Male Reproductive System: Function, Parts, and Main Organs

2.6.2025 0 comments

Author: Trisha Houghton, CNS, ASIST

The male reproductive system primarily serves one purpose: to facilitate the reproductive process of human males. That said it also plays a crucial role in hormone production, secondary sex characteristics, and physiological processes for homeostasis.

Though perhaps not the largest or most widespread system in the human body, it’s a surprisingly complex one that requires an interplay of a variety of hormone and chemical triggers to function.

In this post, we’re going to take a closer look at this particular system. We’ll look at what the male reproductive system organs are and the glands that work alongside them. We’ll examine how sperm is produced, as well as the step-by-step process by which the male’s part of reproduction occurs.

There are some common male reproductive system disorders and conditions you’ll need to know about and we’ll spend time on those. Most important of all, we’ll share with you simple but highly effective tips to help you keep the male reproductive glands and organs functioning optimally.

Introduction to the Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system is a collection of organs and glands, both internal and external, that are necessary for human males to reproduce upon reaching sexual maturity.

The reproductive system is also connected to the urinary system and the endocrine system. Men’s reproductive organs are needed not only for making biological children they are also essential for sperm production and hormone health.

Primary Functions of the Male Reproductive System

The primary functions of the male reproductive system are essential for male development and reproduction. This system relies on primary hormones, such as testosterone, to regulate sperm production and support secondary sexual characteristics.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at what this system actually does.

Sperm Production

One of the chief roles of the male reproductive system includes the production of sperm cells.

Sperm cells are needed for the fertilization of the eggs produced by the female reproductive system. They’re one of the two crucial components in the process of conceiving and having biological children.

Hormone Production

The male genital system is inextricably linked to the endocrine system.

The organs and glands that make up the male reproductive system are essential for the secretion of testosterone. This primary male sex hormone is responsible for male sexual development and secondary sex characteristics, such as facial and body hair, a deep voice, physique, and the Adam’s apple.

Delivery of Sperm

The male reproductive organs don’t just produce sperm, but they also include a pathway through which sperm is transported from its production point and out of the body. This system carries sperm through a series of ducts and glands that support and protect it during its journey.

It’s specifically designed to deliver the sperm as close to the female egg as possible to facilitate fertilization and conception.

Main Parts of the Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system consists of a few organs and structures  each described in the following sections.

Testes (Testicles)

The testes, also called testicles, are two oval shaped organs contained within your scrotum (see the “External Organs of the Male Reproductive System” section below).

Roughly the size of olives, the two testicles serve as the primary production hub for both testosterone and sperm.

The testes are made up of seminiferous tubules. These are coiled masses of tubes that are responsible for normal sperm development through a process called “spermatogenesis” (see below).

Males typically have two testes, left and right. The testes are held in place by spermatic cords. The spermatic cord also serves the role of supplying blood to the testes.

Epididymis

The epididymis is the place where sperm is stored to mature. Shaped like a long, coiled tube, it rests on the backs of the testicles.

Sperm produced by the testes are immature. The time it spends stored in the epididymis ensures that it can mature and be capable of fertilization.

Vas Deferens

During ejaculation, muscle contractions squeeze the mature sperm from the epididymis into the vas deferens, or also called ductus deferens. This is another muscular tube that connects the testes to the pelvic cavity.

It runs just behind the urinary bladder and serves the purpose of delivering the sperm from the testes through the seminal vesicles into the urethra for ejaculation.

Ejaculatory Ducts

Alongside the two seminal vesicles are ejaculatory ducts  tubes that collect seminal fluid from the prostate to mix with the sperm.

Both tubes eventually fuse with the seminal vesicles just before reaching the urethra.

Accessory Glands

The accessory glands of the male reproductive system are essential for producing and secreting fluids that support sperm viability and mobility.

Seminal Vesicles

Seminal vesicles are sac-like pouches connected to the vas deferens. They can be found near the base of the bladder.

The seminal vesicles produce fructose-rich fluid that serves to nourish sperm and facilitate sperm mobility. It’s in the seminal vesicles that most of the ejaculate, also called ejaculatory fluid, is produced.

