The Reproductive System

Reproduction Reproduction: Process by which living organisms produce new individuals of their kind. Reproductive System: Consists of a body organs and structures that make possible the production of offspring. Reproductive Cells: Guys: Sperm, produced in testes Girls: Ovum (eggs), produced in ovaries

Male Reproductive System Scrotum: contains testes & controls temperature. Testes: Produce sperm and make testosterone. Testosterone: Hormone that regulates sexual development.

Male Reproductive System Erection: penis becomes upright and firm Blood vessels of penis increases Semen: a mixture of fluids that protect sperm and carry them through the male reproductive system. Picture: Kidshealth.org

Male Reproductive System Ejaculation: a series of forceful muscular contractions. 300-500 million sperm released each time. There is a valve that blocks off the bladder. Nocturnal Emission (“wet dream”): Ejaculation during sleep.

Male Health Concerns Undescended testicle: when testicle fails to descend down into the scrotum after birth. Cured with surgery. Testicular Torsion: when cords that hold testicles in place become twisted around testicle. Immediate treatment is necessary.

Male Health Concerns Hernia: Inguinal hernia occurs when a part of the intestine pushes into the groin. This occurs because of a weakness in the muscle wall. Prostate Cancer: tissue of prostate gland becomes cancerous. More common in older men.

Male Health Concerns Testicular Cancer: Rare, but possible. Symptoms: lump or swelling in the scrotum, pain or tenderness in one of the testicles or a heavy feeling in a testicle. Surgery is necessary to prevent the spread of the disease.

Caring for Male Repro System Do a testicular self-examination every month. Bathe regularly Wear an athletic supporter when participating in contact sports Get regular check-ups Avoid wearing tight clothing Abstain from sexual activity (STD’s)

Caring for Male Repro System Testicular self-examination Choose a time when the scrotum is relaxed, usually after a shower or bath. Roll each testicle between thumb and fingers of both hands. Report unusual lumps to your doctor.

Female Reproductive System Ovaries: Holds eggs and releases one matured egg each month. You are born with all of your eggs. Switches sides each month. Also produce estrogen. Estrogen: Hormone that regulates sexual development.

Female Reproductive System OVULATION: the process by which the ovaries release mature eggs, usually one each menstrual cycle. Fallopian tubes: eggs travel from the ovaries to uterus (3-5 days). Eggs are fertilized here. Uterus: located in pelvis, in which the developing baby is nourished & protected.

Female Reproductive System Cervix: narrow part of the bottom of the uterus. This opening enlarges during labor to allow the baby to leave the uterus. Vagina: muscular passageway leading from the uterus to outside the body. Also where penis is during intercourse.

Female Reproductive System Labia: Folds of skin that cover & protect vagina. Females have 3 openings. Anus, vagina, urethra

Female Reproductive System Fertilization: the joining of a male sperm cell and a female egg cell (ovum) to form a fertilized egg. Needs to take place in first 24 hours or the egg slowly disintegrates on its way to the uterus. (sperm can last 7 days in the tube)

Female Reproductive System Before ovulation, the lining of the uterus begins to build with blood, tissue & fluid. If fertilized, these tissues provide nutrients for baby during first two months of development. If not fertilized…. Menstruation: The flow from the body of blood, tissues & fluids that result from the breakdown of the lining of the uterus. Leaves through vagina Lasts about 5-7 days

Female Reproductive System Menstrual Cycle Occurs every 28 days: Phase 1:Days 1-5: menstrual discharge Phase 2: Days 6 -15: Uterine lining thickens, and ovulation occurs. Phase 3: Days 16 -28: Uterine lining continues to thicken, & the egg moves to the uterus. If egg is not fertilized, the lining of the uterus begins to break down, and a new menstrual cycle begins.

Female Health Concerns Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): A set of symptoms that some women may experience just before menstruation: Tired Nervous Worried Depressed Yeast Infection: infection of vagina. Changes in the amount of bacteria & fungi that normally live in the vagina.

Female Health Concerns Endometriosis: tissue in uterus grows on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or lining of pelvic cavity.

Female Health Concerns Vaginitis: Infection of vagina. Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS): Rare bacterial infection that is life threatening. Can be caused when a single tampon is used for more that 24 hours.

Female Concerns Cancer: breasts, ovaries, uterus & cervix. Ovarian Cysts: growths on ovary.

Both Male & Female Concerns Sterility: Unable to produce healthy sperm or produce children. Causes might be certain diseases & exposure to certain drugs. Causes: STD’s, hormone imbalances caused by stress, diet, overexertion, & aging. Infertility: reduced ability to produce children. Causes can be same as sterility Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s): can pose serious health problems. Spread through sexual contact.

Caring for Female Repro System Do self breast examinations every month. Shower or bathe regularly Especially when menstruation is occurring. Schedule annual check-ups. Women: Keep a record of your menstrual cycle At age 21 (or earlier if sexually active): start getting a Pap test. Abstain from sexual activity to protect against STD’s

Caring for Female Repro System Self Breast Exam: should check once a month, usually about 1 week after menstrual period ends. Lie down put one arm over head and with the other hand perform breast exam. Move fingers in circular motion, over entire breast from underarm to sternum. Repeat with other breast. Stand up and look in a mirror with hands on hips. Look for: dimpling, rash, puckering, discharge, scales on nipples. Repeat with arms above head.