THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
The reproductive system is a system of sex organs (both external and internal) in females and males which work together for the purpose of producing offspring.
Anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system
- Labia majora
It encloses and protects the external reproductive organs
Labia minora
They inside the labia majora and they surround the opening to the vagina and urethra
- Bartholin’s glands
These glands are located besides the vagina opening and they produce mucus secretions
- Clitoris
This organ is made of erectile tissue capable of enlarging (erecting) due to increase in blood pressure during sexual excitement
- Vagina
This is a canal that connects the cervix to the outside of the body. It acts as exist of baby during delivery and passage of menstrual blood.
- Cervix
It is located in the lower end of uterus and at the top of vagina. It allows escape of menstrual blood from the uterus during menstruation period, supplies mucus ( thick lubricating fluid) to the female reproductive tract
During vaginal childbirth, it dilates to allow passage of the foetus
- Uterus/womb
Uterus is located between the bladder and rectum.
This is where the fertilized egg implants and develops to a baby.
- Ovaries
They are small, oval shaped glands located on left and right sides of the uterus.
Their function is to produce eggs and hormones and also protects the eggs.
- Fallopian tube
These are narrow tubes attached to the upper part of the uterus and serve as tunnel for passage of ova from the ovaries to the uterus. Fertilization of egg by sperm also occurs here
N.B sometimes a fertilized egg can stay in the tube rather than travelling to the uterus resulting to ectopic pregnancy
MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYTEM
- Penis
This is a male organ used during sexual intercourse.
It is cylindrical in shape and made of special sponge-like tissue that fills with blood when sexually aroused becoming rigid and erect. The skin is also loose and elastic allowing changes in penis size during an erection.
It expels semen containing sperms during sexual intercourse. It’s also used for urination.
- Scrotum
This is a loose pouch-like sac of skin found behind or below the penis in between the legs.
It houses the testicles as well as nerves and blood vessels. It acts as climate control system for the testes by maintaining the temperatures slightly cooler than the body temperature. This is aided by special muscles that allow testes to move closer the body for warmth and protection and farther away from the body to cool the temperatures.
- Testes
The testes are oval organs that lie in the scrotum. They are responsible for making a primary male sex hormone (testosterone) and for production of sperms.
Within the testes are the coiled masses of tubes (seminiferous tubules) which are responsible for producing sperm cells.
- Epididymis
This is a long, coiled tube located on the backside of the testes.
Its function is to carry and store sperm cells that are produced in the testes. It also brings sperms to maturity.
- Van deferens
This is long muscular tubes that travel from epididymis into the pelvic cavity behind the bladder.
They transport mature sperms to the urethra in preparation for ejaculation.
- Urethra
This is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
In male body, it has a function of expelling semen during sexual intercourse
N.B when the penis erect during sex, the flow of urine is blocked from the urethra allowing only passage of semen for ejaculation.
- Seminal vesicles
They are air sac-like pouches attached to the van deferens near the base of the bladder. They produce fluid rich in sugar (fructose) that provide sperms with energy to help them move or swim.
- Prostate glands
The gland is located below the urinary bladder in the front of the rectum.
It provides an additional fluid to the ejaculate. Urethra which carries the ejaculate passes through the centre of the prostate gland.
HOW TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
- Take healthy diet and exercise your body
Taking a healthy diet and good eating habits is one way of nourishing your body and root of several health issues.
Ensure the food you eat has right vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for a healthy body. Try to avoid a lot of carbohydrates and sugar too. Change in your diet can also change your reproductive health.
Ensure body exercise as one of your daily routine to keep your body systems active and healthy.
- Practice safe sex
Protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infection will really benefit your reproductive health. Before engaging in any sexual intercourse ensure your partner is tested or simply use a condom for protection.
- Consult gynaecologist regularly
If you notice anything out of ordinary or an infection in your genitals, it’s good to see your doctor for testing and treatment. This ensures early detection of infection and treatment at early stages.
