Lecture Notes on Male Reproductive Health and Procedures

Vasectomy

• Purpose: A procedure for men who decide they no longer want children.
• Procedure: Same-day surgery where the vas deferens are cut and either cauterized or tied.
  • Sperm production continues but sperm are not ejaculated due to the vas deferens being severed.
• Post-Procedure:
  • Several semen samples are needed to confirm infertility.
  • Mistakes can occur, such as healing or other issues where sperm might enter the duct.
• Reversibility:
  • 100% effective but only 40% reversible.
  • Main issue for non-reversal is scar tissue.
  • Alternative methods: Sperm can be extracted directly from the testes and used for in vitro fertilization.

Inguinal Canal and Hernias

• Definition: A channel through which testes descend in men, increasing vulnerability to hernias.
• Inguinal Hernias:
  • Both men and women can experience them, though in women it tends to occur later in life.
  • Occurs when intestines protrude through the canal, potentially twisting and causing necrosis or peritonitis.
  • Symptoms include significant pain, worsening over time until treated.

Seminal Vesicles

• Function: Secrete alkaline, viscous fluid containing:
  • Fructose: Provides energy (ATP).
  • Prostaglandins: Aid in sperm motility and viability.
  • Clotting proteins: Facilitates semen coagulation after ejaculation.

Prostate Gland

• Secretion: Produces a milky, slightly acidic fluid (pH ~6.5) containing:
  • Citric acid: Component of the fluid.
  • Acid phosphatase and enzymes: Help liquefy coagulated semen.
• Prostatitis: Inflammation can range from mild to severe.
  • Symptoms include painful urination, difficulty urinating, and urinary frequency.

Bulbourethral (Cowper's) Glands

• Size: Tiny glands (~size of a pea).
• Secretion: Produce alkaline mucus to help neutralize acidity in the urethra.

Seminal Fluid

• Composition: Mixture of sperm and secretions from accessory sex glands.
• Functions:
  • Provides a medium for sperm transportation, nutrients, and acidity neutralization.
  • Contains lysozyme and seminoplasmin with antibiotic properties.
  • Prostatic enzymes coagulate and later liquefy semen to aid uterine cervix movement.
• Ejaculation Details:
  • Typical volume: 2.5 to 5 ml per ejaculation.
  • Normal sperm count: 50 to 150 million per ml.
  • Infertility issues can stem from non-forward swimming sperm or abnormal shapes.