Structure and Function of the Male Genitourinary System

Mario is a 68-year-old male whose wife died of cancer five years ago. Since her death, he began to eat more fast food and stay at home and watch television. Recently, however, Mario’s friend introduced him to a woman whom he became to like very much. After seeing her a few times, Mario became concerned about his health and went to see his doctor. He noticed a change in his sexual performance when he turned 60 and, after seeing so much on television about erectile dysfunction, was concerned he would experience this with his girlfriend.

  1. What factors are present in Mario’s history that predispose him to erectile dysfunction?
  2. What condition would you suspect if Mario had a blood test indicating elevated LH and decreased testosterone levels? What effect do low testosterone levels have on the reproductive organs of the male?
  3. How do the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems generate erection, emission, and ejaculation?