There are a number of conditions that may affect the male reproductive system of children and adolescents. If a child or adolescent displays any signs of symptoms of any condition affecting his reproductive system, a visit to a pediatrician is warranted. Adolescent boys also benefit from regular testicular exams and self-exams.

Testicular self-examinations are a useful way to check for testicular cancer and other abnormalities. These are generally recommended once every month for adolescent males who are near or have entered puberty. Regular exams help the adolescent recognize what is normal, so that he can more easily detect abnormalities. During a testicular self-exam, the testicles are gently rolled between the fingers, one at a time. A physician can instruct an adolescent in how to perform a testicular examination. Any lumps, swellings, or changes in color or size, as well as any groin pain, need to be reported to a physician.

Although testicular cancer is rare in adolescents, it is the most common form of cancer affecting males between 15 and 35 years of age, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Testicular cancer can also develop in younger boys and in older men. It can nearly always be cured when caught and treated early.

The testicles are very sensitive. Even minor trauma can result in severe pain, as well as bruising and/or swelling. Examples of testicular trauma include striking, hitting, kicking or crushing the testicles, as may occur due to sports injuries. Testicular torsion occurs when a testicle twists around. This can cut off the blood supply to the testicle and generally requires surgery. Irreversible damage can occur without treatment within 12 hours.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infectious diseases that are typically spread through sexual contact. The United States has high rates of STDs, which can often be prevented by the use of male condoms during sexual intercourse. There are a large number of STDs, including:

• Gonorrhea
  
  
• Chlamydia
  
  
• Genital herpes
  
  
• Human papilloma virus (HPV), which may cause genital warts
  
  
• Trichomoniasis
  
  
• Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS)
  
  
• Syphilis

Other conditions that may affect the male reproductive system include:

• Cryptorchidism (undescended testicle). Failure of one or both testicles to lower from the pelvic cavity into the scrotum before birth. This condition is more common in boys born prematurely. Hormonal injections or surgery may be needed if the testicles have not descended by age 1. Cryptorchidism increases the risk of infertility and testicular cancer.
  
  
• Inguinal hernia. Occurs when a portion of the intestines pushes through an abnormal opening or weakening of the abdominal wall and into the groin or scrotum. The hernia may look like a bulge or swelling in the groin area. The condition is more common in boys with birth defects (e.g., cystic fibrosis, cryptorchidism) or those born prematurely. It requires surgical intervention.
  
  
• Varicocele. A swollen (varicose) vein near the testicle. Common during puberty, varicoceles generally cause no problems but may reduce sperm production or damage a testicle in some males.
  
  
• Hydrocele. The collection of fluid around the testicles. Though usually painless, it may cause swelling. The condition may require surgical intervention.
  
  
• Epididymitis. Inflammation of the epididymis due typically to an infection, such as by the STD chlamydia. Symptoms include pain and swelling.
  
  
• Urethritis. Inflammation of the urethra, often caused by an STD. Symptoms include painful urination.
  
  
• Prostatitis. Inflammation of the prostate gland, often because of an STD or other bacterial infection. Symptoms include painful urination. The other common prostate conditions (prostate cancer and prostate enlargement) are associated with middle and old age.
  
  
• Orchitis. Inflammation of one or both testicles, often caused by an STD.
  
  
• Penile inflammation. Inflammation of the penis. Symptoms include redness, itching, swelling and pain. A few types of penile inflammation include inflammation of the glans (balanitis) and inflammation of the foreskin (posthitis). A combination of the two types of penile inflammation, known as balanoposthitis, often occurs in uncircumcised males.
  
  
• Phimosis. Occurs when the foreskin is too tight. It does not generally require treatment, but if it causes complications it may be treated with medications or circumcision surgery.
  
  
• Paraphimosis. Occurs when the foreskin is retracted behind the sulcus (the groove behind the glans) and cannot be pulled back over the glans. Paraphimosis can be corrected by lubricating the glans and foreskin and then gently trying to push the tight foreskin over the sulcus. The condition rarely requires surgery.
  
  
• Priapism (painful erection lasting four hours or more). Causes include spinal cord disorders, sickle cell anemia and STDs.
  
  
• Birth defects. Structural defects present at birth. Examples include hypospadias (urethral opening located on the underside of the penis), ambiguous genitalia (genitalia that are not obviously male or female), and micropenis (significantly below average penis size).