1. Module 3

1.22. Page 3

Lesson 5

Module 3: Section 1—The Male and Female Reproductive Systems

Reflect and Connect

 

Module 3: Lesson 5 Assignment

 

Because the Module 3 Assessment addresses sexually transmitted infections in general, the assignment for this lesson will address reproductive cancers.

 

In Olga and Karl’s ongoing fertility assessments, they were asked whether their families had a history of cancer or other hereditary disorders. This kind of information is used to establish possible risk levels for some cancers. Like many of you, both Olga and Karl had an extended family member diagnosed with cancer. Olga and Karl went to their local Canadian Cancer Society office to learn more about reproductive cancers.

 

Retrieve the copy of the Module 3: Lesson 5 Assignment that you saved to your computer earlier in this lesson. Complete the assignment. Save your completed assignment in your course folder. You will receive instructions later in this lesson about when to submit your assignment to your teacher.

 

Self-Check

 

SC 3. As Olga and Karl's fertility doctor you have decided to test Olga for an STI, but not to test Karl. What past evidence indicates that you may not have to test Karl for an STI?

 

Check your work.
Self-Check Answers

 

SC 3. Sexually transmitted infections and their effects on the body, even after treatment, can cause infertility. In Olga’s first marriage, she and her husband tried unsuccessfully to have children. Her infertility may be caused by damage from an STI. Karl has fathered two children and his fertility was not in question. He has tested negative for the presence of STIs.

 

Reflect on the Big Picture

 

Update: A Fertility Case Study

 

Anyone can acquire an STI or be affected by other reproductive disorders. It is common for these to go undetected until a couple has problems conceiving or an individual experiences symptoms. As a result, an infected person can pass on his or her STI before knowing that he or she is infected. Without early treatment, the infection can also lead to further disorders, as in Olga’s case.

 

Olga’s STI blood test showed chlamydia antibodies, proving she had a chlamydia infection at some point in the past. Further tests showed that the infection was no longer present.

 

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

 

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

Olga is one of the 75% of women who do not show symptoms and are unaware of their infection. Left untreated, Olga’s infection spread to her Fallopian tubes and caused pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which was confirmed through a pelvic ultrasound and laparoscopic surgery. Pelvic inflammatory disease caused permanent damage to Olga’s Fallopian tubes by turning normal tissue into scar tissue, which blocked the tube and is the ultimate cause of her infertility.

 

Continue to make notes about the couples’ fertility problems, specifically those of Olga and Karl. Save your notes, including conclusions or assumptions, in your course folder. Remember that information and questions about the couples’ fertility issues will be referred to throughout Unit B and will be part of the Unit B Assessment.

 

Going Beyond

 

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

Hundreds of clinics, websites, and institutes deal exclusively with reproductive problems because of the many, many causes for imbalance in the human reproductive system. Research other reproductive disorders, such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, impotence, yeast infections, and toxic shock syndrome. Use these terms and “human reproductive science” as Internet search terms.

 

Module 3: Lesson 5 Assignment

 

Submit your completed Module 3: Lesson 5 Assignment to your teacher.