Reproductive System Health

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Reproductive System Health
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Care of the Male Reproductive System

• Get regular checkups
• Bathe regularly - thoroughly clean the penis and
  scrotum... uncircumcised males should take care
  to wash under the foreskin
• Wear protective equipment when playing sports
• Perform regular self exams of the scrotum and
  testicles for signs of cancer
• Practice abstinence to avoid contracting STDs

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Problems

• Inguinal Hernia part of the intestine pushes in
  the abdominal wall near the top of the scrotum.
  Symptoms include a lump in the groin near the
  thigh, pain in the groin or partial blockage of
  the intestine. Usually needs surgery to repair
  the opening in the muscle wall.

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• Testicular Cancer - happens most often in males
  between the ages of 14-40. Look for a painless
  lump or swelling in either testicle or pain or
  discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
• Prostate Problems - regular screening should
  occur after age 50... an enlarged gland presses
  against the urethra, resulting in frequent or
  difficult urination

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• Sterility the inability to reproduce. It can
  result from too few sperm or sperm of poor
  quality. Sterility can result from environmental
  hazards (X rays, radiation, toxic chemicals,
  lead), hormonal imbalance, certain medications,
  or use of drugs (steroids, marijuana). Some
  diseases including STDs can result in sterility

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Care of the Female Reproductive System

• Bathe regularly - especially during the menstrual
  period
• Practice abstinence to avoid unplanned pregnancy
  and STDs
• Examine your breasts once a month after your
  period - Breast cancer is the most common cancer
  and 2nd leading cause of death (after lung
  cancer) for US women
• Get regular pelvic exams beginning at 18 or when
  considering sexual activity

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Problems

• Menstrual Cramps - can be relieved by light
  exercise or heat to the abdominal area. Severe
  or persistent cramping, called dysmenorrhea, may
  need medical attention
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) can occur 1-2 weeks
  prior to your period and can result in anxiety,
  irritability, bloating, depression, mood swings
  and fatigue. Regular exercise and good
  nutrition may reduce symptoms.

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• Infertility can be caused by...
• Endometriosis - a painful, chronic disease
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) - an infection
  of the fallopian tubes, ovaries and the
  surrounding areas of the pelvis - usually caused
  by STDs

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• Vaginitis - caused by bacteria and causes
  discharge, odor, pain, itching or burning - can
  lead to PID if untreated
• Blocked fallopian tubes - from PID, abdominal
  surgery, STDs or endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts - fluid filled sacs on the ovary
• Cervical, uterine and ovarian cancer - Early
  sexual activity and STDs (especially HPV) are
  related to an increased incidence of cervical
  cancer