PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CHAPTER THIRTY

The female reproductive system. Figure 30.1 The female reproductive system.

Female Reproductive System Composed of internal organs and external genitals Internal reproductive organs are: Two ovaries Two fallopian tubes Uterus Vagina External genitals are known together as the vulva. The vulva consists of: Labia minora Labia majora Clitoris

Male Reproductive System Composed of external genitals and gonads, and internal organs External genitals and gonads are the penis and testes Internal organ is the prostate

Female Reproductive Function The function of the female reproductive system is to conceive and bear children Governed by the menstrual cycle, which consists of two stages: Ovulation—prepares an oocyte for fertilization Menstruation—dissolves the unfertilized oocyte and sheds uterine lining Hormones that govern the female reproductive system are the estrogenic hormones Estriol - Estrone - Estradiol

Male Reproductive Function The function of the male reproductive system is to deliver sex cells to the female Fertility in the male begins with the production of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) in the hypothalamus GnRH instructs the pituitary gland to manufacture FSH and LH FSH causes sperm production LH stimulates production of testosterone

Infertility Defined as the failure to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse May be caused by either or both sex partners In women, can be treated with antiestrogenic drugs Stimulates pituitary production of FSH and LH Boosts follicle growth and the release of eggs In men, infertility can be treated with Antibiotics—if infertility is caused by infection Antihistamines—block mast cells that reduce sperm quality Anti-erectile dysfunction agents—may enhance fertility by increasing sperm motion and capacitation

Infertility (cont.) In men, infertility can be treated with Bromocriptine—used to reduce excess prolactin manufactured by the pituitary Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)—beneficial for men with gonadotropin deficiency and hypogonadism; good for restoring sperm production after chemotherapy

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) The major cause of infertility worldwide Symptoms of the reproductive system include: Scarring Abscess formation Tubal damage Treatment is with anti-infectives

Infertility From Sexually Transmitted Diseases Affects both males and females Viral STDs (genital herpes, HIV) Symptoms managed with medication Cannot be cured Bacterial STDs (gonorrhea, chlamydia) Curable with antibiotics Fungal and parasitic diseases Curable with antifungal and anthelminthic agents, respectively

Erectile Dysfunction Inability to sustain an erection for penetration Many causes, including stress and poor health Treated with: Levitra® (vardenafil) Cialis® (tadalafil) Viagra® (sildenafil)

Benign Orostatic Hyperplasia Noncancerous growth or enlargement of the prostate gland Treated with alpha-adrenergic blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors Alpha-adrenergic blockers relax smooth muscle tissue in the bladder neck and prostate, which increases urinary flow 5-alpha reductase inhibitors prevent the conversion of testosterone to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT