Reproductive system disease

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A reproductive system disease is any disease of the reproductive system.

Types

Infections

Reproductive tract infection (RTI) are infections that affect the reproductive tract, which is part of the Reproductive System. For females, reproductive tract infections can be in either the upper reproductive tract (fallopian tubes, ovary and uterus), and the lower reproductive tract (vagina, cervix and vulva); for males these infections are at the penis, testicles, urethra or the vas deferens. The three types of reproductive tract infections are endogenous infections, iatrogenic infections and the more commonly known sexually transmitted infections.[1] Each has its own specific causes and symptoms, caused by a bacterium, virus, fungus or other organism. Some infections are easily treatable and can be cured, some are more difficult, and some are non curable such as AIDS and herpes.[2]

Congenital abnormalities

Examples of congenital abnormalities of the reproductive system include:

  • Kallmann syndrome - Genetic disorder causing decreased functioning of the sex hormone-producing glands caused by a deficiency or both testes from the scrotum.
  • Androgen insensitivity syndrome - A genetic disorder causing people who are genetically male (i.e. XY chromosome pair) to develop sexually as a female due to an inability to utilize androgen.
  • Intersexuality - A person who has genitalia and/or other sexual traits which are not clearly male or female.

Examples of cancers

Examples of cancers of the reproductive system include:

Examples of functional problems

Examples of functional problems of the reproductive system include:

Endocrine

It is also known that disruption of the endocrine system by certain chemicals adversely affects the development of the reproductive system and can cause vaginal cancer.[4] Many other reproductive diseases have also been link to exposure to synthetic and environmental chemicals. Common chemicals with known links to reproductive disorders include: lead, dioxins and dioxin-like compounds, styrene, toluene, BPA (Bisphenol A) and pesticides.[5]

References

  1. Reproductive Tract Infections: An Introductory Overview, from Population Council. Retrieved January 2013
  2. HIV, AIDS, and Sexually Transmitted Infections, at EngenderHealth. Retrieved January 2013
  3. Reproductive System Diseases : Types, Signs and Symptoms and Causes
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  5. Infertility and Related Reproductive Disorders. 2003. Ted Schettler, MD. The collaborative on health and the environment.