Disease of the Reproductive System

Anatomy and Physiology

Candidiasis

Overgrowth of the fungal micro-organism Candida albicans

Vaginal itching, burning with urination, white vaginal discharge, often called a “yeast infection”

Ectopic pregnancy

Zygote implantation in an area other than the uterine wall, most commonly in the uterine tubes

Abdominal or pelvic pain with light bleeding. Severe pain and bleeding are symptoms of emergent conditions

Endometriosis

Occurs when pieces of endometrial tissue grow outside of the uterine lining, typically on the ovaries, intestines, or pelvic wall

Pelvic pain with menstruation, pain with intercourse, pain with bowel movements and urination, infertility

Genital herpes

Caused by the herpes simplex virus spread through sexual contact

Pain, itching, and sores in the genital area. Flu-like symptoms upon initial infection

Inguinal hernia

A portion of the intestines protrudes through a weak point of the abdominal wall

Bulging in the groin area accompanied by an aching sensation, pain with lifting, coughing, or movement, weakness, or pressure in the groin

Cryptorchidism

Some cases are unknown, others may be due to structural abnormalities, or there may be a mechanical problem

Undescended testicles, when they fail to drop into the normal place of the scrotum

Testicular torsion

Some cases are unknown. Some patients are born with no tissue holding the testes to the scrotum.

When tissues surrounding the testicle are not well attached, causing the testes to twist around the spermatic chord cutting off blood flow to the testicle causing severe pain

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Causes are unknown but are believed to be linked to hormonal changes

Enlargement of the prostate, common later in life, can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, urinary tract infections, or kidney problems