Prostate Gland

Located in front of the rectum and beneath the bladder, this walnut sized gland provides additional fluid to facilitate ejaculation. The urethra that carries the ejaculatory fluid runs through the prostate gland, where the prostate fluids, like fluids produced in the seminal vesicles, nourish the sperm and facilitate sperm mobility.

The prostate gland also plays a role in converting testosterone (the main male sex hormone) into DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, a hormone crucial for sexual development.

Bulbourethral Glands (Cowpers Glands)

The bulbourethral Glands (also called Cowpers Glands) produce a clear, slippery fluid that lubricates the urethra and neutralizes any acidity that may be present in the urethra from expelled urine.

Roughly the size of a pea and located on either side of the urethra, just below the prostate gland, they’re crucial for preserving the integrity of the sperm.

Urethra

The urethra is a long tube that facilitates the expulsion of urine from the urinary bladder as well as the ejaculation of semen at orgasm.

During sexual arousal, a muscle called the internal urethral sphincter prevents urine from mixing with semen so that only semen passes through to be ejaculated.

External Organs of the Male Reproductive System

In addition to the internal organs we examined above, there are two very important external organs that play a role in reproductive function.

Penis

The penis is the primary sexual organ utilized for male reproduction and intercourse. Its job is to facilitate the delivery of sperm and ejaculatory fluids into the female reproductive system.

The structure of the penis is made up of three parts:

• The root, the base of the penis that attaches to the abdominal wall.
• The shaft, or body, the long, cylindrical part that makes up the majority of the penis.
• The glans, or head, the cone-shaped tip that contains the urethral opening through which sperm is ejaculated.

The interior of the penis is a complex structure. It contains three internal chambers:

• The corpora cavernosa, two internal chambers that run side by side.
• The corpus spongiosum, a chamber that surrounds the urethra, which transports semen and urine.

All three chambers contain sponge-like erectile tissue that expands when filled with blood (the byproduct of arousal). The filling of these chambers causes the penis to elongate and harden, what we know as an “erection”.

The skin of the penis is capable of stretching to accommodate this influx of blood, which is why the penis changes size when you are sexually aroused.

Scrotum

The scrotum is the pouch in which the testes are contained. Made up of loose skin, it’s both a protection system and “climate control system”.

Muscles in the walls of the scrotum contract to move the testes closer to the body when they are cold, and relax to shift them away from the body when they are hot. This serves to keep the body temperature within the scrotum at a fairly consistent 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit, which is optimal for sperm production and storage.

The scrotum also contains blood vessels and sensitive nerve endings that connect to the testes.

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The Spermatogenesis Process Explained

Spermatogenesis, what we call the “sperm production process”, occurs in stages:

• Spermatogonial proliferation. This is the first stage of spermatogenesis in which single diploid cells (“double” cells) are mitotically divided into four haploid cells (or “single” cells). Stem cells in the testes differentiate into immature sperm cells, called spermatogonia., Spermatogonia undergo mitotic division to form large primary spermatocytes. Spermatocytes are then moved into the seminiferous tubes to undergo meiosis, reducing the chromosomes in the male reproductive cells from 46 to 23. These cells are supported by Sertoli cells that provide structural and nutritional support throughout the entire process of spermatogenesis.
• Spermatidogenesis. In this next stage, spermatocytes undergo meiosis, resulting in the production of haploid spermatids. During this stage, X and Y chromosomes enter different spermatids, which leads to the determination of the sex of the zygotes.
• Spermiogenesis. This is the final stage in which spermatids are transformed into mature sperm cells. The size and shape changes, growing a head and a tail to form spermatozoa. Inside these spermatozoon are highly condensed genetic materials, which, when mature, are used to deliver genetic instructions from the father’s body to aid in the fertilization of the egg.

The entire duration of spermatogenesis is around 64 days, according to medical research [1].

Hormonal Regulation Explained

Hormones play a crucial role in the function of the male reproductive system.

The anterior pituitary gland produces a hormone called luteinizing hormone, or LH. LH stimulates the testes, causing them to produce testosterone.

