terms related to the male reproductive system
Testes (also known as testicles
or gonads)
- male sex glands
- location where sperm and
testosterone is produced
Scrotum
- a sac made of skin & muscle
that carries the testes
Epididymis
- a coiled tube around the
testes
- sperm travel from the testes to
epididymis
Vas deferens
- a tube that carries sperm from
the epididymis
Seminal vesicle
- store sperm and produce
semen
Prostate gland:
- sits just below bladder
- secretes fluid into the semen
Penis
- contains erectile tissue
terms related to the female reproductive system
Ovaries
- contain female sex sells
(ova, or eggs)
- during menstrual cycle,
one ovum is released
monthly ovulation
- secrete female sex
hormones
Estrogen and progesterone
Fallopian tube
- ovum released from ovary
travels through the fallopian
tube
Uterus
- hollow, muscular organ
- if conception occurs, this is
where the fetus grows
Endometrium
- tissue lining the uterus
Vagina
- muscular canal that opens
to the outside of the body
- connects to the uterus
what is the menstrual cycle
- approximately 28 day cycle;
may vary - day 1 of cycle
if no pregnancy, the endometrium breaks down
and is discharged through the vagina; bloody
discharge
woman is menstruating or “having her period”
flow last 3-7 days
may be mild to severe cramping - as cycle continues, estrogen and
progesterone (hormones) cause the
endometrium to thicken and
become ready for pregnancy
what is fertilization and implantation
Fertilization
occurs when sperm and ovum
unite
each have 23 chromosomes;
when joined, become 46, as
in other body cells
changes to the reproductive system with aging for female
Menopause
ovaries stop producing ova
estrogen and progesterone
decrease
usually occurs around 50 years of
age
Atrophy begins
Thinning vaginal walls and
dryness
changes to the reproductive system with aging for male
- decreased testosterone
- decreased sperm count
(amount of sperm in
ejaculated fluid) - slower orgasms or
erections of penis - decreased force of
ejaculation - increase in size of prostate
gland - testes smaller
what is post menopausal bleeding
- Any bleeding that occurs after menstrual
periods have stopped - This type of bleeding needs to be
investigated, even if it is only spotting - Causes:
- Polyps
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Endometrial cancer
what is menopause
cessation of
menstruation
- Usually occurs after 50, could
occur anywhere between 30
and 55
- A gradual process
- Occurs when you have gone
without menstruation for 1 year
what is erectile dysfunction
Also known as impotence
Inability to attain and/or
maintain erection
sufficient for intercourse
May affect physical
sexuality, love and
belonging, self-esteem
what is BENIGN
PROSTATIC
HYPERPLASIA and symptoms
“enlarged
prostate”
not cancer
causes not well
understood
- Difficulty starting and stopping stream (dribbling)
- Reduced strength of stream
- Poor bladder emptying
- Frequent urination and nocturia
- Recurrent UTI’s
what is pelvic organ prolapse
“Female” organs slip
down from normal
position
Often not treated
until symptoms are
bothersome
Specific causes
unknown
