Male Reproductive System: Internal and External Parts Explained

You already might have came across the the term, Male Reproductive System. What it is? The male reproductive system is a complex network that exists outside of your body which is responsible for both sexual function and urination. The external organs include penis, scrotum and testicles while the internal organs include vas deferens, prostate and urethra.

Responsible for both sexual function and urination, the male reproductive system consists of organs that produce, store, and deliver sperm, which fertilises the egg produced by the female reproductive system to start a pregnancy. The external organs and Internal organs produce hormones that affect growth and development.

What is the Male Reproductive System?

The Male Reproductive System is a network of both internal and external organs that work together to produce, store, and transport sperm and semen. The male reproductive system produces the male sex hormones named Testosterone.

The reproductive system begins to develop during puberty. At this point, the testes begin to make sperm through a process called spermatogenesis. The sperm are stored in the coiled tubes that make up the bulk of each testis, called seminiferous tubules. The sperm mature over about 12 days and develop the ability to move on their own.

After they become immotile in the lumen of the testis, the sperm moves to the epididymis, a coiled tube attached to the testis where sperm continue to mature. The sperm are moved along the length of the epididymis by contractions of smooth muscles lining the tube.

What does the Male Reproductive System do?

The reproductive system in male has two primary functions: to produce sperm with testosterone, and to deliver sperm for fertilisation. It achieves this by generating sperm cells within the testes, producing semen, secreting testosterone, and releasing semen during sexual intercourse. Let’s discuss in bit detail

• Production and delivery of sperm: Sperm are the male sex cells (gametes) that carry half of the genetic information needed to form a new human. The system creates and delivers sperm to the female reproductive system for possible fertilisation of an egg.
• Production of male sex hormones: The male sex hormones (Testosterone) controls the development of male reproductive tissues, supports sperm production, and is responsible for secondary sex characteristics (like facial hair, a deeper voice, and muscle growth).

How does the Male Reproductive System function?

The function of male reproductive system is to produce, store, and transport sperm and sex hormones (androgens) for reproduction and to maintain male secondary sexual characteristics. The testes produce sperm and the hormone testosterone. Sperm, along with fluids from accessory glands like the seminal vesicles and prostate, form semen, which is then discharged into the female reproductive system during sexual intercourse

• Sperm Production (Spermatogenesis): Occurs in the testes, specifically inside coiled tubes called seminiferous tubules. This starts during puberty and continues throughout life.
• Hormone Production: The testes produce testosterone, regulated by signals from the brain (the hypothalamus and pituitary gland).
• Sperm Maturation and Storage: After production of sperm, it is moved to the epididymis, where they mature and are stored
• Sperm Transport: During ejaculation, the sperm travel through a tube called the vas deferens. Along the way, they mix with fluids from accessory glands named Seminal vesicles, Prostate gland, Bulbourethral glands. The mixture of both sperm and fluid is called semen.
• Ejaculation: The semen travels through the urethra and exits the body through the penis during ejaculation.

What are the external parts of the Male Reproductive System?

The male reproductive system is composed of both external and internal organs, each with a specific function. Let us understand the external parts of the male reproductive system.

• Penis: This is the male organ used for urination and sexual intercourse. It contains spongy tissue that fills with blood to become erect, which facilitates the delivery of sperm.
• Scrotum: Scrotum is a skin pouch that hangs behind the penis. Its main function is to hold the testes and regulate their temperature, as sperm production requires a cooler temperature than the rest of the body.

What are the internal parts of the Male Reproductive System?

We have discussed the external parts in the previous section. Now, let us discuss the internal parts of the male reproductive system.

• Testes (Testicles): The primary reproductive organs, located inside the scrotum. They are responsible for producing sperm through a process called spermatogenesis and the male hormone testosterone.
• Epididymis: Epididymis is a coiled long tube located on the back of the testis. It stores and helps mature sperm before they are transported to the next stage.
• Vas Deferens: A muscular tube for transporting mature sperm to the urethra from the epididymis during ejaculation.
• Prostate Gland: A walnut-sized gland that surrounds the urethra. It produces a milky-white fluid that helps nourish and protect sperm, forming a large part of semen.
• Seminal Vesicles: Two sac-like glands that secrete a fluid rich in fructose and other nutrients. This fluid makes up a significant portion of semen and provides energy for sperm motility.
• Urethra: A tube that runs through the penis. It has a dual function in males, carrying both urine from the bladder and semen from the reproductive system out of the body.

