HUMAN REPRODUCTION

Today’s objectives Importance of caring for your reproductive system Basic components of the female and male reproductive systems Problems associated with improper care of the reproductive system Self examinations Maintaining sexual reproductive health

Importance of reproductive health Your reproductive health is just as important to take care of as the rest of your health. If you don’t address the problems they can become more serious. Although, it can be embarrassing to discuss your reproductive health if problems occur you should consult a physician.

Female reproductive system Is responsible for producing, nourishing, and transporting ova/eggs, and eventually carrying and delivering babies. It includes both external and internal parts, as well as tubes and glands that connect the parts of the system

The External Female Reproductive system (see PAGE 156 IN TEXT) Is often referred to as Vulva, which includes: Mons Pubis Labia Clitoris Urethra Vaginal Opening

Mons Pubis Is the skin and tissue that is located just above the woman’s vagina opening After puberty this area will be covered with pubic hair

Labia The flaps of skin that surround the vaginal and urethral opening. Includes two sets of lips- which contain erectile tissues that fill with blood and swell when a woman is aroused Labia Minora (Inner Lips) Labia Majora (Outer Lips)

Clitoris Is a sensory organ located towards the top of the vulva where the labia join. It is filled with nerve endings; making it the most sensitive part of a woman’s genitals. The size may vary but is often a size of a pea It is made of up of erectile tissues that fill with blood and swell when a female is arounsed

Urethra The tube that carries urine outside of the body, located between the urethral opening and the anus.

Vaginal Opening The vagina’s opening to the outside of the body is located between the urethral opening and the anus.

THE FEMALE INTERNAL REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM The internal parts of the reproductive system are located inside the entrance to the vagina, which include: Vagina Cervix Uterus Endometrium Fallopian tubes

Vagina A muscular tube that extends from the vaginal opening (on the outside) to the uterus (on the inside) Is the birth canal for babies The opening where the penis is inserted during sexual intercourse with a man

Vagina con’t Approx. 3-5 inches in length (adult) Has muscular walls that contract and expand Which are lined with mucous membranes to protect the vagina Usually rest on each other; however, during sexual arousal they expand in size The ability to narrow or widen allows the vagina to accommodate something as slim as a tampon and as wide as a baby.

Cervix The narrow lower and outer end of the uterus (where the vagina connects to the uterus) Has strong thick wall, an is located at the back wall of the vagina. The opening of the cervix is very small (no wider than a straw) Why a tampon can never be lost in your body During child birth the cervix expands to allow the baby to pass by

Uterus Hollow muscular organ located inside a females pelvic cavity (‘womb’). Where the fertilized egg implants and develops into a baby Is shaped like an upside down pear Has thick lining and extremely muscular walls (some of the strongest muscles in a female body) The muscles expand to accommodate a growing baby, and contract to help push the baby during child birth

Endometrium The nutrient rich lining of the uterus If an egg is fertilized the lining thickens to nourish the embryo If fertilization does not occur, the lining is shed monthly during the woman’s period, and expelled through the vaginal opening

Fallopian Tubes Located near the upper corners of the uterus and connect to the uterus and ovaries Approximately as wide as piece of spaghetti and a few inches long Each tube has a tiny passage way (size of a sewing needle)

Fallopian Tubes con’t Each end of the Fallopian Tube is attached to the uterus; the other fringed endwraps around the Ovaries When an egg is released from the Ovary it enters the Fallopian Tube Once the egg is in the Fallopian Tube there are tiny hair like structures that help push it down the tiny passage

Ovaries The two oval shaped organs that are located upper right and upper left of the uterus Produce, store, and release eggs into the Fallopian Tubes (OVULATION). Produces female sex hormones (estrogen/progesterone)

Caring for the Female Reproductive System Most of the time you can ensure healthy reproductive system by good hygiene, and for those who are sexually active, use of barrier conceptive (ex. Condoms) There are some certain conditions that cannot be avoided such as Vulvovaginitis Yeast infections Endometriosis Ovarian cysts

Vulvovaginitis Occurs when irritating substances (soaps, bubble bath) enter the vulva or the vagina, which causes inflammation or infection The itchy feeling that occurs in the vulva is called vulvovaginitis, and if it occurs in vagina it is called vaginitis. It is important to wash only the outside area of the genitals and to be careful when wiping after a bowel movement Wear cotton underwear, change tampons every 4-6 hours, and avoid highly perfumed cleaning products

Yeast Infections ‘Monilia’ is caused by the yeast fungus Candida Albicans; which is found in every woman’s healthy vagina. However, sometimes too much grows inside the vagina and causes an infection. Symptoms include: Thick, white, discharge (cottage cheese appearance) Itching and discomfort Caused by hormonal contraceptive pills, diabetes, menstruation douching, scented tampons, or pads, sexual activity with an infect partner, and wearing non-cotton underwear. Can be easily diagnosed by a doctor and treated with creams and vaginal suppositories

Endometriosis Occurs when tissue normally found within the endometrium starts to grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and other parts of he pelvic cavity. Causes abnormal bleeding, painful and lengthy periods, and pelvic pain Can lead to sterility if gone untreated

Ovarian Cysts Non cancerous sacs filled with fluid or smi-solid material. Common in adult women, and are generally harmless Can be painful if they grow large enough to push on surrounding organs Usually cysts will disappear over time and do not need treatment; however, if they are painful and large a doctor may prescribe a hormonal pill to decrease growth rate

Cancer in Women Cervical, ovarian, an breast cancer pose a serious health risk for women. Examinations and tests can detect these forms of cancer IT IS UP TO YOU TO MONITOR YOUR HEALTH AND GET TESTED IN ORDER TO CATCH ANY PROBLEMS WHILE THEY CAN STILL BE TREATED RELATIVELY EASY!!!

