Reproductive System Diseases
By: Manisha Asrani
The reproductive system is a collection of internal and external organs — in both males and females — that work together for the purpose of procreating. Due to its vital role in the survival of the species, many scientists argue that the reproductive system is among the most important systems in the entire body. The reproductive system can face a lot of problems that can harm a person overall. In this article, we will describe some of the most common reproductive diseases in men and women.
One common female reproductive problem is endometriosis. This happens when the same kind of tissue as the kind that lines the inside of your uterus starts growing in areas other than the uterine lining. Endometriosis most commonly involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining your pelvis. The condition is often painful and can affect fertility. In fact, women who have trouble with conception are 6 to 8 times more likely to have endometriosis than fertile women. Surgery or in vitro fertilization can improve the odds of pregnancy.
Another common female reproductive disease is a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The female abdominal cavity has a direct anatomical path from the outside world via the female reproductive tract. Bacteria can make their way up the vagina, through the uterus, and traverse the uterine tubes which open into the abdominal cavity. Inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity, the peritoneum, causes abdominal pain. Although there are many potential causes of PID, gonorrheal infection is one of them. Chronic inflammation of the uterine tubes can occlude them resulting in infertility.
One common male reproductive disease is Erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is sexual dysfunction characterized by the regular and repeated inability of a sexually mature individual to obtain or maintain an erection. It is a common disorder that affects about 40 percent of people with penises. Specific causes of ED include both physiological and psychological causes. Physiological causes include the use of therapeutic drugs, kidney failure, and treatments for other disorders (such as prostate cancer). Psychological causes are less common but may include stress, performance anxiety, or mental disorders. The risk of ED may also be greater in people with obesity, cardiovascular disease, poor dietary habits, and overall poor physical health.
Another common male reproductive disease is Epididymitis. This is inflammation of the epididymis. The epididymis is one of the paired organs within the scrotum where sperms mature and are stored. Discomfort or pain and swelling in the scrotum are typical symptoms of epididymitis, which is a relatively common condition, especially in young individuals. In the U.S. alone, more than half a million cases of epididymitis are diagnosed annually between the ages of 18 to 35. Epididymitis may be acute or chronic. Acute diseases are generally short-term conditions, whereas chronic diseases may last years — or even lifelong.
These are only a few of the diseases that can affect the reproductive system. It is important to stay safe and sanitary when dealing with the reproductive organs of both males and females.
How the reproductive system works and the difference between female and male reproductive systems
By: Shania Ali
The reproductive system essentially consists of a set of internal and external organs that work together to produce offspring. Some important accessories to the reproductive system are fluids, hormones, and pheromones. Producing offspring is crucial in order for the species of human life to continue. This biological process includes:
- Liberation of an ovum/egg
- Internal fertilization of the ovum by spermatozoa
- Transport of the fertilized ovum to the uterus/womb
- Implantation of the blastocyst
- Formation of a placenta
- Birth of the child
- Suckling and care of the child
The functions of the reproductive system include:
- Producing hormones
- Producing egg and sperm cells
- Nurturing and developing offspring
- Transporting and sustaining these cells
There are significant differences when it comes to the female and male reproductive systems. The female reproductive system consists of organs such as the vagina, the womb, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
- Ovaries- A solid, ovoid structure about the size of an almond. Are covered by the outside of a simple cuboidal epithelium called germinal epithelium.
- Genital Tract- Include the fallopian tubes, the uterus, and the vagina.
- External Genitalia- Include the labia majora, mons pubis, labia minora, and clitorus
The male reproductive system consists of the penis, testicles, epididymis, vas deferenes, and accesory sex glands.
- Testes- the testes is about 5 cm long and is surrounded by a tough white fibrous connective tissue capsule, which is known as the tunica albuginea. It is located in a vertical septum of subcutaneous tissue in the center dividing it into two parts.
- Duct system- sperm leaves the testes through a series of ducts that pass through the epidermis, ductus deferens, ejaculatory duct, and urethra. As they leave, they are immature and incapable of fertilizing ova.
- Accessory glands- include the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands.
- Penis- Is a cylindrical pendant organ and is located anterior to the scrotum and functions to transfer sperm to the vagina.
Work Cited
Reproductive System Diseases
“Common Reproductive Health Concerns for Women.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Apr. 2018, http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/womensrh/healthconcerns.html.
Stevenson, Seth. “Male Reproductive System Diseases: Des Moines University.” Des Moines University – Medicine & Health Sciences, 8 Feb. 2011, http://www.dmu.edu/medterms/male-reproductive-system/male-reproductive-system-diseases/.
How the reproductive system works and the difference between female and male reproductive systems
“Female Sexual Response & Hormone Control.” Female Sexual Response & Hormone Control | SEER Training, training.seer.cancer.gov/anatomy/reproductive/female/response.html.
“Reproductive System.” Reproductive System – Better Health Channel, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/reproductive-system.
“Accessory Organs.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., http://www.britannica.com/science/human-reproductive-system/Accessory-organs.
Zimmermann, Kim Ann. “Reproductive System: Facts, Functions & Diseases.” LiveScience, Purch, 22 Mar. 2018, http://www.livescience.com/26741-reproductive-system.html.
Boundless. “Boundless Anatomy and Physiology.” Lumen, courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-ap/chapter/overview-of-the-reproductive-system/.
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