Reproductive Health Flashcards

Key Definitions

  • Implantation: The embedding of an embryo into the nutrient-rich lining of the uterus.
  • Fertilization: The joining of an egg cell and sperm cell.
  • Zygote: A fertilized egg.
  • Ovulation: The release of an egg from an ovary.
  • Puberty: The stage where a person becomes physically able to have children.
  • Semen: The mixture of sperm cells and fluids.
  • Infertility: The reduced ability to have children.
  • Eggs: Female sex cells.
  • Sperm: Male sex cells.
  • Entrance to Uterus

Chromosomes and Fetal Development

  • Human cells contain 46 chromosomes, with 23 coming from each parent.
  • The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta, providing nutrition to the fetus.
  • Fertilization normally takes place in the fallopian tubes.
  • The embryo, which later becomes a fetus, develops in the uterus.
  • The developing organism is called an embryo until ten weeks, after which it is called a fetus.

Pregnancy and STIs

  • A full-term pregnancy normally lasts 40 weeks.
  • Bacterial STIs can be treated and cured with antibiotics. Common examples include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
  • Viral STIs cannot be cured but can be managed with antiviral drugs.
  • Common viral STIs include HPV, herpes, and hepatitis. HIV is the most serious viral STI.
  • Reinfection with the same STI is possible after treatment.
  • Untreated STIs can lead to significant health problems and even death.

STI Prevalence and Reproductive Functions

  • Approximately 50% of all new STI infections occur in people aged 15 to 24.
  • All exposed partners should be treated for an STI.
  • Males begin to produce sperm between the ages of 12 and 15.
  • The female reproductive system has three main functions:
    • Storing eggs.
    • Providing a place for a fertilized egg to grow into a baby.
    • Giving birth.
  • The male reproductive system has two main functions:
    • Making sperm.
    • Delivering sperm into the female reproductive system.

Reasons for Undiagnosed or Untreated STIs

  • Lack of medical care.
  • Symptoms may disappear, leading to a false sense of security.
  • Fear and a lack of awareness about infection status.
  • Asymptomatic infections, where no symptoms are present.

STI Prevention

  • Abstinence.
  • Practicing safe sex.
  • Regular STI testing.

Twins

  • Identical twins result from one fertilized egg splitting into two, creating two genetically identical individuals.
  • Fraternal twins result from two different eggs being fertilized by two different sperm, leading to genetically different individuals.