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Tests & Surgery Procedures for Men's Reproductive Systems

Maintaining male reproductive health requires testing that must become more frequent as men get older. Much of the testing can be done independently and in the comfort of your own home. However, you may need the assistance of a doctor or health care professional for more extreme cases and procedures. Surgeries may be a necessary addition to reproductive health maintenance depending on what your reproductive system tests show.

  1. Prostate Exam

    • Men over the age of 50 should have regular prostate exams to check for prostate cancer. However, younger men may benefit from such exams as well because the prostate is instrumental to semen production. Manual prostate exams involve your doctor using fingers to check for prostatitis---an inflammation or irritation of the prostate---and prostate enlargement. Both conditions may effect semen production, and in turn, your reproductive health.

    Fertility Test

    • Fertility tests are a good starting point for men who have been trying to impregnate their partners to no avail. These tests entail providing a semen sample for analysis. Basic semen analysis identifies sperm concentration and can be purchased over the counter or at a low-cost reproductive health facility such as Planned Parenthood. More elaborate semen analyses include gauging sperm motility and appearance.

    Testicular Exam

    • Testicular examinations are similar to prostate exams in that your doctor will manually inspect the testicles looking for abnormalities such as testicular cancer or other growths. You may perform a testicular examination on yourself. Feel each testicle, the epididymis and the vas deferens for lumps. Make sure both testicles are close in size, smooth and oval-shaped. Blood tests may be necessary to rule out cancer or identify other problems if you or your doctor discover abnormalities.

    Vasectomy

    • Vasectomy is a reproductive surgery that disables the vas deferens by blocking it. Sperm can no longer travel through the vas deferens and into your partner once the vas deferens is blocked. This is an effective birth control procedure for men who no longer wish to reproduce.

    Testicular Cancer Surgery

    • Testicular cancer surgery may be necessary to remove cancers or abnormalities that impede reproductive function. Exploratory testicular surgery is often a precursor to a more elaborate operation. Your surgeon may elect to proceed through the scrotum or the groin in the event a removal operation is necessary to restore or preserve reproductive function.

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