Reproductive System: facts, symptoms &
treatments
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
The reproductive system is a
collection of internal and
external organs — in both
males and females — that work
together for the purpose of
procreating, according to the
Cleveland Clinic. 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.
How reproductive systems work
The male reproductive system consists of two major parts:
the testes, where sperm are produced, and the penis. The
penis and urethra belong to both the urinary and
reproductive systems in males. The testes are carried in
an external pouch known as the scrotum, where they
normally remain slightly cooler than body temperature to
facilitate sperm production.
The external structures of the female reproductive system
include the clitoris, labia minora, labia majora and
Bartholin's glands, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The major internal organs of the female reproductive
system include the vagina and uterus — which act as the
receptacle for semen — and the ovaries, which produce the
female's ova.
How reproductive systems work
The vagina is attached to the uterus through the cervix,
while the fallopian tubes connect the uterus to the
ovaries. In response to hormonal changes, one ovum, or
egg — or more in the case of multiple births — is
released and sent down the fallopian tube during
ovulation. If not fertilized, this egg is eliminated
during menstruation.
Fertilization occurs if a sperm enters the fallopian tube
and burrows into the egg. While the fertilization usually
occurs in the oviducts, it can also happen in the uterus
itself. The egg then becomes implanted in the lining of
the uterus, where it begins the processes of
embryogenesis (in which the embryo forms) and
morphogenesis (in which the fetus begins to take shape).
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
When the fetus is mature enough to survive outside of the
womb, the cervix dilates, and contractions of the uterus
propel it through the birth canal.
Variations in the reproductive system
Around 49.5 percent of the world's population is female,
so there are slightly more men on the planet than women,
according to World Bank. A person's sex is determined by
what reproductive system the person has, but it isn't
always so simple. Some humans are born with parts of both
male and female reproductive systems or incomplete
reproductive organs of one sex or the other. Those with
both male and female reproductive parts are considered
intersex. Sometimes children are labeled as male or
female, depending on how complete or functional one
sexual reproductive system is over the other. Then, the
other organs are removed.
Variations in the reproductive system
Today, many parents are opting to leave both sets of
reproductive organs intact with the intent of letting the
child decide to keep or remove the various parts when
they are older. A baby is born atypical genitalia in one
in about 1,500 to 2,000 births, according to Intersex
Society of North America.
Females that are born without all of their reproductive
system are labeled as having Mayer Rokitansky Kuster
Hauser Syndrome. This occurs in one in 5,000 female
births, according to the Center for Young Women’s Health.
Diseases of the female reproductive system
Many parts of the male and female reproductive systems
can be affected by cancer. In females, cancer can attack
the uterus, ovaries, breast and cervix, among other
organs, according to the American Cancer Society.
Many experts have seen what they refer to as the
"Angelina Jolie" effect, where women are taking proactive
measures by having breasts and internal reproductive
organs removed if they have a family history of cancer
before there are signs of the disease. "With better
genetic testing and screening, we have seen a number of
women who are being more proactive about their
reproductive health," said Dr. Shana Wingo, who
specializes on gynecologic oncology at Arizona Oncology.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is when abnormal cells in the ovary begin
to multiply out of control and form a tumor. If left
untreated, the tumor can spread to other parts of the
body. This is called metastatic ovarian cancer. The
ovaries are two female reproductive glands that produce
ova, or eggs.
SYMPTOMS OF OVARIAN CANCER
Abdominal bloating, indigestion or nausea
Changes in appetite, such as a loss of
appetite or feeling full sooner
Pressure in the pelvis or lower back
A more frequent or urgent need to urinate
and/or constipation
Changes in bowel movements
Increased abdominal girth
Tiredness or low energy
Changes in menstruation
Types of Treatment
Treatment for ovarian cancer usually involves a combination
of surgery and chemotherapy.
Surgery: Doctors remove cancer tissue in an operation.
Chemotherapy: Using special medicines to shrink or kill
the cancer. The drugs can be pills you take or medicines
given in your veins, or sometimes both.
Different treatments may be provided by different doctors on
your medical team.
Gynecologic oncologists are doctors who have been trained
to treat cancers of a woman’s reproductive system. They
perform surgery and give chemotherapy (medicine).
Surgeons are doctors who perform operations.
Medical oncologists are doctors who treat cancer with
medicine (chemotherapy).
VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION
Another common disorder of the
female reproductive system is a
vaginal yeast infection, which
is caused by a yeast fungus in
the vagina. Most can be
successfully treated with over-
the-counter medications,
according to WebMD.
SYMPTOMS OF VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION
Yeast infection symptoms can range from mild to moderate,
and include:
Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva
A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or
while urinating
Redness and swelling of the vulva
Vaginal pain and soreness
Vaginal rash
Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a
cottage cheese appearance
Watery vaginal discharge
Complicated yeast infection
You might have a complicated yeast infection if:
You have severe signs and symptoms, such as extensive
redness, swelling and itching that leads to tears,
cracks or sores
You have four or more yeast infections in a year
Your infection is caused by a less typical type of
fungus
You're pregnant
You have uncontrolled diabetes
Your immune system is weakened because of certain
medications or conditions such as HIV infection
TREATMENT FOR VAGINAL YEAST
INFECTION
Over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments or
suppositories (with miconazole or clotrimazole)
are the most common ways to treat yeast
infections. These can take from 1 to 7 days.
