Learning About the Male Reproductive System

What does the male reproductive system do?

The male reproductive system makes hormones and sperm. And it allows sperm to leave the body during ejaculation. If sperm fertilizes an egg during vaginal intercourse, a pregnancy can occur.

This system is made up of:

• The penis. The penis has a tube called the urethra. This carries urine out of the body. During ejaculation, it carries semen out of the body.
• Testicles. This is where sperm is made. Sperm mixes with fluid, called semen, and leaves the body through the penis.
• The scrotum. This is a sac at the base of the penis that holds the testicles.
• Epididymides. This is where the sperm mature.
• Seminal vesicles and the prostate gland. They make the semen that carries the sperm.
• The vas deferens tubes. These tubes carry sperm to the ejaculatory duct, where it mixes with semen. Then the semen enters the urethra and travels through the penis and out of the body.

What problems can happen with the male reproductive system?

Problems may include:

• Injuries to the genitals. This could happen when you play sports, do other activities, or take a fall.
• Infections of the testicle (orchitis), epididymis (epididymitis), prostate gland (prostatitis), urethra (urethritis), or other areas.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These include chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, and gonorrhea.
• Sperm problems. They could cause you to be infertile.
• Erection problems (impotence or erectile dysfunction).
• Torsion of a testicle. This emergency happens when a testicle twists in the scrotum. The twisting can cut off its blood supply. If the blood supply isn't quickly restored, there can be lasting damage.
• Cancer of the testicle, penis, or prostate.

How can you prevent male reproductive system problems?

• If you play contact sports, make sure to wear a cup or other protection for your genitals.
• Limit your sex partners. Sex with one partner who has sex only with you can reduce your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
• If you smoke, quit or cut back as much as you can.