Module 3 Lesson 3 - 1

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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 because it ensures diversity.

Sexual reproduction requires a transmission of body fluids, which means the chance of acquiring an infection. Infections transmitted by sexual contact are referred to as sexually transmitted infections or STIs. The health community prefers the term infection over the term disease because a person can be infected without showing any signs or symptoms of disease. Even a symptom-free person can pass his or her infection to another through sexual contact. In addition, STIs can be transmitted from mother to child in childbirth and/or breastfeeding.

The Public Health Agency of Canada warns that some of the highest rates of increase 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 means having great responsibility. Although not all STIs are lifelong or life-threatening, some are. To make healthy and effective life choices, you must understand your own reproductive health, the structures and functions of the human reproductive system, and the consequences of acquiring an STI .

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 affect fertility, too. This course addresses some of these disorders.

This lesson explores 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?