McKenna's Pharmacology for Nursing, 2e

628 P A R T 7  Drugs acting on the reproductive system D rugs that are used to affect the male reproductive system include androgens (male steroid hormones), anabolic steroids and drugs that act to improve penile dysfunction. The male steroids are produced in the testes and affect the entire male reproductive system (Figure 41.1). Box 41.1 describes the effect of these drugs across the lifespan.

ANDROGENS Androgens are male sex hormones and include testoster- one, which is produced in the testes, and the androgens, which are produced in the adrenal glands. Testosterone, the primary natural androgen, is the classic androgen in use today. It is used for replacement therapy in cases

alprostadil, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil work here

Urinary bladder

Ureter

Urethra

Seminal vesical

Corpus cavernosum

Rectum

Corpus spongiosum

Prostate

Glans penis

Epididymis

Testis

Epididymis (body)

Scrotum

Vas deferens

Epididymis (body)

Testis

Sperm

Seminiferous tubules

Epididymis (body)

Interstitial or Leydig cells

nandrolone works here

danazol, mesterolone, testosterone work here

-increased haematocrit -muscle growth -epiphyseal closure -thicker bones

Testosterone

-hair growth -baldness

-thickening skin -growth of genitalia

FIGURE 41.1  Sites of action of drugs affecting the male reproductive system.