C 18 The Reproductive System

Reproductive system

The body system consisting of organs capable of accomplishing reproduction.

Male reproductive organs

Includes the testes, penis, prostate gland, bulbourethral glands, epididymis, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles.

Epididymitis

An inflammation of the epididymis; used as a diagnostic indicator/exam focus for male reproductive health.

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

The inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.

Hydrocele

A fluid-filled sac surrounding a testicle that causes swelling in the scrotum.

Prostatic hypertrophy

Enlargement of the prostate gland, commonly associated with aging in men.

Female reproductive organs

Includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, vulva, clitoris, and mammary glands.

Contraception

The deliberate use of artificial methods or other techniques to prevent pregnancy.

Alpha-fetoprotein screening (AFP)

A prenatal screening test that measures the level of AFP in the mother's blood to check for neural tube defects.

Amniocentesis

A diagnostic prenatal test where amniotic fluid is sampled to detect genetic abnormalities.

Chorionic villi sampling (CVS)

A prenatal test that samples placental tissue to diagnose chromosomal or genetic disorders.

Gestational diabetes screening

A test performed during pregnancy to check for high blood sugar levels that develop during gestation.

Group B streptococcus (GBS) screening

A test done near the end of pregnancy to screen for bacteria that could be passed to the baby during delivery.

Colposcopy

A diagnostic procedure using a specialized magnifying instrument to closely examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva.

Hysteroscopy

A procedure that allows a doctor to look inside the uterus to diagnose or treat uterine problems.

Mammogram

An X-ray image of the breast used to screen for and diagnose breast cancer.

Maturation index

A laboratory test assessing the hormonal status of the vaginal epithelium based on cell types.

Papanicolaou (Pap) smear

A screening test used to detect precancerous or cancerous cells in the cervix.

Pregnancy tests

Diagnostic tests (blood or urine) that detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

Ultrasonography

An imaging technique using high-frequency sound waves to visualize reproductive organs or fetal development.

Cervical erosion

A condition where the cells from inside the cervical canal grow on the outside of the cervix.

Cervicitis

An inflammation of the cervix, often caused by an infection.

Cystic breast disease

A benign condition characterized by lumpiness and discomfort in one or both breasts (fibrocystic changes).

Cystocele

A condition where the wall between the bladder and the vagina weakens, causing the bladder to drop into the vagina.

Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation, typically involving abdominal cramps.

Endometriosis

A disorder where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity.

Fibroids

Benign (non-cancerous) tumors that grow in the muscular wall of the uterus.

Hysterectomy

The surgical removal of the uterus.

Ovarian cyst

A fluid-filled sac or pocket within or on the surface of an ovary.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

A group of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the days leading up to menstruation.

Polyp

A small, typically benign growth protruding from a mucous membrane, commonly found in the cervix or uterus.

Rectocele

A condition where the wall of tissue between the rectum and vagina weakens, causing the rectum to bulge into the vagina.

Vaginitis

An inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching, and pain.

Female reproductive malignancies

Cancers affecting the breasts (including inflammatory breast cancer), cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina, and vulva.

Inflammatory breast cancer

A rare and aggressive form of breast cancer characterized by swelling, redness, and a dimpled appearance.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Infections transmitted through sexual contact, including AIDS, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HPV, nongonococcal urethritis, pediculosis, PID, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

A common viral infection that can cause genital warts or lead to cervical and other reproductive cancers.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

An infection of the female reproductive organs, often a complication of untreated STDs like chlamydia or gonorrhea.