Module 3S1 Reproductive Systems
Lesson 2.3.5S1
Lesson 5—How Disorders and Sexually Transmitted Infections Affect the Human Reproductive Systems
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The lessons in Module 3 have emphasized that continuation of a species is dependent on reproduction. Sexual reproduction, as seen in mammals including humans, offers the highest advantage for continuation of a species because it ensures diversity.
In order for sexual reproduction to occur, there has to be an exchange of body fluids. Whenever there is an exchange of body fluids there is the chance of acquiring an infection. Infections that are transmitted by sexual contact are referred to as sexually transmitted infections or STIs. Names like sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and venereal disease (VD) are also used to identify this group of disorders. However, the health community prefers the term infection over the term disease because a person can be infected without showing any signs or symptoms of his or her disease. Even a symptom-free person can pass his or her infection on through sexual contact. STIs can also be transmitted from mother to child in childbirth and/or breastfeeding. STIs pose a risk not only to the individual but also to the species as a whole. Just think of the effect of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, especially in Africa.
STIs are not the only threat to the homeostatic reproductive balance affecting fertility. Disorders such as cancers, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, impotence, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), and Toxic Shock Syndrome can also affect fertility. This course will not cover all of these disorders in detail but will address some of them, cancer for example.
Cancer is a term used to describe a large number of diseases where rapid, uncontrolled cell division occurs. Cancer can affect fertility in two ways: the disease itself may target and damage specific reproductive structures, and the treatment of the disease in other parts of the body can damage reproductive structures and functions. The most common cancers to directly target reproductive structures and affect fertility are prostate and testicular cancers in males; and cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancers in females. Breast cancer, a common cancer affecting both men and women, does not directly affect fertility. Common cancer treatments that affect fertility include certain chemotherapies, bone marrow or stem cell transplants, radiation treatment, and specific types of surgery. Even the future fertility of a child undergoing cancer treatment may be a concern. Cancer does not always mean an end to fertility—there are many, many cancer survivors who go on to have normal reproductive health including having children.
To their surprise, many couples experience fertility problems due to STIs or cancers. Dina and Donald are the third couple in “A Fertility Case Study.” Both were married to other people before marrying each other. Donald has two children from his previous marriage. Although Dina did not bring any children into her marriage with Donald, she had attempted, without success, to have children in her first marriage. Dina and Donald have been trying to have a child together for two years with no success. The typical first set of fertility tests and blood tests have proven that there are no problems with either of their hormone levels.
As their fertility doctor you want to start the next set of tests on Dina. You inform Dina that you want her to have one more blood test—a test that will detect antibodies related to some common STIs. These antibodies can cause Fallopian tube blockage. At first Dina is upset to hear that you suspect she may currently have or have had an STI. She knows very little about them. As her physician, it is your obligation to explain what the blood test will look for and how STIs can affect fertility.
You can uncover a wealth of information on sexually transmitted infections using the search terms “sexually transmitted infections” and “sexually transmitted diseases” in an Internet search.
In Lesson 5 you will explore how disorders, specifically sexually transmitted infections, compromise structural fertility. You will investigate the following focusing question:
- How do diseases and sexually transmitted infections compromise structural fertility?
Module 3: Section 1—Lesson 5 Assignment
There is no assignment for this lesson but you are still responsible to know the material for test purposes.
Here is a tutorial video for this lesson that you can watch if it suits your learning style. Bio30 2.3.5S1 STD's
** The Self-Check and Try This questions in this lesson are not marked by the teacher; however answering these questions will help you review important information and build key concepts that may be applied in future lessons. You can respond to these mentally, write out your response, or record your answer in any other way that works for you.