Glossary Terms
Scrotum
The scrotum is the sac of skin that contains the two testicles. The scrotum holds the testicles outside of the pelvis because sperm cells need a cooler temperature to develop well. The normal body temperature would be too high for the growing sperm.
Semen analysis
A semen analysis is a test in which a sample of semen is collected very soon after ejaculation and is put under a microscope. The semen analysis usually includes at least three ""scores"" rating the quality of the semen sample by sperm count, motility and morphology. Often the amount of semen ejaculated is measured as well as its normal ability to solidify and then become more liquid again, soon after ejaculation.
Semen quality
The combination of sperm count, motility, and morphology.
Seminal vesicles
The seminal vesicles are two tiny, wing-shaped glands just behind the prostate that make about 80% of the liquid in a man's semen. The seminal vesicles are usually removed along with the prostate in surgery to treat prostate or bladder cancer.
Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction is the inability to react emotionally and/or physically to sexual stimulation in a way expected of the average healthy person or according to one's own standards. Sexual dysfunctions may affect various stages in the sexual response cycle - desire, excitement and orgasm. Dysfunction can be caused by a wide range of psychological, physiological, or combined reasons.
Sexual Health
The World Health Organization defines sexual health as ""the integration of the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social aspects of sexual being in ways that are positively enriching, and that enhance personality, communication, and love. Every person has a right to receive sexual information and to consider sexual relationships for pleasure as well as for procreation.
Sexuality
Sexuality is the knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, values and behaviors an individual has concerning sex. It includes the anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of the sexual response system; identity, orientation, roles and personality; and thoughts, feelings and relationships. The expression of sexuality is influenced by ethical, spiritual, cultural and moral factors.
Speech and language pathologist/therapist
A speech therapist can evaluate your speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing skills. He or she can help survivors who have difficulty talking or swallowing after treatment for cancer.
Sperm cell
A sperm cell is a cell made in a man's testicles that contains 23 chromosomes (either an X or Y sex chromosome and 22 autosomes). The sperm cell has a tail, which helps it swim through the woman's reproductive system to meet an oocyte. The sperm has an oval head with a special ""cap"" that contains chemicals that can drill a hole in the oocyte, allowing the sperm to enter and fertilize the oocyte. Only one sperm can fertilize an egg.
Sperm count
Sperm count is the number of sperm present in a sample of semen. A normal sperm count is at least 20 million sperm in each milliliter of semen.
Spermatogonia
Spermatogonia are the cells in each testicle, which become active around puberty and start producing sperm cells. It takes about three months to produce a mature, human sperm.
Spiritual distress
Spiritual distress is when an individual is trying to find meaning in life or is questioning or feeling unsure about his or her spirituality. Spiritual distress can cause problems in that person's daily life.
Stress incontinence
Stress incontinence is characterized by urine leaks when applying pressure to a full bladder in activities such as coughing, laughing and exercising.
Survivor
You are a survivor from the time you find out you have cancer, through your treatment and for the rest of your life.
Survivorship
Cancer survivorship describes the many experiences and emotions that are part of living life as a cancer survivor.
Systemic effects
Systemic effects are aftereffects of cancer and cancer treatment that can affect many body systems and organs rather than being contained in one area or organ.
