Reproductive Systems

The “opposite sex” is not opposite at all… Not only do both sexes develop from very similar structures (a pair of sex glands and two genital tubes) but both men and women manufacture the hormones of the other sex. Hormones of one sex are often used to treat illness in the other sex. Men with certain heart ailments are mediated with the female hormone estrogen. Both sexes have reproductive organs called genitals or genitalia, designed for the purpose of intercourse and conception.

Male Internal Anatomy Explain Vasectomy:

Urinary bladder Vas deferens Urethra Penis Epididymis Testis Scrotum Why can’t urine and semen pass through the urethra at the same time? Epididymis Testis Scrotum Cowper’s gland

Male Reproductive System Front View Urinary bladder Vas deferens Seminal vesicle Urethra Prostate gland Penis Cowper’s gland What makes up Semen? Epididymis Testis

Average Male Timeline Infancy Erections begin Ages 11-14 Secondary sex characteristics appear Ages 13-16 Sperm produced in adult amounts (puberty) Late teens Peak sexual urges for boys Throughout life If good health is present, there is the sex urge and ability to father children.

Female Internal Anatomy Explain Tubal Ligation:

Female Reproductive System Fallopian tube Side View Ovary Uterus Urinary bladder Cervix Urethra Vagina

Female Reproductive System Front View Fallopian tube Ovary Uterus Cervix Vagina

Menstrual Cycle Women usually produce only one mature egg cell each month during a process called the menstrual cycle. During the menstrual cycle, an ovary releases a mature egg. The egg travels to the uterus. If the egg is not fertilized, the uterine lining is shed and a new cycle begins.

Menstrual Cycle Days 1–4 The uterine lining is shed during menstruation. Days 5–13 An egg matures in one of the ovaries, and the uterine lining starts to thicken. Egg Maturing Egg Days 14–15 The ovary releases the mature egg during ovulation. Days 16–22 The egg travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus, and the uterine lining continues to thicken. Days 23–28 The unfertilized egg enters the uterus.

Menstrual Discomfort Cramps are caused by contractions of the uterus. Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is marked by nervous tension, mood swings, headaches, bloating, and irritability. The dramatic change in hormone levels that occurs before menstruation begins may cause PMS.

Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious but uncommon infection caused by either staph or strep bacteria. TSS was originally linked to the use of tampons because the earliest cases, in the late 1970s, were related to super-absorbent tampons. Research led to better tampons and better habits for using them, such as changing them often. The number of TSS cases dropped dramatically. Today about half of all TSS cases are linked to menstruation.

Average Female Timeline Ages 9-12 Secondary sex characteristics appear Ages 11-14 Menstrual cycle begins Late 20-30’s Peak sexual urges Ages 45-55 Menopause Occurs (cycle stops, but sex urge continues)

Pap Smear Test A Screening test for Cervical Cancer (In Females). Should be performed when you are 18 yrs. Old OR if you are sexually active. Once a year at your physical exam Pap Smear Test How is it performed? Lying on a table you place your feet in stirrups. Speculum is inserted into the vagina to open slightly. Cells are scraped (gently) from the cervix. Sent to lab for examination.