Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is one of the most common conditions in men, especially with increasing age. This disorder can make it difficult or impossible to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Causes can be both physical and psychological in nature, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, medications, or stress.
The treatment of erectile dysfunction typically includes medications such as phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., Viagra, Cialis), which improve blood flow to the penis. In some cases, injections, vacuum erection devices, or surgical interventions may be necessary.
Men can be affected by various sexually transmitted infections (STDs) that affect the genital organs. The most common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. These diseases can lead to pain, inflammation, discharge, and in severe cases, infertility if left untreated.
Male infertility can be caused by various factors, including hormonal disorders, genetic conditions, infections, or structural issues in the reproductive system such as blocked vas deferens or varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum).
Diagnosis is made through semen analysis and hormone tests. Depending on the cause, treatment can range from medication and hormone therapy to surgical procedures to remove blockages or promote sperm production.
Phimosis is a narrowing of the foreskin of the penis that makes it difficult to retract the foreskin and can, in some cases, cause pain during urination or sexual intercourse. In this condition, conservative treatment, such as stretching the foreskin or using a topical corticosteroid cream, can be helpful. In more severe cases, a minor surgical procedure to remove the foreskin (circumcision) may be necessary, though we do not offer this procedure in our practice.
Paraphimosis occurs when the retracted foreskin cannot be returned over the glans. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to avoid permanent damage.
A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins in the scrotum, which can appear similar to varicose veins in the legs. It is often recognized as a cause of male infertility because the enlarged veins increase the temperature in the testicles, which can impair sperm production. Typical symptoms include pain or heaviness in the scrotum that increases throughout the day, as well as visible or palpable enlargement of the veins. Treatment is often only required if the varicocele causes discomfort or impairs fertility. Surgical removal or ligation of the affected veins can relieve symptoms and improve sperm quality.
A spermatocele is a cyst in the spermatic cord located near the upper part of the testicle, filled with sperm or fluid. These benign cysts are usually painless and are often discovered incidentally during an examination. However, larger spermatoceles can cause pain or discomfort, especially with movement or pressure on the scrotum. In most cases, no treatment is necessary unless the cyst causes symptoms. For larger or painful spermatoceles, surgical removal may be considered to relieve discomfort and reduce the risk of fertility issues.
Testicular cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in younger men, especially between the ages of 15 and 35. The exact cause of testicular cancer is not always known, but there are risk factors such as a family history of testicular cancer or undescended testes (testes that have not descended into the scrotum). The most common symptoms include a painless swelling or lump in the testicle, which can be felt or seen with the naked eye, as well as a dull feeling in the lower abdomen or scrotum.
Early diagnosis is crucial, as testicular cancer is highly treatable when detected early.
Testicular torsion is an acute condition in which the testicle twists around its axis due to a twisting of the spermatic cords. This leads to an interruption of blood supply and causes severe pain in the scrotum. This condition often occurs in adolescents or young men and can be triggered by external trauma or simply by the testicle being too loosely suspended in the scrotum.
Penile curvature can be congenital or acquired. The acquired form, also known as Peyronie's disease, is caused by scar tissue in the corpus cavernosum, which can lead to pain and a visible curvature during erection.
