Assignment 4: The Human Reproductive System Lesson 3: Hormones & Fertility

White boards at the ready!!!

Where are ova (egg cells) released from in females?

The Ovaries

 What is the scientific term for a fertilised ovum?

Zygote

 Which day of the menstrual cycle is an ovum released?

Day 14

What is this process called?

Ovulation

Which hormone is responsible for ovulation?

LH (Luteinising Hormone)

 What is the name of another pituitary sex hormone?

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone)

 Where are sperm cells made in males?

 In the Seminiferous Tubules in the testes

 Which hormone assists sperm production?

Testosterone

 What is the name of the structure responsible for carrying sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct?

 Vas Deferens

 What is the function of the Epididymis?

 To store sperm ready for ejaculation

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 Recap and consolidate understanding of the reproductive hormones  Understand what ‘infertility’ is and be aware of causes, tests and treatments for infertility.

There are two ways in which knowledge of the menstrual cycle can help to control fertility: Contraception Conception

 Combined Pill = Oestrogen and Progesterone  Mini Pill = Progesterone only

Taken for 21 days followed by 7 pill free days During the 7 pill free days the woman will experience a ‘period’. Taken every day at same time (give or take 12 hours) The oestrogen and progesterone disrupt the normal hormonal cycle No egg is released.

 The progesterone will disrupt the normal hormonal cycle so that ovulation doesn’t occur.  Taken every day at the same time (give or take 2 hours)  No break from pills so woman won’t experience a period.

 Once a couple decide they would like a baby they must make sure they have intercourse near the day when the woman is ovulating.  Having intercourse at the right time of the month will help the woman conceive.  How do you think they might work this out?

 What is the first sign that a woman might be pregnant?  How would they confirm this?  HCG testing

 An egg is fertilised (so becomes a zygote)  The egg moves down the fallopian tube  The egg ‘implants’ in the uterus lining. This is implantation.  The new blastocyst / embryo produces a hormone called HCG = Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

 In small groups, discuss the following: What is infertility? What might cause it? What might happen if somebody finds they are infertile?

 There are many reasons why a couple may have trouble conceiving.  Doctors usually wont do anything unless the couple have been trying to conceive for more than 12 months.  What do you think might help a couple conceive faster?

 Tracking things like body temperature, cervical fluid and menstrual days can help a woman work out when she is going to be most fertile.  She could also carry out an ovulation test. This works a bit like a pregnancy test but indicates the presence of LH instead of HCG.  Why LH?

 Hormonal disruptions  STIs  Physical Problems (blockages etc)

 Hormonal disruptions  If a woman isn’t producing enough of a particular hormone then various problems may occur. Like what?  An ovum may not be released  The endometrium might not build up properly so the embryo can’t implant.

 For each female reproductive hormone, write down the consequences of not having enough of it.  Oestrogen  Progesterone  LH  FSH

 Sexually transmitted infections can affect fertility.  Can you name some STIs?  Syphilis  Chlamydia  Gonorrhoea

 Conditions such as:  Blockages in Fallopian Tubes  Cysts on the ovaries  Endometrium infections  Cancer / tumours / growths  Genetic Disorders  Complications following surgery

 STIs  Physical Problems  Hormonal problems

Male fertility can be affected by similar problems as females. Such as: Blockages (e.g. in the vas deferens or urethra) 6aE STIs Surgery Hormonal issues Genetic Disorders

 Male fertility tests often start with a semen analysis.  This will look at:  Semen volume  Total sperm number  Sperm concentration  Vitality of sperm  Motility of sperm  oxM oxM  XTs XTs

 Can you think of anything / have you heard of anything that can help a man produce better quality / more sperm?

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 Once a problem has been diagnosed, there are different treatments available to help a couple trying to conceive.  Do you know how?

 39Rs 39Rs

 lrEBevJ60 lrEBevJ60  (15 mins)

 We are in ICT room A220  Research the merit task  Write up assignment.  10:45-12:15