2023-11-20 22:18:00
Definition: what is the scrotum in men?
According to Larousse Médical, “the scrotum is the superficial skin envelope of the bursae and their contents, the testicles and the epididymis” (source 1). Like the penis, the scrotum (from the Latin “scrotum” which means: of the same meaning), is part of the male genital organs.
Where is the scrotum located?
As in most mammals, the scrotum is located between the penis and the anus, outside the abdomen.
Structure du scrotum
The scrotum is a close to skinmade up of different envelopes, from the outside to the inside:
- the skin ;
- the artos muscle;
- the spermatic fascia (membrane that surrounds the spermatic cord and the testicle);
- the cremaster muscle;
- the tunica vaginalis or testicular envelope.
His look
The skin that covers the scrotum is extensible, wrinkled in appearance and becomes covered with hair at puberty. It has a raphe on the midline (a sort of “seam” of skin that joins the two testicles).
Namely: “There are men who have a very large scrotum and others, more retracted. If its appearance may present functional discomfort in some (flabby and drooping scrotum), it is in no way an indicator of health” continues Dr Antoine Faix.
Scrotum, testicles and epididymis, what is the link?
The scrotum, testicles, epididymis, just like the penis, the vas deferens, the prostate and even the seminal vesicles make up the male reproductive system.
What is the role of the scrotum?
The scrotum has a protective role, because it protects the testicles and external genitalia of men.
“The scrotum also serves as thermal regulator of the testicles, which must be maintained at a temperature a little lower than that of the body (editor’s note: lower than 34.4°C in humans)” adds Dr Faix. An essential condition for the production and vitality of spermatozoa: what we call spermatogenesis.
Why does the scrotum contract?
As mentioned above, the scrotum contracts to regulate the temperature of the testicles. “Thus, the cremaster muscles of the wall of the scrotum relax to allow the testicles to move away from the body and therefore to cool or contract so that it moves closer to it and are therefore warmed or protected” reports an article on the structure of the male reproductive system (source 2).
Its associated anomalies
The scrotum may be seat of various pathologies, more or less serious. Details below.
Dermatological pathologies
“Dermatological lesions (dermatoses, eczema, psoriasis, abscesses, sebaceous cysts, classic skin infections, etc.) and mycotic lesions can indeed occur” illustrates Dr Faix, urologist. Small angiomas, linked to skin aging, can also appear on the scrotum.
Others
- An epididymotesticular abscess (collection of pus in the epididymis and testicle). It can fistulize into the scrotum, causing external discharge of pus.
- An inguinoscrotal hernia or inguinal hernia: it occurs during which a segment of intestine protrudes onto the scrotum, causing it to increase in volume.
- A vaginal hydrocele (effusion of serous fluid located between the two layers of the testicular vagina, serous envelope of the testicle): it can result in an increase in the volume of the scrotum.
- A tumor of the testicle: when it is large, it can lead to local deformation of the scrotum.
Scrotum: what to do when it is red, itchy or painful?
The urge to scratch may be due to a pathological disorder (person with OCD: obsessive-compulsive disorders), of a viral or parasitic cause (craps, etc.) or as mentioned previously, due to an associated dermatological pathology.
Examination of the scrotum
Examination of the scrotum is essentially clinical. Dermatological samples may be taken when there is suspicion of skin abnormalities. The integrity of the testicles will sometimes be checked by an ultrasound. Finally, and in much rarer cases, MRI and pelvic CT scans may be requested in cases of lymphedema in particular (editor’s note: swelling which occurs when the lymph cannot circulate normally.)
Possible treatments
Drug treatments
Depending on the pathology diagnosed, certain medications may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation (local topical corticosteroids, anti-inflammatories, analgesics, etc.).
Surgical treatment
Depending on the nature of the pathology and its evolution, a surgical operation may be necessary.
- In the case of Fournier’s gangrene, surgical debridement sometimes accompanied by a colostomy is sometimes necessary.
- In cases of lymphedema in the scrotum, surgery to remove pathological scrotal skin may be necessary.
- Finally, orchidopexy is a surgical procedure which allows the testicle(s) to be fixed in the scrotum when they are not naturally descended.
Box / The scrotum: an aesthetic boon
More and more aesthetic procedures around the scrotum are being performed, mainly in the United States: shaved scrotum, scrotal lift (intervention which removes excess skin from the bursae to restore tone to the skin tissue and raise the testicles).
Some even go so far as to inject vaseline to swell the scrotum. Dr Antoine Faix, urologist.
In France, however, these practices are still quite rare and that’s good: “The latter have not yet proven their safety and can prove dangerous in the sense that this desire for change can also sometimes arise from a psychological pathology. »
When to protect the scrotum?
When practicing sports and particularly those of combat or contact, it is advisable to wear protection or shell in order to protect and prevent injuries and pain in the scrotum.
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