tails to push themselves towards the epididymis where they complete their development. It takes about 4-6 weeks for sperm to pass through the epididymis.

The sperm then passes to the vas deferens or the spermatozoon. The seminal vesicles and prostate produce a whitish fluid called seminal fluid, which mixes with semen to form semen when a male is sexually stimulated.

The penis, which usually hangs, becomes heavy when a man is sexually aroused. The tissues in the penis fill with blood and become hard and erect (erection). The stiffness of the penis makes it easier to insert into a woman's vagina during intercourse.

When the penis is stimulated, the muscles around the reproductive organs contract and force semen to pass through the duct system and urethra. The semen is pushed out of the man's body through the urethra, a process called ejaculation. Every time a guy ejaculates, he can contain up to 500 million sperm.

When a female ejaculates during intercourse, sperm is deposited in the female's vagina. From the vagina, semen makes its way through the cervix and travels through the uterus with the help of uterine contractions.

If a mature egg is in one of the female fallopian tubes, one sperm can penetrate, as well as fertilization or conception. This fertilized egg is now called a zygote and contains 46 chromosomes - half of the egg and half of the sperm.

The genetic material from a man and a woman is combined in such a way that a new person can be created. The zygote divides again and again as it grows in the female womb, maturing over the course of pregnancy into an embryo, fetus, and finally a newborn baby.


Boys can sometimes have problems with their reproductive system, including:

Traumatic trauma

Even minor injury testicles can cause severe pain, bruising or swelling. Most testicular injuries occur when the testicles are struck or crushed, usually during sports or other injury.

Testicular torsion when one of the testicles twists around, cutting off its blood supply, is also an emergency medical situation which, fortunately, is not common. Surgery is needed to unwind the cord and save the testicle.

Varicocele

This varicose vein(abnormally swollen vein) in the network of veins that run from the testicles. Varicoceles often develop while a boy is going through puberty.

A varicocele is not usually harmful, but it can damage the testicle or reduce sperm production. Take your son to see your doctor if he is concerned about changes in his testicles.

testicular cancer

It is one of the most common types of cancer in men under 40 years of age. This happens when cells in the testicle divide abnormally and form a tumor.

Testicular cancer can spread to other parts of the body, but if it is found early, the rate of cure is excellent. Adolescent boys should be encouraged to learn how to perform testicular self-examinations.

Epididymitis

This is an inflammation of the epididymis, the coiled tubes that connect testes to testes. It is usually caused by an infection such as sexually transmitted chlamydia and results in pain and swelling near one of the testicles.

Dropsy

A hydrocele is when fluid collects in the membranes surrounding the testicles. Hydrocells can cause swelling in the scrotum around the testicle, but are usually painless. In some cases, surgery may be required to correct the condition.

Inguinal hernia

When part of the bowel penetrates through an abnormal opening or weakening abdominal wall and in the groin or scrotum, it is known as inguinal hernia. A hernia may look like a bulge or swelling in the groin area. She is treated with surgery.

Disorders affecting the penis include:

  • Inflammation of the penis. Symptoms of penile inflammation include redness, itching, swelling, and pain. Balanitis is when the glans (head of the penis) become inflamed. Posthit is an inflammation of the foreskin, usually due to a yeast or bacterial infection.
  • Hypospadias. In this disorder, the urethra opens to bottom side penis, not at the tip.
  • Phimosis. This is tightness of the foreskin and is common in newborns and young boys. It usually gets better without treatment. If this interferes with urination, circumcision (removal of the foreskin) may be recommended.
  • Paraphimosis. This can develop when the foreskin of a boy's uncircumcised penis is retracted (ripped off to expose the glans) and trapped so that it cannot be returned to an unprofitable position. As a result, blood flow to the head of the penis may be affected and the boy may have pain and swelling. The doctor may use a lubricant to make a small incision so that the foreskin can be pulled forward. If that doesn't work, circumcision is recommended.
  • Ambiguous genitals. In most boys born with this disorder, the penis may be very small or non-existent, but testicular tissue is present. IN a small amount cases, the child may have both testicles and ovarian tissue.
  • Micropenis. This is a disorder in which the penis, although normally formed, is significantly below average size as defined by standard measurements.

If your son has symptoms, problems with his reproductive system, talk to your doctor - many problems with the male reproductive system can be treated. The doctor is also a good resource for your son if he has questions about growth and sexual development.