Overview of Reproductive System Disorders

Oct 16, 2024

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Chapter 19: Reproductive System Disorders

Anatomy and Physiology Review

  • Spermatogenesis: Continuous process of sperm production (~60-70 days).
  • Testes: "Sperm factory".
  • Epididymis: Maturation site for sperm.
  • Vas deferens: Transports sperm to urethra.
  • Seminal vesicles: Secrete substances to nourish sperm.
  • Prostate gland: Balances pH.
  • Bulbourethral glands: Secrete alkaline mucus.
  • Penis: Site of semen ejaculation.

Male Hormones

  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Initiates spermatogenesis.
  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Stimulates testosterone production.
  • Testosterone: Essential for sperm maturation, secondary sexual characteristics.

Congenital Abnormalities

  • Epispadias: Urethral opening on upper surface of penis.
  • Peyronie’s Disease: Curvature due to scar tissue.
  • Hypospadias: Urethral opening on underside of penis.

Disorders of the Testes and Scrotum

  • Cryptorchidism: Failure of testes to descend.
  • Ectopic Testes: Testes located outside scrotum.
  • Hydrocele: Fluid around the testes.
  • Spermatocele: Cyst containing fluid and sperm.
  • Varicocele: Dilated vein in spermatic cord.
  • Torsion of the Testes: Testes rotate on spermatic cord, requiring surgery.

Inflammation and Infections

  • Prostatitis: Infection/inflammation of prostate gland.
    • Categories: Acute bacterial, chronic bacterial, non-bacterial, asymptomatic inflammatory.
  • Balanitis: Fungal infection of penis (Candida albicans).
  • Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis.
  • Orchitis: Infection of the testicle.

Tumors

  • Prostatic Hypertrophy: Common in older men.
  • Prostate Cancer: Common cause of cancer death.
  • Testicular Cancer: Most common solid tumor cancer in young men.

Female Reproductive System

  • Anatomy: Vulva, clitoris, vagina, uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, breast.
  • Menstrual Cycle: 28-day cycle, hormonal changes.

Structural Abnormalities

  • Uterine Prolapse: Descent of cervix or uterus into vagina.
  • Rectocele: Protrusion of rectum into vagina.
  • Cystocele: Bladder protrusion into vagina.

Menstrual Disorders

  • Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation.
  • Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstruation.
  • Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms before menstruation.

Infections

  • Candidiasis: Fungal infection (yeast).
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Infection of reproductive tract.

Benign Tumors

  • Leiomyomas: Benign tumors of the myometrium.
  • Ovarian Cysts: Follicular or corpus luteum cysts.
  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): Hormonal imbalance leading to cysts.
  • Fibrocystic Breast Disease: Nodules/masses that change with the menstrual cycle.

Malignant Tumors

  • Breast Cancer: Common malignancy in women, varied predisposing factors.
  • Cervical Cancer: Detected early with pap smears.
  • Uterine Cancer: More common in postmenopausal women.
  • Ovarian Cancer: Diagnosed late, often a "silent tumor".

Infertility

  • Causes: Hormonal imbalances, age, structural abnormalities.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

  • Bacterial: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis.
  • Viral: Genital herpes, HPV.
  • Protozoan: Trichomoniasis.

Detailed Notes on STDs

  • Chlamydia: Common STD, leading cause of PID.
  • Gonorrhea: Inflammatory, can lead to infertility.
  • Syphilis: Stages of infection; primary, secondary, latent, tertiary.
  • Genital Herpes: Caused by HSV; recurrent outbreaks.
  • Genital Warts: Caused by HPV, linked to cancer.

Emerging Viral STDs

  • Ebola: Long survival in semen post-infection.
  • Zika: Virus-related reproductive health concerns.

This concludes Chapter 19 on Reproductive System Disorders.