Chapter 18 Urology and Male Reproductive Examinations and Procedures

Diseases and Disorders of the Male Reproductive System

Urologists also diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the male reproductive system. The medical assistant should have an understanding of the commonly seen disorders in order to provide the most thorough standard of care. Assisting the urologist includes patient screening, preparation for exams, and patient education.

Disease / Symptoms / Treatment
Prostatitis / ­  Extreme pain upon urination
­  Fever
­  Chills
­  Low back pain
­  Perineal pain
­  Dysuria
­  Nocturia / ­  Antibiotics may or may not be helpful, depending upon the cause
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) / ­  Decreased urine flow
­  Urine frequency / ­  Surgical resection of the prostate gland
Prostatic Adenocarcinoma / ­  Weight loss
­  Anemia
­  Pain
­  Discomfort / ­  Surgical prostatectomy
­  Radiation
­  Hormone therapy
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) / ­  Inability to achieve or maintain an erection / ­  Treatment is usually dependent upon the cause
­  Medications currently being used are Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) / ­  Discharge
­  Fever
­  Chills
­  Rash
­  Sores and growths / ­  Treatment is dependent upon the type of STD and the cause
­  Refer to Chapter 17 for more information on STDs
Hypospadias / ­  Altered urinary stream / ­  Surgical intervention to correct the defect

Patient Tutor

Depending on the relationship with the patient, the medical assistant may provide brochures or education on STD treatment and prevention. It is important not to impose personal biases and beliefs. If you have religious or ethical objections to various options, this should be discussed with your physician. Prevention might include:

·  Promoting discussions with partners

·  Avoiding contact with infected persons

·  Abstinence

·  Limiting number of partners

·  Use of condoms

Reinforce that the use of birth control pills and/or spermicide does not prevent STDs. Also, do not use petroleum jelly with condoms as it can dissolve the latex, making them ineffective. Remind patients that sexual contact does not just involve sexual intercourse. It involves contact with the mouth, genitals, or rectum. Some diseases can also be transmitted non-sexually, by breastfeeding or when giving birth.

Field Smarts

Men are often uncomfortable discussing sexual and reproductive “failures” with health care providers. Develop a comfortable professional relationship with the patient in a manner they find acceptable. Observe body language clues. Do not invade comfort zones based on patient indications.