Module 3

Module 3—The Male and Female Reproductive Systems

Lesson Summary

In Lesson 5 you investigated the following focusing questions:

• How do diseases and sexually transmitted infections compromise structural fertility?

Given the many possible problems that can occur in human reproductive systems, it is amazing that healthy babies are born every day. Humans are constantly affected by structural and hormonal problems due to STIs and other disorders, sometimes without even knowing it. Yet the species continues. There are now more than six billion human beings on the planet! Our reproductive strategy is obviously working.

Young Canadians in the 15 to 25 age group have some of the highest rates of STIs in the country. Sexually transmitted infections are not only passed between sexual partners, but can also be spread from mother to child during childbirth and breastfeeding. Many STIs are lifelong infections with few to no treatment options.

While cancer itself is not directly transmitted through the sharing of body fluids, like STIs, it is a disorder that affects fertility. The rate of cancer diagnoses is on the rise. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that global cancer rates could increase by 50% to 15 million new cases by 2020. Even though these numbers are for all types of cancers, because they include reproductive cancers, it can be assumed that reproductive cancers are also on the rise. WHO further states that up to 23% of malignancies in developing countries are caused by infectious agents, including hepatitis B and C viruses and human papillomaviruses. These infectious agents can lead to the development of cervical cancer. Developed countries, like Canada, have a much higher cervical cancer detection rate than underdeveloped countries. As a result, women in developed countries are less likely to die from this disease. One tool used for early detection and treatment of cervical cancer is the PAP smear. Women are encouraged by their doctors to have a PAP smear every year.

To maintain your overall health, your chances of having your own children, and the safety of any future sexual partners, it is imperative that you understand the facts surrounding STIs and make good choices regarding your reproductive health.

Lesson Glossary

Consult the glossary in the textbook for other definitions that you may need to complete your work.

abstinence: not having sexual intercourse

antibodies: blood proteins that bind to and destroy infectious antigens such as bacteria and viruses

asymptomatic infection: infection that is present but the affected person does not experience symptoms

bacterial STIs: examples are gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia; can be treated with antibiotics

body fluids: primarily semen, vaginal fluid, saliva, and blood

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

cancer: uncontrolled cell division resulting in tumours that may be life-threatening

chemotherapies: drug therapies designed to poison and kill cancer cells but spare normal cells

condom: a closed tube that covers the penis during sex, providing a barrier to semen and infectious agents such as bacteria and viruses

endometriosis: excessive buildup of the endometrial lining of the uterus

impotence: inability to sustain an erection

laparoscopy: a non-invasive surgical technique using cameras, specialized tools, and small incisions

ovarian cysts: fluid-filled swellings on the ovary

PAP smear: a screening test used to detect pre-cancerous and cancerous changes in the cervix due to human papillomavirus (HPV)

pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): an infection in the uterus and surrounding tissues; may result in scarring and/or infertility

radiation treatment: ionizing radiation directed at tumours to destroy cancer cells

safe sex: the use of a barrier, such as a condom, during sex to prevent transmission of infection

STD: a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria, fungus, or virus

The transmission of the disease does cause symptoms.

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

STI: sexually transmitted infection due to bacteria, fungus, or viruses; may not cause symptoms but is still contagious

surgery: performing an operation on a patient using instruments; in cancer, the removal of tumours and affected tissues

toxic shock syndrome: a rare, rapidly developing, and potentially fatal bacterial infection of the vagina; associated with extended tampon use

ultrasound: a medical diagnostic technique in which high-frequency sound waves are bounced off body structures to obtain an image

venereal: referencing the genitals or external sex organs

viral STIs: examples are HIV, HPV, and hepatitis; more problematic, possibly incurable because they cannot be treated with antibiotics

yeast infection: candidiasis; a common form of fungal infection of the vagina or penis; characterized by itch, redness, and discomfort