The Male Reproductive System

TestosteroneThe male hormone responsible for:

1. The production of sperm (the male reproductive cell)

2. Facial and body hair

3. Deepening male voice

4. Male sex drive

Three Functions of the Male Reproductive System:

1. Produce sperm cells

2. Store sperm cells

3. Transport sperm cells

Note: We will continue learning about the male reproductive system when we discuss conception.

In-class reading and discussion• As you read the article, make note of the

main ideas and unfamiliar vocabulary

• Prepare to discuss the information you have read with the class.

CircumcisionIn-class reading and discussion

Questions to answer:

• What is circumcision?

• What are the pros of circumcision?

• What are the cons of circumcision?

• What are US trends?

• What are global trends?

• What are questions I still have?

Circumcision

Circumcision

• The cutting and removal of the foreskin from the tip of the penis

Global Circumcision Statistics

United States

• 1970 – 80%

• 1997 – 60%

• 2010 – 58%

Worldwide• Australia – 15%• Canada – 48%• U.K. – 24%

Uncommon in:• Asia• South America• Central America• Europe

Circumcision Statistics by US Region

Reasons to Circumcise

• Slightly lower risk of urinary tract infections

• Slightly lower risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s)

• Easier genital hygiene

Reasons Not to Circumcise

• Possible risks at time of surgery, bleeding, pain

• Foreskin may be necessary to protect the tip of the penis

• Proper hygiene can lower risk of infections and STD’s

The Male Reproductive System

Male Reproduction VocabularyPenis • The external male sexual organ

Scrotum• The sac under the penis that holds the 2 testicles

Testes• 2 oval-shaped glands inside the scrotum that

produce sperm

Epididymis• Tubes behind each testicle that store sperm while

they mature

Male Reproduction VocabularyVas Deferens• 2 tubes from the epididymis that carry the sperm

to the urethra

Vasectomy

• Surgical procedure cutting the 2 vas deferens tubes near the scrotum

• Prevents sperm from entering the semen & reaching the female egg

Male Reproduction Vocabulary

Seminal Vesicle, Prostate, Cowpers• Glands that produce semen, the liquid that nourishes

and transports sperm

Semen • A liquid that helps nourish and transport sperm cells

Urethra• Long tube that carries urine or semen outside the male

body

Foreskin• The skin at the tip of the penis that all baby boys are

born with

Resources

Talk with you parents/guardians

Talk with your doctor

Websites • Male reproductionhttp://kidshealth.org/parent/general/body_basics/male_reproductive.html

• Circumcisionhttp://kidshealth.org/parent/system/surgical/circumcision.html