Note: Sexual Health Appreciation of one’s body Appropriate and respectful interaction with both genders Appropriate expressions of love and intimacy Avoiding exploitative relationships Identification of values Responsibility for one’s own behaviour Enjoying sexual feelings without necessarily acting on them

Sexual Health cont’d Understand consequences of sexual activity (talk with partner about sexual activity, limits, contraception) Practice health promoting behaviours (regular check- ups, pap smears) Understanding the impact of media messages Seek information about sexuality as needed Able to negotiate and communicate sexual limits.

What is Reproductive Health?

Note: Reproductive Health Anything pertaining to, or affecting reproduction The physical ability to produce offspring Awareness of what is normal and abnormal in regards to reproductive organs Pre-conceptual health (nutrition, activity) Prenatal health (nutrition, physical activity)

Note: Factors that affect reproductive health in males and females 1. Environmental – chemical exposure (affects eggs and sperm) 2. Nutritional – anorexia (not enough body fat to ovulate), obesity 3. Hormonal – imbalance affecting the cycle 4. Sexual History – STIs (infertility) 5. General Health – ovarian/cervical cancer, PID, endometriosis 6. Physiological Response to stress – may disrupt menstrual cycle, change in sexual interest, change in appetite, depression, anxiety

Note: What is infertility? No contraception after 12 months of unprotected regular intercourse. Infertility affects about 10% of young adults In 40% of the cases, the fertility problem is with males, in 40% of the cases the problem is with the female, and 20% of the cases the problem is unknown.

Note: What are some possible causes of infertility in males? Sperm quality (radiation, tight clothing, heat) Frequency of ejaculation (sperm not ejaculated within 1 month dies and mixes with new sperm thereby decreasing the count of live sperm) Healthy weight and nutrition (deficiencies can effect development of sperm) Alcohol (excess lowers sperm count and interferes with ability to maintain erection)

Note: What are some possible causes of infertility in females? PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease – scarring of fallopian tubes) Endometriosis (uterine tissue growing outside the uterus, often on the ovaries) Cycle irregularities Smoking – interferes with egg production Healthy weight and nutrition – % below healthy weight can interfere with menstrual cycle and obesity can decrease frequency of ovulation

Female Reproductive Anatomy

Note: Factors causing egg and sperm disorders EGG Inadequate hormone signals from the brain Stress Excessive exercise Excessive weight gain Smoking, caffeine, alcohol, drugs Poor nutrition STI’s Illness such as diabetes

Male Reproductive Anatomy

cont’d SPERM Genetic failure of sperm Undescended testes Infection of prostate or seminal vessicle Smoking, caffeine, alcohol, drugs Exposure to chemicals and radiation Poor nutrition STI’s Injury to testes