Module 3
1. Module 3
1.20. Lesson 5
Module 3—The Male and Female Reproductive Systems
Lesson 5—Sexually Transmitted Infections and Fertility
Get Focused
The lessons in Module 3 so far have emphasized that continuation of a species is dependent on reproduction. Sexual reproduction 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 or spreading 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 care community prefers the term infection over the term disease because a person can be infected without showing any signs or symptoms. Even a symptom-free person can pass his or her infection on through sexual contact. Sexually transmitted infections can also be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth and breastfeeding. Sexually transmitted infections 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 countries such as Africa.
body fluids: primarily semen, vaginal fluid, saliva, and blood
STI: sexually transmitted infection due to bacteria, fungus, or viruses; may not cause symptoms, but is still contagious
STD: a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria, fungus, or virus
The transmission of the disease does cause symptoms.
venereal: referencing the genitals or external sex organs
The Public Health Agency of Canada warns that some of the highest rates and increases in STIs in Canada are in young people ages 15 to 24.
You have a tremendous amount of control and choice over your personal sexual conduct and contact. Having choice also means having great responsibility. As you move through puberty and discover your sexual nature, remember that bad decisions can sometimes result in severe, lifelong consequences. Although not all STIs are lifelong or life-threatening, some are. It is crucial that you understand your own reproductive health, the structures and functions of the human reproductive system, and the consequences of acquiring an STI in order for you to make good life choices.
cancer: uncontrolled cell division resulting in tumours that may be life-threatening
endometriosis: excessive buildup of the endometrial lining of the uterus
ovarian cysts: fluid-filled swellings on the ovary
impotence: inability to sustain an erection
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): an infection in the uterus and surrounding tissues; may result in scarring and/or infertility
toxic shock syndrome: a rare, rapidly developing, and potentially fatal bacterial infection of the vagina; associated with extended tampon use
Sexually transmitted infections are not the only threat to the homeostatic reproductive balance affecting fertility. Disorders such as cancer, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, impotence, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and toxic shock syndrome can also affect fertility.
Cancer is a term used to describe a large number of diseases where rapid, uncontrolled cell division occurs. You will learn more about this uncontrolled cell division in Unit C. 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 use specific technologies that you will study in this course. These 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.
chemotherapies: drug therapies designed to poison and kill cancer cells but spare normal cells
bone marrow transplant: a procedure in which bone marrow from a donor is used to “seed” new bone marrow in blood and bone marrow cancer patients
stem cell transplant: transplant of a donor's stem cells from sources such as bone marrow or umbilical cord blood; used to treat cancers of the blood and bone marrow
radiation treatment: ionizing radiation directed at tumours to destroy cancer cells
surgery: performing an operation on a patient using instruments; in cancer, the removal of tumours and affected tissues
To their surprise, many couples experience fertility problems due to STIs or cancers. Olga and Karl, the third couple in “A Fertility Case Study,” were each married to other people before marrying each other. Karl has two children from his previous marriage. Although Olga did not bring any children into her marriage to Karl, she had attempted, without success, to have children in her first marriage. Olga and Karl 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.
antibodies: blood proteins that bind to and destroy infectious antigens such as bacteria and viruses
As their fertility doctor, you want to start the next set of tests on Olga. You want her to have one more blood test—a test that will detect antibodies related to some common STIs. These antibodies can cause blockage of the Fallopian tubes. At first Olga 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 about 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:
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How do diseases and sexually transmitted infections compromise structural fertility?
Module 3: Lesson 5 Assignment
Download a copy of the Module 3: Lesson 5 Assignment to your computer now. You will receive further instructions on how to complete this assignment later in the lesson. Because the Module 3 Assessment addresses sexually transmitted infections in general, the assignment for this lesson will address reproductive cancers.
You must decide what to do with the questions that are not marked by the teacher.
Remember that these questions provide you with the practice and feedback that you need to successfully complete this course. You should respond to all of the questions and place those answers in your course folder.
During this lesson you will continue the Unit B Assessment project, “A Fertility Case Study.” In addition to your lesson work, store any notes you make about the infertile couples in your course folder for your teacher’s feedback.
Remember that you also have the option of trying additional questions from the textbook for further practice. Consult with your teacher for the answers to these questions. The Key will also provide you with many Diploma Exam-style multiple-choice, numerical-response, and written-response questions that will be an excellent review of the module. Practising your responses to these types of questions is good preparation for the Diploma Exam.