Testosterone works alongside another hormone, called follicle stimulating hormone (or FSH). FSH, also produced by the pituitary gland, triggers and maintains the production of sperm in the testes.

How the Male Reproductive System Works

When aroused, blood flows into the internal chambers of the penis, engorging it and causing it to become stiff and rigid.

The same arousal triggers muscle contractions in the reproductive tract, which causes it to release the semen from the epididymis through the vas deferens..

The testes produce sperm, that is then stored in the epididymis. During ejaculation, sperm mixes with fluids from the seminal vesicles and prostate glad to form semen.

The ejaculatory fluids travel up the urethra to be expelled when you reach sexual climax.

Common Male Reproductive System Disorders

Common male reproductive system disorders can affect fertility, hormone production, and overall reproductive health.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which men find it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection. This can affect their ability to have sexual intercourse and achieve orgasm.

Erectile dysfunction can result from problems with blood vessels (vascular erectile dysfunction), nerves and nerve endings (neurogenic erectile dysfunction), or the endocrine system (hormonal erectile dysfunction). It can also stem from psychological factors (psychogenic erectile dysfunction), where stress or mental health conditions make erections difficult.

It’s estimated that up to 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 experience some degree of erectile dysfunction. Men with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low testosterone, epilepsy, vascular disease, or kidney disease may be at greater risk of ED.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which the prostate becomes enlarged. This enlargement puts pressure on the urethra and causes urinary issues such as frequent urination, weak urine flow, and difficulty emptying the bladder.

Aging, hormonal factors, obesity, a lack of exercise, poor diet, heart disease, diabetes, and a family history of prostate problems can all be a cause of BPH. The enlarged prostate blocks the urinary tract, but may also squeeze the bladder. It can cause you to feel like you need to urinate more frequently, but can impair the ability to urinate.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common—and most serious—forms of cancer in men.

With prostate cancer, cancerous cells develop in the prostate gland, triggering swelling and, sometimes, pain. An enlarged prostate may be a sign of prostate cancer, as can a burning sensation when you pee, loss of bladder and bowel control, blood in the semen, painful ejaculation, and ED. However, in some cases, prostate cancer may be asymptomatic in its early stages.

The most common form of prostate cancer is adenocarcinoma. These typically form in the fluid-secreting cells of the prostate. Other less common forms of prostate cancer include sarcomas, small cell carcinomas, neuroendocrine tumors, and transitional cell carcinomas.

Prostate cancer is often hard to detect and, if left untreated, is very likely to be fatal.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer among men, particularly among men between the ages of 15 and 35. Malignant cells in the testicles can cause the production of lumps or masses. The cancer cells can either be seminoma (slow-growing) or non-seminoma (faster-growing).

Age, race, ethnicity, family history, infertility, and testicular conditions (like undescended testicles) are all risk factors in testicular cancer. It’s estimated that 1 in 250 men are affected by testicular cancer.

Fortunately, it’s typically a very treatable problem if caught early enough.

Varicocele

Varicocele is the abnormal enlargement of the veins in the pampiniform plexus. This can cause an increased temperature in the testes that could impact fertility.

Symptoms of varicocele include pain, a mass in the scrotum, and differently sized testicles. Varicocele can cause infertility or contribute to fertility problems. Though no cause of varicocele is known, it’s believed likely the result of malfunction in the valves inside the veins that facilitate blood flow.

Male Infertility

Male infertility is a condition in which men are unable to get their female partner pregnant. This may be due to sperm malformation, low sperm count, genetic disorders, infections, varicoceles, treatments for cancer, hormonal disorders, or testicular trauma, among other things.

People who are overweight, older than 40, frequently exposed to environmental toxins and radiation, take certain medications, smoke or drink, or have a family history of infertility are at greater risk.

Tips For Maintaining Male Reproductive Health

Keeping your reproductive system healthy is important not only for reproduction but also for sexual intercourse and hormone production and regulation.