Cervical Cancer Poses a high risk of young Canadian women and seems to be linked to heterosexual vaginal intercourse. Women having sex before the age of 18 have a greater risk of developing cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is likely to occur after HPV (human papilloma virus) is passed between partner during sexual intercourse.

Once a female is sexually active she should go see a doctor for a yearly pap smear. It is sometimes a painful experience, but does not last for long. A pap test is a highly effective way to detect cell changes and cancer formation.

Breast Cancer Is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Canadian women. 1/9 women is expected to develop breast cancer in her life time (that means in our class at least one or two girls will develop breast cancer) Family history plays a role, along with smoking, diet and viruses Complete routine monthly breast self-examinations (pg 161 in text) 7-10 days after period to detect any lumps or abnormalities in the breasts. must examine whole chest area.

Complete routine monthly breast self-examinations (pg 161 in text) 7-10 days after period to detect any lumps or abnormalities in the breasts. must examine whole chest area.

Male Reproductive System Responsible for producing, nourishing, and transporting sperm. It includes both internal and external organs as well as internal glands and tubes that connect different parts of the system.

The External Reproductive System Are all the parts you can see: Penis shaft Glans penis Scrotum

Penis Shaft The penis is the passage for both urine and semen The main part of the penis is called the shaft. Inside the penis are three large columns that fill with blood during excitement casing the penis become hard or erect. The urethra runs through the penis to the outside of the body, carries urine or ejaculation.

Glans Penis Is the sensitive tip of the penis. It may be covered by the foreskin, except with the foreskin has been removed by circumcision. The mechanics of how the penis works is the same whether or not there the foreskin has been removed.

Scrotum The sac of skin that holds the testicles. The wall of the scrotum consists of skin and smooth muscle The fibres contract and relax in response to cold and heat, which helps regulate the temperature of the testicles. The testicles need to stay slightly cooler than the rest of the body

The Internal System The internal parts of the male reproductive system are the : Testicles Duct system (epididymis, vas deferens, and the urethra) Accessory glands (the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and Cowper’s gland).

Testicles (Testes) Male reproductive glands Although, the testicles are about the same size one hangs a little lower than the other (protection) During puberty the males Pituitary Gland sends messages to the testes to produce more testosterone. This causes the testicles to produce sperm. Spermatogenesis

Duct System The epididymis, vas deferens, and the urethra make up the duct system Epididymis: set of long tubes that connect to the testes Vas Deferens: tubes that carry sperm form the testicls to the seminal vesicles. During ejaculation sperm travels from the epididymis through the vas deferens to the seminal vesicles where they collect sperm. The urethra then carries the fluid containing sperm through the penis to the outside of the body

Accessory Glands The accessory glands include the seminal vesicles, the prostate gland, and the Cowper’s glands, provide fluid that lubricates the duct system and nourish the sperm. The seminal vesicles are attached to the Vas Deferens. Both the seminal vesicle and prostate gland produce sperm. Before ejaculation occurs,, the Cowper’s glands secrete a small amount of clear fluid on the top of the penis to neutralize acid and allow for safe sperm passage.

Semen Is a whitish-yellow fluid that nourishes the sperm. It is a combination of fluid produced from the three accessory gland. Sperm only makes up 1% of the fluid ejaculated Each ejaculation contains about 250 million sperm

Caring for the Male Reproductive System Most of the time, young men have healthy reproductive systems. Many of the problems can be avoided by good hygiene, using barrier contraceptives (condoms), and wearing productive equipment during strenuous activity (ex. Jock straps).

Male Sexual Health Exam Men should talk to their doctor about their sexual health when they become sexually active. Men can expect the doctor to do some of all of the following Examine external parts of the genitals Feel the testicles and penis Take a swab from the urethra Perform an internal examination Take urine or blood tests

Hernia Normally a bulge in the groin area, may occur when a portion of the intestine pushes through an opening in the abdominal wall and into the groin or scrotum. This is a painful condition and requires minor surgery.

Testicular Injury Is the most common problems associated with the male reproductive system. Results from accidental hits to the testes while the man is participating in physical activities. Also can occur when one of the testicles twists around, cutting off the blood flow to the entire region.

Steroid Use Using anabolic steroids to increase muscle size can cause the sex organs to shrink or atrophy. Also decreases male sex drive, causes liver and heart problems, and breast growth.

Problems Caused By STIs Many STIs do no have any symptoms in you men they can have cause serious health problems. STIs may cause symptoms such as: Inflammation of penis or foreskin Sores Genital warts See chapter 12 for more details on STIs

Testicular Cancer Poses a serious health risk for men- one of the most common forms of cancer in men under the age of 40 If detected early, these cancers can be successfully treated To help with early detection, young men should perform regular testicular self-examinations

Prostate Cancer Is most frequently diagnosed cancer in Canadian men. Over 20,000 men are diagnosed a year 1 in 7 men will develop cancer ( that means in our class approximately 2 boys will develop it) Symptoms: Frequent, difficult, or painful urination Blood or pus in the urine Pain in the lower back, pelvic area, or upper thighs Painful ejaculation

Early Detection: Testicular Self-Examination Is a 3-step process which should be done regularly as soon as you turn 15. The examination should be done after a hot bath or shower because the warmth will cause your testicles to descend and the skin of your scrotum to relax 1. Stand in front of the mirror, look for swelling of the skin or scrotum. 2. Examine each testicle one at a time- feeling for lumps, bumps or growth 3. Check your testicle cord (the soft tube behind each testicle which carries sperm) See page 165 for more details