HEALTHY REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS
HEALTHY REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS
Target: I will be able to identify disorders of the
reproductive system and explain the steps of a breast selfexam and testicular self-exam
Male Reproductive Health
Circumcision: Removal of the foreskin at the end of the
penis
• It is done to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections
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• Men who are not circumcised should pull the
foreskin back and clean the penis regularly to
prevent smegma from collecting (a substance of
dead skin cells and other secretions)
Sterility (Infertility): Cannot produce offspring due to
too low sperm count or poor quality sperm
• Result of environmental hazard, temperature
change, over exposure to X-rays, smoking
tobacco or marijuana, excessive use of alcohol,
or STIs
Prostate Gland: a walnut-sized gland
located between the bladder and the
penis which secretes fluid that nourishes
and protects sperm
• Enlarged Prostate Gland- restricts
urination, may be due to infection,
tumors, and may require
medication and/or surgery
• Cancer of the Prostate- 2nd most
common cancer in males
• Needs to get checked starting at
age 50
Testicular Self-Examination: A monthly check of both
testes for pain or lumps which could indicate cancerous
growths.
• Cancer of the Testes: most likely between the
ages of 15 to 34
• Symptoms include enlarged testes, may have dull
pain or hard lumps
Preforming a Testicular Self-Examination:
1. Cup one testicle at a time in your hands
2. Examine each by rolling the testicle between the
thumb and fingers using slight pressure
3. Familiarize yourself with the spermatic cord and
epididymis which connect on the back side of
each testicle.
4. Feel for lumps, changes in size or any
irregularities.
Female Reproductive Health
Menstrual Cramps: pain cause by contractions of the
uterus.
• Also known as Dysmenorrhea: extreme pain during
menstruation caused by severe uterine contractions
or by endometriosis, PID, tumors, or eptopic
pregnancy
• Exercise and light heat may relax muscles
• Reducing intake of sodium and caffeine may also
reduce them
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): a combination of
physical and emotional symptoms 7-10 days before
menstruation
• Symptoms include headaches, backaches, mood
swings, fatigue, weight gain, bloating, cravings,
and anxiety or depression
• Avoid caffeine and sodium to reduce bloating,
exercise regularly to produce endorphins to
improve mood and anxiety.
Toxic Shock Syndrome: severe illness caused when
vaginal bacteria secrete a toxin that gets in the
bloodstream.
• Girls ages 15-19 are most frequently affected
• Most instances are when tampons are used
• Symptoms include: aching muscles, bloodshot
eyes, sore throat, fever (102 +), vomiting,
diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, and a red rash.
• Fatal if not treated
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Female Infertility
• Blocked fallopian tubes caused by past STI, PID, or
an eptopic pregnancy
• Endometriosis: inflammation
of the lining of the uterus
• Second leading cause of
infertility
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
(PID): Infection of the
fallopian tubes or ovaries
which damages reproductive
organs
• Ovarian Cysts: Fluid filled sacs on the
ovaries
• Most dissolve on their own but large
ones must be removed surgically
• Cervical Cancer
• Detected with a Pap Smear: a
screening test in which cells are
scraped from the cervix
• Should be done after the age of
18 every three years, or once
you become sexually active
Preforming a Breast Self-Examination:
1. Perform a self-exam approximately 3-7 days
after your menstrual cycle
2. It’s best to perform it laying down in bed or in the
shower
3. Use your left hand to exam your right breast and
vise-versa (put the other hand on top of your
head)
4. Begin by pressing the pads of your middle fingers
down the collar bone and into the armpit
4. Work your way around the breast pressing in a
circular motion, up and down beginning on the outside
of the breast and working your way to the nipples
5. Feel for lumps, knots or changes in skin texture
4. Work your way around the breast pressing in a
circular motion, up and down beginning on the outside
of the breast and working your way to the nipples
5. Feel for lumps, knots or changes in skin texture
Summary:
TESTING MY KNOWLEDGE
Write 10 multiple choice test questions about male and female
reproductive health and problems that can lead to infertility.
Answer choices should be realistic and contains choices a-d
Mark the correct answer with a highlighter or marker.
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PERFORMING SELF-EXAMINATIONS
Testicular Self-Examination
Diagram the steps to perform a testicular self-exam
(All pictures need to be scientifically/medically accurate)
Breast Self-Examination
Diagram the steps to perform a breast self-exam
(All pictures need to be scientifically/medically accurate)
Write the steps below the pictures and use a minimum of 4
colors
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