What is the male reproductive system and how does it work?

The male reproductive system is involved in sexual activity, fertility and reproduction. It includes the external genitals (the penis, testes and the scrotum) and internal parts, including the prostate gland, vas deferens and urethra. Your fertility and sexual health depend on the normal functioning of your reproductive system. It also depends on hormones released from your brain.

The male reproductive system is important for reproduction, and is made up of external and internal parts.

External genitals

The external genitals are the parts of the male reproductive system that are outside the body:

• Penis — the organ used for passing urine (weeing) and for sexual intercourse. It has spongy tissue that can fill with blood to cause an erection. It contains the urethra, which carries both urine and semen.
• Scrotum — this is a loose bag of skin that hangs outside the body, behind the penis. It holds the testes in place.
• Testes (or testicles) — these are a pair of oval-shaped glands that are in the scrotum, on the outside of the body. They produce sperm and testosterone, which is the main male sex hormone.

Internal reproductive organs

The male internal reproductive organs include the following:

• Epididymis — this is a highly coiled tube at the back of the testes. Sperm pass through it and mature, learning how to move.
• Vas deferens — this is a thick-walled tube joined to the epididymis. It carries sperm from the epididymis up to the prostate gland and urethra.
• Prostate gland — this is a walnut-sized gland that sits in the middle of the pelvis. The urethra runs through the middle of it. It produces the fluid that supports and nourishes the sperm.
• Urethra — this is a tube that extends from the bladder to the external opening at the end of the penis. The urethra carries both urine and sperm out of the penis.
• Seminal vesicles — these are 2 small glands below the bladder and in front of the rectum that make up much of the fluid in semen.

The brain also has an important role in reproductive function. It controls the release of sex hormones, and is involved in arousal.

What are the common problems of the male reproductive system?

Common problems that can sometimes affect the male reproductive system include:

• infertility
• difficulty urinating
• prostate disease
• impotence (erection problems)
• loss of libido (sex drive)
• hormone deficiency
• testicular cancer

When should I see my doctor?

If you notice any symptoms or changes, it is important to see your doctor quickly. They could be symptoms of another underlying medical condition. Early treatment can avoid serious long-term problems.

See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

• infertility
• pain or discomfort during sex
• lumps or pain in your testicles
• difficulty urinating (weeing)

How can I prevent reproductive health problems?

Keeping your reproductive system healthy sometimes means asking your doctor for help. To help manage reproductive health problems, it's important to get support when you need it. This might include:

• family planning services
• health care, including preventive screening, diagnosis and treatment of reproductive issues
• contraception
• protection and treatment of sexually transmissible infections (STIs)
• support in cases of family, domestic and sexual violence

Reproductive health is an important part of your overall physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing. Having a healthy reproductive system allows you to have a safe and healthy sex life and the choice to have a child if and when you choose. Around 1 in 6 Australian couples have fertility problems.

Resources and support

For more information or support with your reproductive health, you can speak with:

• your doctor
• a fertility specialist
• a family planning organisation in your state or territory

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Read more on male reproductive health here:

• Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
• Cancer Council Australia
• Healthy Male

Read more on related health issues here:

• Beyond Blue — information on men's mental health
• Continence Health Australia — help with bladder or bowel incontinence

Visit The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne to read about penis and foreskin care in children.

Languages other than English

• Sexual Health Victoria has a list of factsheets and videos in community languages.
• The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne has information about penis and foreskin care in many community languages.
• Talk. Test. Treat. has a collection of sexual health resources translated into many community languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

• Family Planning Australia provides Yarning About resources on STIs, sexual health and puberty for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
• Visit Better to Know, a sexual health resource for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Information for sexually and gender-diverse families

ACON is a community organisation that helps sexuality and gender diverse people take control of their sexual health.