- Avoid use of harsh soaps, detergents and perfumes on your genitals
Their use can easily mess your pH balance which cause several problems on your genitals.
- Stop smoking
Cigarette contains thousands of toxic chemicals which cause addiction, cancer and coronary problems. Smoking often alters the ovaries, the uterus and other parts of the reproductive system. In addition, during pregnancy smoking increases the risk of baby developing congenital malformations.
- Get screened regularly
Getting screening for cancers and infection affecting the reproductive saves your life by increasing the survival rates due to early detection and detection.
- Personal hygiene
These include
- Making your vaginal washing a daily routine to ensure you stay clean always
- Avoid scrubbing your vagina with a brush or any material which can injure your delicate skin in your vagina.
- Always clean from front to the back to prevent harmful bacteria which reside in the anus from affecting your vagina
- Wear cotton underwear. This allows air circulation and absorbs moisture easily from your genitals.
- Have regular organism
Organism causes a release of healthy hormones and also causes your uterus to contract which can help your body to detoxify and relax. It also relieves stress and helps in getting sleep.
- Treat menstrual cramps naturally
Getting enough vitamin D from sunlight can help reduce menstrual cramps
Avoid eating anything cold as it can exacerbate cramps.
Alternate hot and cold footbaths to improve blood circulation at the onset of menstrual cycle.
- Choose a birth control wisely
Some family planning methods have side effects such as low libido, mood swings and weight gain. Consult your doctor about the kind of method that suits you.
- Stay away from toxins
Stay away from toxins which can mess your reproductive health
FOODS WHICH NOURISH OUR REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
- Berries
Strawberries, blueberries and blackberries are rich in colour, flavour , fibre and antioxidants.
These antioxidants help in combating free radicles that may disrupt reproductive system
- Whole grains
Barley, oats, millets and other whole grains diets have great benefits to our reproductive system by promoting sperm health in males and ovary health in females.
- Beans and lentils
They are rich source of iron and other vitamins and minerals vital in improving fertility. They also aid in stabilizing female hormones.
- Avocados
They contain good fats which improves egg health in females. They are high in monounsaturated fats which help in maintaining good reproductive health.
- Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that increases blood circulation and promotes healthy digestion
It also helps to alleviate any discomfort in the reproductive system, regulate cycles and reduce inflammations of the reproductive organs.
- Maca roots
This is a wondrous herb containing different minerals and nutrients that is believed to increase sperm count and egg health.
It also stabilises hormonal imbalances and increase libido.
- Cinnamon
Improves ovary function and encourage proper egg production by stimulating insulin resistance.
- Bananas
They are quick source of energy and rich in potassium needed to regulate nerves, heartbeat and blood pressure. They also contain minerals which aid in muscle contraction a key to good sex.
Bananas also contain compounds that boosts production of testosterone.
- Low fat yogurt
There is suggestion that yogurt can decrease the risk of breast cancer, stomach ulcers and vaginal infections. This is by drinking yogurts which contain live cultures (lactobacillus acidophilus)
Tomatoes, watermelons, red grapes and red navel oranges
They contain a nutrient (lycopine) which has a protective effect against prostate cancer and breast cancer.
- Nuts
Almonds, walnuts, groundnuts and peanuts are packed with nutrients that have been linked to healthy sperms. These nutrients protect sperms from free radical damage and also improves sperm count and mortality.
FOODS WHICH DON’T NOURISH OUR RESPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
- Excess alcohol
Excess alcohol consumption can contribute to infertility by depleting your body of Vitamin B which improves chances of pregnancy and supports foetus growth.
- Unpasteurized soft cheese
Cheese like brie, camembert and gorgonzola contain a compound (listeria) which can increase the risk of miscarriage.
- Raw meat products
Avoid raw meat, seafood, and eggs which might contain bacteria (salmonella, coliform bacteria and toxoplasmosis) might pass through the placenta and affect the foetus development.
- Soda
Soda and other beverages contain too much sugar and artificial sweeteners. This sugar in the body is linked to lowering fertility.
