Mens' Health
Syndromes:
- Hypotestosteroneism
- Prostatic hypertrophy
Testes and Prostate
While the testes are the source of testosterone and sperm, the prostate is associated with these and supplies additional secretions to the semen. The prostate becomes problematic when it is enlarged or inflamed.
The secretion of the male hormone testosterone and the production of sperm by the testes is controlled though the release of the pituitary hormones. Though the levels of these hormones vary over time, they do not have the extreme cyclic fluctuations that occur in women. Since the pituitary is regulated by the hypothalamus of the brain, mental/emotional states do influence the release of these gonadotropins somewhat.
Testosterone secretion by the testes is stimulated by LH release from the pituitary. The feedback effect of testosterone on the hypothalamus inhibits the signal for pituitary release of LH. Puberty begins in boys around the age of ten when this hypothalaminc sensitivity diminishes. This initiates pituitary LH signals to increase testosterone production, resulting in a number of changes in the body. These include a progressive enlargement of the testes and the prostate until about the age of 20. Testosterone production peaks at age 20 and then begins a gradual decline. It drops significantly around age 50 at which time sexual function usually diminishes also. Symptoms of this climacteric in men are not as common or severe as they are in women. Hot flashes, a sense of suffocation or mental/emotional symptoms occasionally occur. Testosterone secretion and sperm production continue at a low level until death.
Sperm develop under the influences of pituitary FSH and testosterone. The inability to produce sperm after puberty may be permanent due to a number of chromosomal, traumatic, toxic or infectious causes that cause the testes to atrophy. It can be temporarily caused by pituitary disorders or the chronic use of drugs including marijuana and corticosteriods. Another possible cause is the regular exposure of the testicles to high temperatures such as in prolonged fever. The failure of the testes to descend into the scrotum prior to puberty can result in permanent infertility due to their continual exposure to the warmer interior of the body. Long soaks in a hot tub taken daily or wearing snug jockey shorts regularly can lead to a temporary block in sperm production. The blood engorgement around the testes from a varicocele raises the temperature in a similar fashion.
The prostate is analogous to the female uterus and surrounds the upper urethra just below the bladder. It is one of the organs of the body that is most affected by testosterone. Cancer of the prostate causes 2-3% of deaths in men and it is stimulated by testosterone. (Castration has been used to prevent testosterone productions as a means of treating prostatic cancer.) The prostate converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone is bound to receptors of prostate cells and then to the nuclei of these cells. This causes increased DNA replication and protein production which enlarges the gland. When it contracts the prostate contributes a thin milky alkaline fluid to the semen. After age 20 it retains a fairly stationary size until around 40 to 50 years of age. Then it begins to degenerate in some men as testosterone levels fall. A benign enlargementof the prostate often occurs after age 50 which narrows the urethra and causes urinary obstruction.
If there is tenderness in the area of the prostate or if blood is noticed in the urine, it is important to be examined by a doctor to check for prostate infection or cancer. Cases of acute infection or cancer of the prostate require medical intervention. A number of substances and methods can be used to help control chronic prostate inflammation or benign enlargement. The consumption of certain pumpkin seeds (Cucubita pepo var. styriaca) has been found to by helpful. Supplements of vitamins A and C and the mineral zinc are also beneficial. If constipation is involved, more fluid and fiber must be included in the diet in the form of fresh fruit and vegetables. Prolonged sitting or standing should be avoided. Regular walking and exercise help stimulate circulation to the pelvis.