The seminal vesicles are paired secretory glands located behind the bladder that produce semen. Cysts of the seminal vesicles are extremely uncommon and non-cancerous. While congenital cysts are usually found along with other genital/urinary anomalies, acquired cysts of the seminal vesicles are usually associated with prostate problems [i.e. chronic prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)] and recurring urinary tract infections. In symptomatic individuals, the usual complaints include perineal pain (pain in the area between the scrotum and the anus), abdominal pain, ejaculatory pain, and symptoms of a urinary tract infection (i.e. discomfort or burning with urination, blood in the urine, and increased urinary frequency). Treatment is necessary only if the cyst is causing symptoms, and may involve cyst removal.
The normal prostate size is 30 cc or less, but the size is also based on a man’s age. As men age, the prostate cells can increase in number (benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH]), increasing the overall size of the prostate organ (benign prostatic enlargement [BPE]). By age 50, approximately 50% of men have an enlarged prostate. Risk factors for an enlarged prostate include aging, genetics, obesity and lower physical activity. If the prostate becomes too large, it can block urine flow and result in lower urinary tract symptoms including needing to urinate often (especially at night), difficulty starting to urinate and having a weak urine stream.
A hydrocele is a collection of fluid within the scrotum that directly surrounds the testes and the spermatic cord. Men can develop a hydrocele due to inflammation or from injury within the scrotum, which often resolves with treatment of the underlying condition. Treatment is only indicated in individuals who are symptomatic with pain, a pressure sensation or when the scrotal skin integrity is compromised from chronic irritation.
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland, most commonly caused by a bacterial infection. Typical symptoms of prostatitis include painful or difficult urination, pain in the groin, pelvic area or genitals, and sometimes fever and chills.
A varicocele, which is present in 15-20% of post-pubertal men, is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum. A varicocele is similar to a varicose vein that occurs in the legs. Although, the exact cause of a varicocele is unknown, the theory is that increased pressure in the veins causes them to dilate, leading to a defect in the vein's valve and a backflow of blood to the testes. A varicocele may cause symptoms such as dull aching, usually left-sided scrotal pain, swelling or a decrease in size of the left testicle, and/or decreased fertility. Men 21 years or younger with a varicocele should be evaluated for decreased testicular size on physical examination. Younger males who are post-pubertal should additionally undergo a semen analysis. Further management depends on those results. Men older than 21 years of age who desire continued fertility should be monitored with a semen analysis every 2 years. Conservative management with scrotal support and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may suffice for an older man who has completed his family and presents with minor scrotal discomfort as his only symptom. Surgery, which is the preferred treatment option for varicoceles, may be considered if causing significant pain.
An abscess of the prostate is a collection of pus within the prostate gland that occurs as a result of prostatitis. An abscess is seen as a fluid filled collection within the prostat