- Soya products
Soya products contains a chemical(geninstein) which cause sperms burn out when they reach the women’s reproductive tract making the sperms to loose fertility before they meet the egg for fertilization. This cuts the chances of conception.
- Fish species which contain high levels of mercury
Some fish species such as swordfish and tuna contain mercury traces which damage our nervous system. Consuming these fish could directly harm the developing foetus by affecting the nervous system. Mercury also may decrease fertility in both men and women.
DISEASES AND DISORDERS AFFECTING THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
ENDOMETRIOSIS
This is a disorder in which tissues similar to those in the endometrium (lining of the uterus) grow outside the uterus. This disorder involves ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissues lining the pelvic. This condition is often painful during menstrual cycle and cam affect fertility.
Symptoms and signs
- Painful menstrual periods
- Pain when urinating
- Excessive bleeding during periods or between periods
- Infertility
- Fatique,bloat,diarrhea and nausea during menstrual periods
Cause
The exact cause is unknown but possible causes have been linked to this condition which include
- Problems with menstrual period flow
- Genetic factors
- Immune system problems
- Hormonal imbalance surgery
Prevention
- Exercise regularly to keep body fat levels low
Exercises lower amount of body fat and also helps decrease amount of hormone (estrogen) circulating through the body.
- Avoid taking large amounts of alcohol because it raises estrrogen levels in the body
- Avoid drinking high levels of caffeine
Treatment
- For women who are not pregnant, normal birth control can be used to extend menstrual cycles and reduce pain and bleeding
- When the victim wants to get pregnant doctor prescribes a hormonal realising drug which inhibits the body from secreting the hormones responsible for ovulation, menstrual cycle and growth of endometriosis.
- Surgery
A surgical procedure can be carried to remove patches of endometriosis
UTERINE FIBROID
Fibroids are muscular tumours (non-cancerous) that grow in the walls of the uterus and often appear during childbearing age.
Symptoms and signs
- Heavy menstrual bleeding which last for more than a week
- Pelvic pain
- Frequent urination
- Backaches or leg pains
Cause
Exact cause is unknown but risk factors have been linked which include
- Genetic changes
- Hormonal imbalances
- Growth factors
Prevention
- Practising healthy lifestyle choices such as maintaining a normal weight andeating fruits and vegetables decreases fibroids risk.
- Avoid taking oral contraceptives which increases the likelihood of developing fibroids
Treatment
- Having uterine fibrosis may or may not need treatment but it depends on whether the condition causes any problem to you.
- A hormonal therapy may be employed to prevent more growth of the fibroids by stopping taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.
- the doctor may prescribe birth control pills to help control the bleeding and anaemia even though may cause fibroids to grow.
VAGINAL FISTULA
This is an abnormal opening that connects your vagina to another organ e.g. vagina to bladder, ureters, urethra, rectum, large intestines and small intestines. The opening forms as result of prolonged obstructed labour leaving a woman incontinent of urine or faeces or both
Cause
- Abnormal surgery
- Pelvic, cervical and colon cancer
- Radiation treatment
- Bowel disease like diverticulitis
- Complications during childbirth
Symptoms and signs
- Passing stool or gas from the vagina
- Trouble when controlling bowel movement
- Smelly discharge from your vagina
- Repeated vaginal infection
Management
Taking antibiotics or other prescribed medications by your doctor
Keep the vaginal area clean and dry
Use unscented wipes instead of toilet paper when visiting the toilet
Apply a moisture barrier cream (powder) to prevent irritation in the vagina and rectum.
Wear loose clothing made of cotton to enable air circulation in your genitals.
Treatment
The main treatment of fistula is surgery to close the abnormal opening
CERVICAL CANCER
This is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix caused by various strains of virus( human papilloma virus) which is sexually transmitted.
Cause
It starts with abnormal changes in the cervical tissues associated with HPV infection, early sexual contact, multiple partners and taking oral contraceptives
Symptoms and signs
- Vaginal bleeding may occur after intercourse , between periods or after menopause
- Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul smell.
