The male and female reproductive systems' main function is to create life. However, the reproductive systems are very complex and unique. For instance, the female reproductive system can stop after a certain age while the male reproductive system can continue through old age. However, the systems are delicate, and some diseases can stop the reproductive systems from working properly.
Male Functions
The male reproductive system produces the male reproductive cells, or sperm, and the male sex hormones that are responsible for maintaining the reproductive system. After the sperm is produced, it is maintained and transported along with the protective fluid, or semen. During sexual intercourse, the sperm and semen are discharged into the female reproductive tract. Several reproductive organs are located outside the body. The penis, which is used during sexual intercourse, is made of the root, shaft and head. The scrotum hangs behind the penis and is a sac of skin that contains the testicles, or testes, which make testosterone and generate sperm.
Female Functions
The female reproductive system produces the female sex hormones and the egg cells, or ova. It transports the egg to the fertilization site. If conception occurs, the sperm and egg fertilize in the fallopian tubes, and the fertilized egg implants itself onto the uterine wall. If there is no conception, the reproductive system sheds the lining of the uterus. Unlike the male reproductive system, the female system stops after a woman reaches a certain age.
Reproductive Tract Diseases
There are three types of reproductive tract diseases: endogenous contagion, latrogenic infections and the more common and well-known sexually transmitted diseases caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria, such as syphilis and gonorrhea. Endometriosis is a severe disease that causes infertility and chronic pain. The infection occurs when endometrial cells grow outside the uterus. Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, is a disease that affects female reproductive organs such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and cervix. PID is contracted through sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Hermaphroditism
Hermaphroditism causes impotence or infertility in men. Epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis. It's caused by chlamydia or in men over 40, a urinary tract infection. Epididymitis is treated with antibiotics, but can produce scar tissue that blocks sperm from leaving the testicle. In addition, PID can cause infertility. Hydrosalpinx disease can block the fallopian tubes and doesn't allow the egg and sperm to meet.
Epididymitis
Epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis. It's caused by chlamydia or in men over 40, a urinary tract infection. Epididymitis is treated with antibiotics, but can produce scar tissue that blocks sperm from leaving the testicle.
Hydrosalpinx disease
Hydrosalpinx disease causes a blockage in the fallopian tubes and doesn't allow the egg and sperm to meet, thus causing infertility. The blockage often is caused by pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, usually from chlamydia or gonorrhea infection.
Tags: reproductive system, female reproductive, fallopian tubes, male reproductive, Hydrosalpinx disease
