Download Problems with the Female Reproductive System

Problems with the Female Reproductive System
9th Grade Health
 Menstrual Cramps – abdominal cramps that sometimes occur in the beginning of the
menstrual period.
 Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) – A variety of symptoms sometimes experienced up to two
weeks before each menstrual period which include nervous tension, anxiety, irritability,
bloating, weight gain, depression, mood swings, and fatigue;
 Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) – a bacterial disease usually found in menstruating females
who use tampons characterized by sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhea and dizziness.
 Vaginitis / Yeast Infection / Trichomoniasis – infections of the vagina caused by a bacteria,
fungus and protozoa respectively. Symptoms include discharge from vagina, itching and a
burning sensation during urination.
 Sterility – inability for a woman to reproduce; can be caused by a blocked inside the
fallopian tube, failure of the ovaries to produce fertile ova or the result of an untreated
sexually transmitted infection.
 Breast Cancer –1 out of 8 females at sometime in their lives; heredity plays a major role in
terms of risk; can be found early through Breast Self-Exam (BSE) and a regular
mammography. Can occur in males.
 Ovarian Cysts – growth on the outside of an ovary; surgery may be require if cyst is large.
 Cancer of the Cervix, Uterus and Ovaries – more common in older women with a history of
cancer in their family. Regular checkups are recommended for early detection.
 Amenorrhea – cessation of a menstrual cycle.
 Dysmenorrhea – an irregular menstrual cycle. Causes very low percentage of body fat or
poor diet.
 Ectopic Pregnancy – AKA tubal pregnancy: when a fertilized egg implants in the fallopian
tube.
 STI’s – Sexually Transmitted Infections: Many infections can cause permanent damage if
left untreated. Bacterial are treated with antibiotics, viral infections are never cured once
contracted. Only one vaccine – Gardasil for HPV/Genital Warts that cause cervical cancer.