Assessment of Male reproductive organs

Assessment of Male reproductive organs

Assessment includes: assessment of the external genitals, presence of any hernias, prostate gland.

Organs include: Penis, Scrotum, testis, Prostate gland

Explain to the client. Wash hands and apply gloves. Provide privacy. Ask patient to void

Inquire if client has following history;

·         Usual voiding pattern

·         Bladder control, frequency, urgency, abdominal pain, any swelling

·         Family h/o nephritis, malignancy of prostate etc.

·         Assess for history of nocturia,  volume of urine, daily fluid intake

·         Assess sexual history

·         Previous surgery

Inspect skin covering genitalia for lice, rashes, excoriation or lesions

PUBIC HAIR Inspect the distribution, amount, and characteristics of pubic hair	Triangular, often spreading up to abdomen	Scant /absence of pubic hair
Penis Inspect the penile shaft and glans penis for lesions, nodules, swelling and inflammation	Penile skin intact, foreskin easily retractable -Smegma b/n the glans and foreskin +	Presence of lesions, nodules,  swellings or inflammation
Inspect the urethral meatus for swelling, inflammation, and discharge	Pink and slit like appearance, urethra positioned at tip of the penis	Inflammation, variations in meatal location
Palpate the penis for tenderness, thickening and nodules.	Smooth and semi firm	Presence of tenderness, thickening or nodules.
Scrotum Inspect the scrotum for general size and symmetry.	Size varies with temperature, scrotum generally asymmetric bilaterally (left is lower)	Testicles are grossly enlarged with uneven surface
Inguinal area Inspect both inguinal areas  for bulges, while the client is standing	No swelling/ bulges	Swelling or bulges
Using first 2 fingers and thumb palpate each testis for size, consistency, smoothness presence of mass	Testicles are free of nodule or masses Rubbery or smooth	Enlarged uneven in size
If swelling,  nodule are detected during the scrotal exam, attempt to trans illuminate the lesion. This is done by darkening the room and shining flashlight behind the scrotum through the mass.

A hernia is a protrusion of the intestine through the inguinal wall or canal.

Cancer of the prostate gland is the most common cancer in adult men and occurs primarily in men over age 50. Examination of the prostate gland is performed with the examination the rectum and anus.

Types of hernia:

·         Direct hernia

·         Indirect hernia

·         Femoral hernia

Palpating a hernia: Have the client remain at rest. Have the client hold the breath and bear down as though having a bowel movement. Bearing down makes the hernia more visible.

Document the findings

Male genital self-examination 

·         Age above 15 yrs.

·         Monthly examination

·         Inspection for mass

·         Palpate testicles