Your doctor may also prescribe a single-dose
pill with fluconazole (an antifungal medicine)
for you to take.
PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
is an infection of the female
reproductive organs. It usually
occurs when sexually transmitted
bacteria spread from your vagina
to your uterus, fallopian tubes
or ovaries.
Pelvic inflammatory disease often
causes no signs or symptoms. As a
result, you might not realize you
have the condition and get needed
treatment. The condition might be
detected later if you have
trouble getting pregnant or if
you develop chronic pelvic pain.
SYMPTOMS OF PELVC INFLAMMATORY
DISEASE
Signs and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease might
include:
Pain in your lower abdomen and pelvis
Heavy vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor
Abnormal uterine bleeding, especially during or after
intercourse, or between menstrual cycles
Pain or bleeding during intercourse
Fever, sometimes with chills
Painful or difficult urination
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR?
See your doctor or seek urgent medical care if you
experience:
Severe pain low in your abdomen
Nausea and vomiting, with an inability to keep anything
down
Fever, with a temperature higher than 101 F (38.3 C)
Foul vaginal discharge
MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
The male reproductive
system is specially
designed to produce,
maintain, and transport
genetic material. It's
also an integral system to
enhance quality of life.
Don't be embarrassed. Talk
to a doctor when men are
experiencing a problem
with this function, they
often are too embarrassed
to talk about it with a
doctor.
PROSTATE CANCER
Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate — a
small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces the
seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer
in men. Usually prostate cancer grows slowly and is
initially confined to the prostate gland, where it may
not cause serious harm. However, while some types of
prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even
no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread
quickly.
Prostate cancer that's detected early — when it's still
confined to the prostate gland — has a better chance of
successful treatment.
PROSTATE CANCER
SYMPTOMS OF PROSTATE CANCER
Prostate cancer may cause no signs or symptoms in its
early stages.
Prostate cancer that's more advanced may cause signs and
symptoms such as:
Trouble urinating
Decreased force in the stream of urine
Blood in semen
Discomfort in the pelvic area
Bone pain
Erectile dysfunction
Treatment for Prostate Cancer
Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check
general signs of health, including checking for signs of
disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems
unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits and
past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
Digital rectal exam (DRE): An exam of the rectum. The
doctor or nurse inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into
the rectum and feels the prostate through the rectal wall
for lumps or abnormal areas.
Digital rectal exam (DRE)
Digital rectal exam
(DRE). The doctor inserts
a gloved, lubricated
finger into the rectum
and feels the rectum,
anus, and prostate (in
males) to check for
anything abnormal.
Treatment for Prostate Cancer
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: A test that measures the
level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the
prostate that may be found in higher than normal amounts in
the blood of men who have prostate cancer. PSA levels may also
be high in men who have an infection or inflammation of the
prostate or BPH (an enlarged, but noncancerous, prostate).
Transrectal ultrasound: A procedure in which a probe that is
about the size of a finger is inserted into the rectum to
check the prostate. The probe is used to bounce high-energy
sound waves (ultrasound) off internal tissues or organs and
make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissues called
a sonogram. Transrectal ultrasound may be used during a biopsy
procedure. This is called transrectal ultrasound guided
biopsy.
TRANS-RECTAL ULTRASOUND
Trans-rectal ultrasound. An
ultrasound probe is
inserted into the rectum to
check the prostate. The
probe bounces sound waves
off body tissues to make
echoes that form a sonogram
(computer picture) of the
prostate.
Treatment for Prostate Cancer
Transrectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A procedure
that uses a strong magnet, radio waves, and a computer to
make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the
body. A probe that gives off radio waves is inserted into
the rectum near the prostate. This helps the MRI machine
make clearer pictures of the prostate and nearby tissue.
A transrectal MRI is done to find out if the cancer has
spread outside the prostate into nearby tissues. This
procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance
imaging (NMRI). Transrectal MRI may be used during a
biopsy procedure. This is called transrectal MRI guided
biopsy.
Transrectal biopsy
Transrectal biopsy. An
ultrasound probe is
inserted into the rectum to
show where the tumor is.
Then a needle is inserted
through the rectum into the
prostate to remove tissue
from the prostate.
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as persistent
difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection
sufficient to have sex. Causes are usually medical but
can also be psychological. Organic causes are usually the
result of an underlying medical condition affecting the
blood vessels or nerves supplying the penis.
SYMPTOMS OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Erectile dysfunction symptoms might include persistent:
Trouble getting an erection
Trouble keeping an erection
Reduced sexual desire
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is swelling and inflammation of the prostate
gland, a walnut-sized gland situated directly below the
bladder in men. The prostate gland produces fluid (semen)
that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostatitis often
causes painful or difficult urination.
SYMPTOMS PROSTATITIS
Painful, difficult and/or frequent urinating
Blood in the urine
Groin pain, rectal pain, abdominal pain and/or low back
pain
Fever and chills
Malaise and body aches
Urethral discharge
Painful ejaculation or sexual dysfunction
TREATMENT FOR PROSTATITIS
Treatment typically consists of 4-8 weeks of prostate-
penetrating antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolone or
trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Chronic prostatitis,
chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and asymptomatic
inflammatory prostatitis may be treated with alpha-
blocking agents or diazepam with sitz baths.
