Frisco, TX authorities in male reproductive health support the virile function of this complex system
As with all bodily systems, there are many organs and structures that must work together to maintain healthy function. A leading authority on male infertility and reproductive health, Dr. Jeffrey Buch of Legacy Male Health in Frisco, TX, takes a big picture look at how all facets of your life that can affect you and your partner’s ability to get pregnant or the pleasure that you derive from sex. He accounts for everything from pre-existing medical conditions to lifestyle, knowing that many factors can affect the health and function of the complex “parts” that make up the male reproductive system.
External organs
Unique to most body systems, the male reproductive system is mainly made up of organs that reside externally, outside of the abdominal cavity and pelvis. These organs include the penis, scrotum, and testicles.
The penis contains three components:
- Root connects to the abdominal wall
- Shaft, the cylinder that contains spongy erectile tissue, which becomes engorged with blood during erections
- Glans, the cone-like “head” blanketed with loose foreskin (when not circumcised)
The scrotal sac primarily holds and protects the testes. The scrotum plays a vital role in producing normal, healthy sperm; it keeps the testes somewhat cooler than the rest of the body. The scrotum contracts and pushes the testes either toward or away from men’s bodies as needed to warm or cool sperm. The testes themselves produce testosterone and sperm. Behind each teste, the epididymis stores sperm and supports their healthy maturation. So, the cells are capable of fertilizing an egg. When sexually aroused, the resulting contractions help move the sperm toward the ductus (vas) deferens.
Internal organs
Known as “accessory organs,” the vas deferens, urethra, prostate, and associated glands and sacs are vitally important to both reproductive and urinary health (ridding your body of wastes).
The tubes of the vas deferens transfer spermatozoa to the urethra pre-ejaculation. The urethra is responsible for removing urine. Among men, this tube serves a second ejaculatory function. The seminal vesicles at the bladder’s base produce fructose, a fluid that aids in the sperms’ movement or motility. This characteristic is among the sign of quality sperm. A man’s prostate provides nourishing fluid to sperm. Under the prostate, Cowper’s glands produce urethral lubricant, which neutralizes acidic urine.
Why all of this matters
Understanding the anatomical structures that influence reproductive health will help you better appreciate how organs and tissues work together to produce sperm and what is required for that sperm to fertilize an egg, resulting in pregnancy.
While healthy men still produce sperm long after women can no longer bear children, subtle changes in reproductive function can arise slowly over time; a process sometimes referred to as “andropause.” These changes may happen at middle age (45 to 50), with dramatic functional challenges (primarily related to the testes) arising after aged 70.
Sometimes, hormone production declines earlier in life as the result of illnesses such as diabetes. Additionally, it’s thought that some 90% of Erectile Dysfunction is due to an underlying medical problem and the medications used to treat these conditions, for example, treatment of high blood pressure. Tissue mass can decrease, and the tubes that carry sperm may lose their elasticity. Sperm production itself can slow down.
Reproductive changes may also be related to urinary system changes; prostate enlargement or hyperplasia, for one, is common and can cause slow urination and ejaculation. And, while the ejaculate volume remains the same, fewer living sperm may be available to inseminate an egg.
Suspect that you have low-T? Dr. Buch can work with you to pinpoint the cause of distressing symptoms. Medication to replace testosterone may positively affect the quality of life – elevating libido and energy levels and lifting and regulating moods. Managing existing medical conditions can also help to address those factors that influence fertility and sexual pleasure. There is no person quite like you. We encourage you to contact us at (972) 996-7177 with any concerns or changes you have noticed. We can then develop a plan that addresses your specific needs and situation.
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