Test: Genitourinary Visual Inspection - Male

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Background/Purpose

he male genital tract includes organs responsible for the production and transportation of spermatozoa, the secretion of sex hormones, and the achievement of erections. Although sperm production and transport may be impaired and erectile dysfunction may be present, most patients present for evaluation of the male genital tract because of inflammatory processes and tumors of these organs. The interaction between the urinary tract and male genital organs, such as the prostate, often creates diagnostic challenges for the clinician.

Procedure

Penis
The size and shape variation of the normal penis is quite wide. Examination should involve inspection and palpation of:

Prepuce, glans and foreskin - for example, to exclude a phimosis and signs of hypospadias.
The skin should be examined for ulcers and rashes.
The shaft of the penis is examined for plaques of Peyronie's disease.
Urethral discharge.
Scrotum
Inspect scrotal skin.
Palpate testes:
The testes should be equal in size, smooth and relatively firm.
Size/volume can be estimated using an orchidometer.
Small firm testes suggest hypogonadism or testicular atrophy.
Absence of a testis may indicate previous excision, undescended or retractile.
Identify scrotal swellings:
Determine whether it is possible to get above the swelling. With the patient standing, if it is not possible to define the upper border of a mass in the scrotum then it is likely to be an inguinal hernia.
Note whether the swelling is solid or cystic. Note whether there is a hydrocele, varicocele or epididymal cyst. Testing for translucency with a torch will determine whether the mass is cystic or a solid mass. Likely diagnoses are:
Attached to the testis:
Solid (non-translucent): testicular tumour.
Cystic (translucent): hydrocele.
Separate from the testis:
Solid (non-translucent): chronic epididymitis.
Cystic (translucent): epididymal cyst.
Examine the groin and lymphatics.

Performed: Bilaterally

Dialog

Visual and manual evaluation of the male reproductive organs.

Criteria

• No mass
• No swelling
• Normal color

Measurement

LOINC Code

Scale/Grading

selection range; grade - LOINC ID
Option - Value option selection range; grade - LOINC IDPass ; Pass - Fail ; Fail -