Download Chapter 18 Urology and Male Reproductive Examinations

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