Thankfully, there are a number of simple steps you can take to ensure better reproductive health today:

• Eat right. Consume plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Include zinc, selenium, Vitamin D and healthy fats in your diet, as these nutrients are vital for proper hormone production and sexual function. A balanced diet also supports male hormones, which are essential for maintaining sex drive and preventing low libido.
• Exercise daily. Regular exercise improves blood flow to your entire body (including your reproductive organs) and reduces your risk of cardiovascular health problems which could contribute to reproductive health issues. Plus, exercise also regulates hormone levels, particularly testosterone. This balance is important for preserving muscle mass, bone mass, energy levels, and libido.
• Avoid toxins. Quit smoking and reduce your alcohol intake to prevent damage to or impairment of your reproductive system such as a lower sperm count, reduced motility, and hormonal imbalances. Reduce your exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants, such as EDC found in pesticides, and plastics (like BPA) that could damage your reproductive organs, impact fertility, or compromise endocrine function.

• Get regular check-ups. Frequent testicular self-exams can help you catch testicular tumors or other issues early on. Prostate exams are an absolute must for men as they age, as they’re the best way to catch prostate cancer early enough to treat it.

• Manage your stress. High levels of stress can impair your endocrine balance, leading to less testosterone production. Prioritize stress management via healthy sleep hygiene, meditation, and exercise to curb your stress to keep your sex hormones in proper balance for healthy sexual activity and reproductive health.

Prioritizing your reproductive health has far-reaching benefits beyond fertility. Small, consistent efforts today can lead to enhanced reproductive health, hormone balance, stronger sexual health, and improved quality of life in the long run.

Conclusion

The entire male reproductive system is highly complex and relies on many intricate parts that require a delicate hormone balance. If you treat it well—by following the lifestyle advice we shared above—you can keep it healthy and functioning properly throughout life.

And men, get screened regularly. Prostate cancer is incredibly survivable (91% according to one study [2]) if caught and treated early enough. Taking care of your reproductive health while you’re still young will do wonders to keep this very important system in tip-top shape as you age.

FAQs

How will you know a man is fertile?

Fertility is typically measured using semen analysis, a test that examines sperm count, movement, and shape to measure its quality and volume.

What enhances a mans fertility?

Improving your diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol intake, avoiding smoking, and taking certain micronutrient and herbal supplements can all contribute to male fertility. However, doing all of these things does not guarantee an increase in fertility.

How often should a man release sperm?

There is no official recommendation on the “right” frequency for ejaculation. However, a myriad of medical studies have suggested that regular ejaculation can improve prostate health, sleep quality, sperm quality, immunity, and mood. Ejaculating between a few times a week to several times a day, can be considered normal depending on personal health and lifestyle factors.

How does the structure of the penis support both urination and sexual function?

This male organ is uniquely designed to perform dual functions. It contains spongy tissue, known as the corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum, which fills with blood to enable erections during sexual activity. For urination, the organ carries pee from the bladder through the urethra and out of the body. A specialized muscle at the base of the bladder prevents urine from mixing with semen, allowing the organ to seamlessly switch between these two functions.

What triggers the production of sperm?

Sperm production is triggered by male hormones, primarily testosterone, which also regulate fat distribution in the body. The testes produce sperm, which is later mixed with a thick fluid containing protective fluid from the prostate and seminal vesicles. This protective fluid nourishes and shields sperm, ensuring its survival and mobility.

How common is penile cancer?

Penile cancer is rare in developed countries, with an annual incidence of approximately 0.3 to 1 per 100,000 men. In the United States, about 2,100 new cases are diagnosed each year, accounting for less than 1% of all male cancers.However, incidence rates are higher in certain regions of Asia, Africa, and South America.

Resources

Male Reproductive System

Do You Really Know About the Male Reproductive System?

Male reproductive system

Physiology, Male Reproductive System

Structure of the Male Reproductive System

Male Reproductive System

Developmental Phases of the Seminal Vesicle related to the Spermatogenic Stages in the Testicular Lobules of Neptunea (Barbitonia) cumingii (Gastropoda: Buccinidae)

Erectile Dysfunction

Prostate Cancer

Testicular Cancer

Male Infertility

Varicocele

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Key Statistics for Penile Cancer

Penile cancer

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