What are common conditions that affect the Male Reproductive System?

Based on medical information, here are some common conditions, symptoms, and tests related to the male reproductive system.

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): A very common, non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause urinary problems.
• Prostate Cancer: The most common non-skin cancer in men. It often grows slowly but can be aggressive. Early stages typically have no symptoms. Understand What Prostate Cancer is!
• Erectile Dysfunction (ED): The inability to maintain or to get an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It can be caused either by physical or psychological factors.
• Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis, the coiled tube at the back of the testicle. It is often caused by a bacterial infection, including STIs.
• Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland, which can cause pain in the pelvis and difficulties with urination.
• Varicocele: An enlargement of veins within the scrotum, often described as feeling like a “bag of worms.” It can be a cause of male infertility.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Conditions like chlamydia and gonorrhea can affect the reproductive system, leading to various symptoms and complications if left untreated.

What are common symptoms of Male Reproductive System conditions?

The symptoms of these conditions can vary widely and may not always be present, especially in early stages.

• Urinary Issues: A frequent or urgent need to urinate, a weak or interrupted urine stream, pain or burning during urination.
• Pain or Swelling: Pain, swelling, or a feeling of heaviness in the testicles, scrotum, or groin area.
• Sexual Dysfunction: Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection (ED), pain during ejaculation, or a reduced sex drive.
• Blood in Fluids: Blood in the urine (hematuria) or semen (hematospermia).
• Pelvic Pain: Chronic pain or discomfort in the lower back, pelvic area, or perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus).

What are common tests to check the health of the Male Reproductive System?

A doctor will use a combination of tests to diagnose a condition.

• Physical Exam: A physical examination, including a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE), where a doctor feels the prostate gland to check for any abnormalities.
• Blood Tests: A Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test is used to screen for prostate cancer. Other blood tests may check hormone levels.
• Urine Tests: A urinalysis checks for infections or other issues in the urinary tract.
• Ultrasound: Imaging tests, such as a scrotal or transrectal ultrasound, can be used to visualise the prostate, testicles, and other internal structures.
• Sperm Analysis: For issues of infertility, a semen sample is analysed for sperm count, motility, and morphology.
• Biopsy: If a doctor suspects cancer, a biopsy is performed to remove small tissue samples for lab analysis to confirm the diagnosis.

Can a man go through menopause?

No, a man cannot go through menopause. Unlike female menopause, which involves a rapid and complete shutdown of the reproductive system, men experience a gradual and often less dramatic decline in hormone levels as they age. 

This process is sometimes referred to as andropause, or colloquially as “male menopause.” The key difference is that sperm production and testosterone levels decrease slowly over many years, starting around age 40, rather than ending abruptly.

Can “Male Menopause” be treated?

Yes, the symptoms associated with “male menopause” can be treated. The primary treatment is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), which can be administered via injections, patches, gels, or pellets. This therapy can help alleviate symptoms such as low libido, fatigue, and muscle loss. In addition to TRT, a doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress reduction, to help manage the symptoms.

How can you take care of the Male Reproductive System?

Taking care of the male reproductive system involves a combination of healthy habits and proactive medical care.

• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent conditions like obesity and diabetes, which are linked to erectile dysfunction and other reproductive health issues.
• Practice Safe Sex: Using condoms is the most effective way to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can cause long-term damage and infertility.
• Regular Check-ups: Visit a doctor for regular physical exams, which may include screenings for conditions like prostate cancer
• Perform Self-Exams: Regularly check your testicles for any lumps, swelling, or changes. Testicular cancer is highly curable when caught early.
• Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have been shown to negatively impact sperm quality and fertility.

What is the normal size of the penis?

Normal penis size varies widely and is not related to height or other body parts. Medical studies have established a range for average measurements in adult males.

• Flaccid (non-erect): The average length is around 3.6 inches (9.16 cm).
• Erect: The average length is approximately 5.16 inches (13.12 cm).
• Girth (circumference): The average girth when erect is about 4.59 inches (11.66 cm).

It’s important to note that these are just averages, and there is a very wide range of what is considered a healthy, normal size.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the male reproductive system is a complex and vital network of organs that goes beyond its role in procreation. It is the powerhouse for male hormones and a key indicator of overall health. Understanding its functions and being proactive about its care—from simple lifestyle choices to regular check-ups—is essential for every man. By paying attention to key symptoms and seeking timely medical advice, men can ensure long-term health and well-being.

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