1. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Reckoned among the prostate gland problems, BPH is a sexual health problem where the prostate gland experiences non-cancerous (non-malignant) enlargement. It usually evolves gradually in men in their 30’s and begins to display symptoms in their 50’s.
Symptoms
- Urethra blockage and infection in urinary tract resulting into kidney injuries
- Impediment of urine flow and sometimes, it’s retention as well
- Frequent urination and difficulty in urinating
Treatment
- Surgery (involves high risks): Microwave therapy, laser procedures, and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
- Drugs: 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and alpha blockers
- Being watchful: Some men undertake no treatment but prefer giving some time, carefully watching whether the condition turns worse while having regular checkups
2. Low testosterone (Low-T)
It is the pituitary gland that stimulates the testes to produce testosterone, which is important for building sex drive, sperm production, and development of male body, and the lack of this stimulation is called as hypogonadism. Low-T is also linked with underproduction of testosterone in the testes. Oral pills are strictly not recommended by doctors for treatment as they can produce negative effects on the liver.
Symptoms
- Changes in emotions
- Variation in sleep patterns
- Sexual dysfunction
- Low libido
- Infertility
Treatment
- Pellets
- Gels (Axiron, Androgel)
- Transdermal (Androderm)
- Injections
3. Priapism
Having various causes, this is a penis disorder where the man experiences undesirable and persistent erection that lasts for many hours. Note that it is not associated with sexual stimulation but occurs purely because of different conditions where blood drainage or blood follow to the penis is interfered in an unwanted manner.
Symptoms
- Suttering priapism: Erection is transient in nature
- Non-ischemic priapism: Excess blood flow to the penis. Erection is less rigid and without pain
- Ischemic priapism: Blood is unable to exit the penis. Erection is painful and lasts more than 4 hours
Treatment
- Surgery: Rerouting of blood is done
- Medications: Blood vessels carrying blood to the penis are constricted through the injection of certain medications (Phenylephrine, Alpha Adrenergic Sympathomimetic) into the penis
- Aspiration: Blood drainage from the penis is performed
4. Hematospermia
Also called as ‘blood in semen’, it is a serious male disorder which is usually caused by prostate gland biopsy. Other causes include malignant and benign conditions in the genital system and other conditions affecting the genitourinary system.
Symptoms
- Lower back pain
- Painful urination
- Presence of blood in urine as well
- Fever
- Tenderness in the groin region
- Swelling in the scrotum or testes
- If ejaculation occurs, it is painful
Treatment
- Usually no treatment is provided if no further worrying symptoms occur or any known associated abnormality is identified. The condition is allowed to be resolved on its own
- Prostatitis is commonly an associated condition with blood in semen. In such a case, the treatment is initiated with antibiotics
- If the condition is related to any underlying cause then the treatment is directed towards it
5. Male Menopause
Just as women experience menopause in their lifetime, as doctors are noticing today, men too suffer from the aftermath of changing hormones with aging leading to low testosterone or androgen decline. However, certain conditions like diabetes could also be a cause of this decline of the testosterone level. Unlike a woman’s ovaries which cease from functioning and run out of substance in menopause, a man’s testes do not completely and abruptly cease from producing testosterone. A healthy male may still be able to produce sperms even in his 80’s and longer.
Symptoms
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Sexual issues
- Depression
Treatment
- Testosterone replacement therapy is an option; however, it is highly recommended to seek guidance from a medical professional before committing to it as it involves greater potential side effects and risks. It could also exacerbate prostate cancer
- Medications like antidepressants
- Changes in lifestyle such as executing a new exercise program or diet
6. Balanitis
This is another penis disorder where if it also involves the foreskin, it is stated as balanoposthitis. Here, the skin of glans penis or head of the penis experiences inflammation. The causes vary from allergic reaction to chemicals and poor hygienic maintenance of the penis to underlying medical conditions like diabetes mellitus, STDs, and specific infections.
Symptoms
- Odorous discharge
- Mild swelling, irritation, rash or itching around the penis
Treatment
- Changing daily hygienic habits
- Antifungal medication for infections
- Receiving guidance on cleaning and retracting the foreskin
- Removing the overlying foreskin via circumcision surgery, if repeated complaints are received
7. Gynecomastia
Mostly found in pubertal boys and growing infants, it is a hormonal disorder in men which results from enlargement of glandular tissue of male breast due to the increase in estrogen (female hormone) to androgen (male hormone) levels. This condition is also commonly seen in middle-aged to older men. It could very well be distinguished from pseudogynecomastia, where obese men have fat deposits in their breast area.
Symptoms
- Elaboration of glandular tissue instead of fatty tissue
- Usually occurs on both sides; however, one side could have a larger enlargement
- No severe pain, but sensitivity and tenderness could be experienced
- Generally symmetrical in nature with respect to the nipple and can have a firm or rubbery feel
Treatment
- Treating underlying conditions, if any
- Being watchful and patient until 6 months with no specific treatment
- For severe gynecomastia, selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) tamoxifen could be used
- Clomiphene gynecomastia is generally recommended for 6 months
- Danazol could be used to reduce estrogen synthesis by the testes
8. Phimosis & Paraphimosis
Phimosis is generally separated into pathologic and physiologic conditions where the male is unable to retract the foreskin behind the glans penis. Pathologic phimosis is common in uncircumcised adult men and caused due to infection, scarring, or inflammation. Physiologic phimosis, contrarily, is a normal, by birth condition where male infants are born with tight foreskin.
Paraphimosis is the inability of the foreskin to return back to its normal position after being retracted.
Symptoms
- Phimosis: Pain during erection and urination, balanitis, and paraphimosis
- Paraphimosis: Swelling worsens, edema, pain, skin gets trapped, and a tight tissue ring is formed
Treatment
- Phimosis: Steroid ointment, circumcision
- Paraphimosis: Manual reduction, local injection of hyaluronidase, application of ice around the affected area, or performing a surgical slit followed by circumcision
