Aging Of The Reproductive System Flashcards
How long does sperm production last?
For life
How long does egg production last?
After reproductive window, egg production declines.
Why is female soma “less disposable”?
Due to physiologic role in reproduction
What is immortal germ line?
Germ cells can be passed from one generation to the next, indefinitely. Therefore, the germline has the potential to proliferate indefinitely and is an immortal cell lineage.
What is the structure of the male reproductive system?
▪️Testes ▪️Epididymis ▪️Scrotum ▪️Prostate Gland/ Seminal Vesicles ▪️Penis
What is the function of the Testes?
Make sperm, ducts for transport
What is the function of the Epididymis?
Site of sperm maturation; empty into urethra
What is the function of the Scrotum?
Thermoregulation via cremaster muscles
What is the functions of the Prostate Gland/Seminal Vesicles?
Make semen
What is the function of the Penis?
Highly vascularized; blood engorgement
What are the age-related changes in the Male reproductive system?
⬇️Testes size ⬇️Testosterone production ⬇️muscle strength ⬇️Sperm Count ⬇️Sperm motility ⬇️ability to obtain/sustain erection
What are the age-related dysfunctions of the Male reproductive system?
▪️BPH- Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (in some cases indicative of Prostate Cancer)
▪️Impotence: 75% of men over 80 years, triggers can be psychological, bp meds, diabetes
What is Benign Prostate Hyperplasia?
prostate gland enlargement that can cause urination difficulty.
Is menopause experienced in men?
No
What is erectile dysfunction and who does it effect?
“The inability to get or sustain an erection”
Effects men of all ages more likely to occur in men as they age though.
What are the possible causes of erectile dysfunction?
▪️Disease such as diabetes, HTN, heart/thyroid conditions, depression, Parkinson’s, MS, etc.
▪️Medications
▪️Nicotine, alcohol, and other drugs
▪️Psychological distress (stress, fear, anxiety, anger)
What are the preventions for erectile dysfunction?
⬇️exposure to smoking, alcohol, drugs ▪️rest and relaxation ▪️exercise ▪️healthy diet ▪️safe sexual practices ▪️open communication with partner
What is andropause?
Lower levels of testosterone do cause serious changes in male health, however, testosterone levels drop marginally as a healthy male ages
What happens with men with Prostate cancer?
Gland produces seminal fluid
Who is at higher risk for prostate cancer?
African Americans
What are the early symptoms of prostate cancer?
Urination issues And BPH (benign prostate hyperplasia)
Are reproductive changes in men preventable?
Reproductive changes such as prostate enlargement and lowering levels of testosterone are NOT PREVENTABLE.
What increases male lifespan?
Castration, the removal of testes.
How can men prevent serious problems in reproductive aging changes?
Exercise and or early detection/treatment
How is prostate cancer detected?
Those 40+ digital rectal examination
PSA test- Prostate Specific Antigen
What is the structure of the female reproductive system?
▪️Ovaries ▪️Fallopian Tubes ▪️Follicles ▪️Uterus ▪️Cervix ▪️Clitoris
What is the function of the ovaries?
Make eggs (ova)
What is the function of the Fallopian tubes?
For transport of eggs
What is the function of follicles?
Secret estrogens, progesterone and androgens
What is the function of the uterus?
Site of fertilized egg implantation, fetal development linning = endometrium
What is the function of the cervix?
Outlet to vagina (birth canal)
What is the function of the clitoris?
Erectile tissue @ labial junction
What is folliculogenesis/ Ovarian Cycle?
▪️The pituitary gland in the brain regulates hormone release
▪️hormones dictate cycle- FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone follicle ruptures to release ova
▪️Ova travels via Fallopian tubes to uterus
▪️28-30 day cycle (menstraution)
What happens to endometrium when there is no pregnancy ?
▪️thickens, preparing for egg
▪️no fertilization: ⬇️ estrogen and progesterone
▪️endometrium degenerates, sloughs/she’s
▪️next cycle repairs
How does “The Pill” work?
Pull = estrogen + progesterone
▪️body fooled into thinking it is pregnant
▪️1 week of sugar pill- uterine lining shed
What are some of the age-related changes in the female reproductive system ?
▪️Ovaries affected first: hormone ⬇️starts at 40 yrs progress through 60 yrs
▪️menopause= natural end of mensural cycle:
⬇️periods, ⬆️intervals, 75% have hot flashes, red facial/chest patches, depression, irritability, insomnia and headaches
▪️Atrophy of vaginal linning, narrowing, shortening, ⬇️elasticity, lubrication, libido/testosterone levels fine, sexuality more dependent on partner
What is Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT)?
Hormone replacement. Premarin (estrogen) Prempo (Estrogen + progestin)
Why was placebo stopped in 2002?
Increased heart disease, breast cancer, and stroke
What occurs with women with hysterectomy who take Premarin?
Decrease hip fractures, no increase in ❤️ disease but blood clots
Is ERT good for older women?
No it is used for younger women but the FDA still recommends the lowest dose and shortest time
How does ERT take place?
Through a patch, pill or creams
What are the pros for ERT?
▪️⬇️Bone loss ▪️AIDS sleep ▪️⬇️Hot flashes ▪️improves depression ▪️AIDS in vaginal dryness ▪️Improves mood swings
What are the cons for ERT?
▪️Bleeding ▪️Blood clots (can cause breast cancer) ▪️Mood Changes ▪️Tender breasts ▪️bloating, nausea ▪️heart attack, stroke
What are the risk factors for breast cancer?
▪️Age (35+) ▪️Diet/Weight ▪️Education/Income ▪️Early/Long Menses ▪️No or late first pregnancy
What are some exams and tests for breast cancer?
MRI, Ultrasound, Biopsy
What are some treatments for breast cancer?
▪️Lumpectomy ▪️Mastectomy ▪️Radiation ▪️Tamoxifen (anti estrogen) ▪️Herceptin-MAb
What are the age-related dysfunctions of The female reproductive system?
▪️Prolapsed Uterus- uterus drops through cervix into vagina.
-Childbirth weakens pigment/muscle
-surgery/support (pessary)
▪️Atrophic Vaginitis- ⬇️hormone, ⬇️moisture, ⬆️infection/irritation
▪️Ovarian cancer- classically detected too late
When can Ovarian cancer be detected?
It can be hard to diagnose until it has spread via the lymph system or by direct extension to other organs or tissues.
What are the risk factors for ovarian cancer?
▪️60+
▪️single women
▪️asymptomatic
▪️prior breast cancer
What happens to elderly men’s sex drive ?
Sex become more important, lack of sex is the biggest complaint of older men