Prevention
- Vaccination
Receiving a HPV vaccine to prevent viral infection may reduce your risk of cervical cancer. This programme is ongoing in Kenya for all women of childbearing age.
- Regular screening
Screening detects precancerous conditions of the cervix which can be monitored and treated early to prevent cervical cancer
- Practice safe sex
Taking preventive measures to prevent sexually transmitted infections such as use of condom every time you have sex and limiting number of sex partners you have may prevent transmission of this virus.
- Avoid smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol
- Delaying first sexual intercourse
The younger a woman have sex at the first time the higher the risk of viral infection becomes and the longer she delays it, the lower her risk.
Treatment
Treatment of cancer depends on several factors such as stage of the cancer, overall age and overall state of health of the patient.
- Surgery
- Use of high energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells( radiotherapy)
- Use of medication to destroy cancer cells(chemotherapy)
PROSTATE CANCER
This is cancer that occurs in the prostate a small gland in men that produces seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperms. This is most common cancer affecting men.
The growth of prostate cancer is slow although it may cause serious harm. Some may need immediate treatment and others may need no treatment. Other prostate cancers are aggressive and can spread quickly.
Cause
Prostate cancer begins when normal cells in the prostate mutate and become abnormal. Mutation of the abnormal cell’s DNA causes them to grow and divide more rapidly than normal cells. These abnormal cells accumulate to form a tumour that can grow and invade the nearby cells.
Symptoms and signs
- Trouble when urinating
- Blood in semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Weak steam or flow when urinating
Prevention
- Diet
Choose a healthy diet by including fruits and vegetables which contribute vitamins and nutrients that can improve your overall health. Also avoid high fat foods and high carbohydrates intake.
- Exercise regularly
Exercises improve your overall healthy, help you to maintain a healthy weight and improve your moods. Studies have shown men who exercise may have a lower risk of prostate cancer compared to those who don’t.
- Maintain a healthy weight
A healthy weight manageable and does not overwork the body systems. Reduce the amount of calories you take each day and create a plan for healthy weight loss.
- Regular screening
- Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking
Treatment
Prostate cancer treatment depends on several factors
- How fast your cancer is growing
- How much it has spread
- Your overall health
- Potential benefits of treatment
- Side effects on the treatment
- Surgery
Involves removing the prostate gland, some surrounding tissues and lymph nodes
- Use of high power energy to kill the cancer cells(radiotherapy)
- Treatment to stop male body from producing male hormone(testosterone) which help the prostate cancer cells to grow
- Use of drugs to kill the abnormal growing cells(chemotherapy)
- Use of your body immune system to fight cancer cells(immunotherapy)
POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME
This is a common hormonal disorder among the women of reproductive age. Women with this condition produce higher than normal amounts of male hormones causing them to skip menstrual periods hence harder to get pregnant.
Cause
The exact cause is still unknown but doctors believe that high levels of male hormones prevent ovaries from producing female hormones, making eggs normally, excessive insulin and hereditary factors
Symptoms and signs
- Irregular periods
- Heavy bleeding when having periods
- Growing of hair in the face, back, belly and chest
- Acne
- Weight gain darkening of skin
Prevention
- Lifestyle
Some lifestyles such as weight loss, diet and exercise will reduce risk of developing this condition. Weight loss helps to regulate your menstrual cycle reduce cholesterol levels, lower insulin and reduce heart disease and diabetes.
- Diet
A low carbohydrate diet is effective for both weight loss and lowering insulin levels. Eating adequate fruits, vegetables and whole grains regulates the menstrual cycle.
Treatment
- Use of birth control
Taking pills high in oestrogen and progesterone levels can restore a normal hormone balances, regulate ovulation and reduce symptoms such as hair growth.
- Use of fertility drugs
These drugs can help women with this condition get pregnant however it increases the risk of twins and other multiple births
- Surgery
Surgery can be done to improve fertility if other treatments fail to work.