Developmental and Health Aspects of Reproductive System

Study Notes

Neoplasm is a new and abnormal growth of tissue, often related to cancer.
- Female: Breast cancer, cervical cancer
- Male: Prostate Cancer
Menopause is a natural process characterized by declining estrogen production.
- Ovulation becomes irregular, menstrual periods become shorter and less frequent.
- Consequences of decreased estrogen include irritability, mood changes, and depression.

Erogenous zones are parts of the body that can excite sexual feelings.
- Examples: Lips, Genitals, Breasts
Male and female bodies undergo vasocongestion, a process of blood vessel dilation leading to swelling and erection.

Sociosexual behavior is the way people express their sexuality and interact with others romantically or sexually.
- Includes behaviors like flirting, dating, and sexual activity.
- People can prefer casual encounters or sexual intimacy within committed relationships.
Solitary behavior refers to activities done alone, without company.

Sexual response involves the entire nervous system.
- Autonomic system controls involuntary responses.
- Afferent cerebrospinal nerves carry sensory information to the brain and spinal cord.

A physiological sexual problem occurs when a person has difficulty with sexual activity due to bodily malfunction.
- Affects sexual desire, arousal, or the ability to have sex.
- Examples in men: erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting or keeping an erection).
- Examples in women: vaginal dryness.

A psychological sexual problem arises from mental or emotional issues that hinder sexual enjoyment or participation.
- Could be caused by stress, anxiety, depression, past trauma, or relationship problems.
- Examples: feeling too anxious or stressed, past negative experiences, low self-esteem.

STDs are caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) mainly spread through sexual contact.
STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Infections can spread via blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and other bodily fluids.

Chlamydia is a commonly asymptomatic infection that can be treated with antibiotics.
- Can lead to infertility if left untreated.
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that can infect genitals, throat, or rectum.
- Symptoms: painful urination, unusual discharge, lower abdominal pain.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection with different stages and symptoms.
- First stage: Painless sore on genitals, mouth, rectum.
- Second stage: Skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, flu-like symptoms.
- Latent stage: Asymptomatic but infection persists.
- Late stage: Severe health problems like heart, brain, and organ damage if untreated.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a common virus spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity.
- Some HPV types can cause warts and cancers like cervical cancer.
- Most people are asymptomatic.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) causes infections leading to sores or blisters.