Men’s Health

The endocrine system plays a vital role in men's health. Testosterone is the most important male hormone. It is produced in the testicles, by the gonads or sex glands and is responsible for the physical changes that transform a boy into an adult male. The testosterone hormone helps to build muscle, bone mass, sperm production, and control sex drive.

Hypogonadism (low testosterone)

Hypogonadism is a condition associated with the production of little or no testosterone. There are two types of the disease. Primary hypogonadism, a condition in which the brain receives signals to produce testosterone but is unable to make them. And central or secondary hypogonadism, a condition in which the brain is unable to send signals. Usually, because the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which control the gonads, aren't working correctly.

Some of the causes of primary hypogonadism are exposure to radiation, liver and kidney disease, severe infections, and surgery on the sex organs. Some of the causes of central hypogonadism are rapid weight loss, pituitary disorders, obesity, use of steroids, and infections. Treatment depends on the causes.Testosterone replacement therapy is commonly used to treat the male hypogonadism condition

Disorders of the testes

Disorders of the testes can lead to several complications, including sexual dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, and infertility. Some of the common conditions affecting the testes are testicular trauma, testicular torsion, and testicular cancer. Testicular trauma occurs when the testes are hit, struck, or crushed, a situation which can occur during combat sports.

Injury to the testes can cause severe pain, bruising, swelling, and testicular rupture, which can cause blood to leak into the scrotum. Surgery is used to treat testicular. Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord, which holds up the testicles, is twisted. When this happens, the blood supply to the testicles may be cut off.

Embarking on a strenuous activity can cause this condition. Testicular torsion is an emergency condition and requires emergency treatment. If the blood supply to the testicle is cut off for an extended period, the testicle may become permanently damaged. Testicular cancer occurs when the cells of the testes begin to divide and grow without control. The condition can affect one or both testicles.  

Symptoms include pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum (which may come and go), enlargement in either testicle, a dull ache in the groin or lower abdomen, and unusual heaviness in the scrotum. Surgery is the most common method of treatment.

Please visit Hormones Australia website for more information about disorders of the testes.

Infertility

Infertility is the inability to conceive a child even when the patient engages in frequent, unprotected sexual intercourse for a year or longer. The condition is commonly due to low sperm production, blockages that prevent sperm delivery, illness, injuries, chronic health problems, and lifestyle choices. Diagnosis involves carrying out proper scans, tests, and other examinations. Infertility treatment options are medication and surgery. 

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction or ED is the inability to get and sustain an erection during sex. It is common to have erectile dysfunctions from time to time, but it becomes a cause for concern if it is an ongoing issue. The causes of erectile dysfunctions in men are varied. The male arousal process is complex and involves the brain, hormones, nerves, emotions, muscles, and blood vessels.

Any of these can cause erectile dysfunction. The causes are mostly classified into physical and psychological causes. Some of the physical causes are heart diseases, obesity, use of certain medications, tobacco use, alcohol and other substance abuse, sleep disorders, prostate disorders, and injuries from surgeries affecting the pelvic area or spinal cord.

The psychological causes are stress, anxiety, depression, mental health conditions, and relationship with the sexual partner. Erectile dysfunction treatment depends on the causes and severity. Medication, injection, suppository, testosterone replacement, and surgery are common ED treatment options.