CHAPTER FIVE

SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE

SYSTEM

The reproductive system is a collection of internal and external organs — in both males and
females — that work together for the purpose of procreating

Structure of the reproductive system

a) Female reproductive system

The female reproductive system is designed to carry out several functions.

It produces the female egg cells necessary for reproduction, called the ova or oocytes.
The system is designed to transport the ova to the site of fertilization.
Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in the fallopian tubes.
The next step for the fertilized egg is to implant into the walls of the uterus, beginning the
initial stages of pregnancy.
If fertilization and/or implantation does not take place, the system is designed to menstruate
(the monthly shedding of the uterine lining). In addition, the female reproductive system
produces female sex hormones that maintain the reproductive cycle.
The female reproductive anatomy includes parts inside and outside the body

The function of the external female reproductive structures (the genitals) is twofold: To
enable sperm to enter the body and to protect the internal genital organs from
infectious organisms. The main external structures of the female reproductive system
include:
• Labia majora: The labia majora enclose and protect the other external
reproductive organs. The labia majora contain sweat and oil- secreting glands.
After puberty, the labia majora are covered with hair.(large lips)
• Labia minora: Literally translated as "small lips," the labia minora can be very
small or
 up to 2 inches wide. They lie just inside the labia majora, and surround the
openings to the vagina and urethra.
• Bartholin's glands: These glands are located beside the vaginal opening and
produce a
fluid (mucus) secretion that acts as a lubricant during sex.
• Clitoris: The two labia minora meet at the clitoris, a small, sensitive protrusion
that is comparable to the penis in males. Like the penis, the clitoris is very
sensitive to stimulation and can become erect.
The internal reproductive organs in the female include:
• Vagina: The vagina is a canal that joins the cervix (the lower part of uterus)
to the outside of the body. It also is known as the birth canal.
• Uterus (womb): The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ that is the home to a
developing fetus. The uterus is divided into two parts: the cervix, which is the
lower part that opens into the vagina, and the main body of the uterus, called the
corpus. The corpus can easily expand to hold a developing baby. A channel through
the cervix allows sperm to enter and menstrual blood to exit.
• Ovaries: The ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands that are located on either side of
the
uterus. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones.
• Fallopian tubes: These are narrow tubes that are attached to the upper part of the
uterus and serve as tunnels for the ova (egg cells) to travel from the ovaries to the
uterus. Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in the
fallopian tubes. The fertilized egg then moves to the uterus, where it implants into the
lining of the uterine wall.

Male structure of the reproductive system

The purpose of the organs of the male reproductive system is to perform the following
functions:
• To produce, maintain, and transport sperm (the male reproductive cells) and
protective fluid (semen)
• To discharge sperm within the female reproductive tract during sex
• To produce and secrete male sex hormones responsible for maintaining
the male reproductive system
Unlike the female reproductive system, most of the male reproductive system is located
outside of the body. These external structures include the penis, scrotum, and testicles.
• Penis: This is the male organ used in sexual intercourse. It has three parts: the root,
which attaches to the wall of the abdomen; the body, or shaft; and the glans, which
is the cone-shaped part at the end of the penis.
• Scrotum: This is the loose pouch-like sac of skin that hangs behind and below the
penis. It contains the testicles (also called testes), as well as many nerves and blood
vessels. The scrotum acts as a "climate control system" for the testes.
• Testicles (testes): These are oval organs about the size of large olives that lie in
the scrotum, secured at either end by a structure called the spermatic cord. Most
men have two testes. The testes are responsible for making testosterone, the
primary male sex hormone, and for generating sperm. Within the testes are coiled
masses of tubes called seminiferous tubules. These tubes are responsible for producing
sperm cells.
The internal organs of the male reproductive system, also called accessory organs, include
the following:
• Epididymis: The epididymis is a long, coiled tube that rests on the backside of each
testicle. It transports and stores sperm cells that are produced in the testes. It also is
the job of the epididymis to bring the sperm to maturity, since the sperm that
emerge from the testes are immature and incapable of fertilization.
• Vas deferens: The vas deferens is a long, muscular tube that travels from the
epididymis into the pelvic cavity, to just behind the bladder. The vas deferens
transports mature sperm to the urethra.
• Ejaculatory ducts: These are formed by the fusion of the vas deferens and the
seminal vesicles. The ejaculatory ducts empty into the urethra.
• Urethra: The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside of
the body. In males, it has the additional function of ejaculating semen when the
man reaches orgasm.
• Seminal vesicles: The seminal vesicles are sac-like pouches that attach to the
 vas deferens near the base of the bladder. The seminal vesicles produce a sugar-
rich fluid (fructose) that provides sperm with a source of energy to help them
move.
• Prostate gland: The prostate gland is a walnut-sized structure that is located below
the urinary bladder in front of the rectum. The prostate gland contributes additional
fluid to the ejaculate. Prostate fluids also help to nourish the sperm.
• Bulbourethral glands: Also called Cowper's glands, these are pea-sized structures
located on the sides of the urethra just below the prostate gland. These glands
produce a clear, slippery fluid that serves to lubricate the urethra and to neutralize
any acidity that may be present due to residual drops of urine in the urethra

Explain the diseases of the reproductive system

Methods of family planning

CIRCUMCISION

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the tissue covering the head(glans) of
the penis. It is an ancient practice that has its origin in religious rites. Today, many parents
have their sons circumcised for religious or other reasons.
Benefits of circumcision
There is some evidence that circumcision has health benefits, including;
• A decreased risk of urinary tract infections.
• A reduced risk of some sexually transmitted diseases in men.
• Protection against penile cancer and a reduced risk of cervical cancer in
female sex partners.
• Prevention of inflammation of the glans and foreskin.
• Circumcision also makes it easier to keep the end of the penis clean.
Note: Some studies show that good hygiene can help prevent certain problems with the
penis, including infections and swelling, even if the penis is not circumcised. In addition,
using a condom during sex will help prevent STDs and other infections.
FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION
Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total
removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for
non-medical reasons.
FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.
It is nearly always carried out on minors and is a violation of the rights of children. The
practice also violates a person's rights to health, security and physical integrity, the right to
be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and the right to life when
the procedure results in death
Forms of mutilation
There are four main types of FGM:
• Type 1 – clitoridectomy – removing part or all of the clitoris.
• Type 2 – excision – removing part or all of the clitoris and the inner labia
(lips that surround the vagina), with or without removal of the labia majora
(larger outer lips).

• Type 3 – infibulation – narrowing of the vaginal opening by creating a seal,

formed by cutting and repositioning the labia.
• Other harmful procedures to the female genitals, which include pricking, piercing,
cutting, scraping and burning the area.
Effects of FGM
There are no health benefits to FGM. Removing and damaging healthy and normal female
genital tissue interferes with the natural functions of girls' and women's bodies.
Immediate effects
• severe pain
• shock
• bleeding
• wound infections, including tetanus and gangrene, as well as blood-borne viruses
such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C
• inability to urinate
• injury to vulval tissues surrounding the entrance to the vagina
• damage to other organs nearby, such as the urethra (where urine passes) and the
bowel
• FGM can sometimes cause death.
Long-term consequences
• chronic vaginal and pelvic infections
• abnormal periods
• difficulty passing urine, and persistent urine infections
• kidney impairment and possible kidney failure
• damage to the reproductive system, including infertility
• cysts and the formation of scar tissue
• complications in pregnancy and newborn deaths
• pain during sex and lack of pleasurable sensation
• psychological damage, including low libido, depression and anxiety (see below)
• flashbacks during pregnancy and childbirth
• the need for later surgery to open the lower vagina for sexual intercourse and
childbirth