Effects of aging on the reproductive system: Both sexes: Reproductive system matures through puberty Peak function through 20's Slow decline thereafter Men: Slow decline continues through life Women: Rapid change at menopause

Menopause: Average age = 52 "Normal" = Pituitary stops producing follicle stimulating hormone luteinizing hormone Ovary stops responding to these hormones Follicle development and oogenesis stop Thus: No ovulation Ovary stops producing estrogen & progesterone Uterine cycle & menstruation stop

Menopause: Symptoms: Dizziness Numbness Muscle aches Dry mouth Dry vagina Later: Labia, vagina, uterus, breasts shrink Weight gain Voice deepens Facial hair Osteoporosis

Much later : Ligaments holding uterus may weaken Uterus prolapses into vagina Fissures may develop from bladder to vagina rectum to vagina

Estrogen levels decrease with menopause, while Testosterone levels remain relatively stable Many women try to minimize symptoms of menopause by taking estrogen supplements

In men: similar but much more gradual process "Andropause" Develops slowly, ages Pituitary continues producing FSH & LH but testicles stop responding to these Thus: Sperm production decreases Testosterone production decreases

Andropause: Decreased numbers of sperm Fewer erections longer to occur softer shorterduration Voice may rise in pitch Growth of pubic hair and facial hair decreases Penis, scrotum, testicles, prostate shrink Loss of muscle mass Osteoporosis (much less than in women)

Although degenerative changes occuring, sexual interest and arousal still occur Most couples remain sexually active will into "old age" and report continued satisfaction

Diseases of Reproductive System: Infections Tumors Abnormal growths

Diseases of Reproductive System: 1) Infections a) Sexually transmitted diseases More than thirty organisms identified which can be spread by sexual contact Some: affect only genitals Others: affect entire body Some: can be treated or cured Others: can not

a) Sexually transmitted diseases Many: Spread through reproductive organs Cause scarring of uterus, Fallopian tubes, urethra, vas deferens, epydidimus Damage ovaries, testicles Others: Destroy nerves, immune system, etc. Some: Just annoying

a) Sexually transmitted diseases Currently affect > 56,000,000 people in US Chlamydia (bacterium) > 3,000,000 cases / year Gonorrhea (bacterium) > 1,500,000 cases / year Genital warts (virus) 700,000 cases / year Genital herpes (virus) 500,000 cases / year Syphilis (bacterium) 100,000 cases / year AIDS (virus) 30,000 cases / year Pubic Lice (parasite) 50,000 cases / year Two-thirds of all new infections occur in people under 25 years of age

b) Infections can also occur which are not sexually transmitted Candida (yeast) Stapholococcus E. coli & other bacteria from feces

Diseases of Reproductive System: 2) Tumors: Both cancerous ("malignant") and noncancerous ("benign") tumors occur in many reproductive organs. Most common: Uterus (including cervix) Ovaries Testicles Prostate / Seminal vesicles May grow rapidly or slowly Usually can not be effectively treated except by removal

Diseases of Reproductive System: 3) Abnormal growth: a) Endometriosis = Endometrium found out of uterus: Fallopian tubes, pelvic cavity May migrate through blood vessels or lymphatic vessels to other places Most common: women Responds to estrogen & progesterone: Grows, dies same time as normal endometrium Very painful Can cause fatal hemorrhage

Diseases of Reproductive System: 3) Abnormal growth: b) Ectopic pregnancy Usually in Fallopian tubes c)Teratomas: Unfertilized oocyte, follicular cell, or other cell begins development Disorganized mass of tissues Contains muscle, skin, hair, bone, teeth, etc.