Reproduction Flashcards
What is the function of the cervix
- opening of the neck of the womb
- holds mucus plug
- dilates to 10 cm during birth
- prevents infection
- allows blood or semen to pass through
What is the function of the fallopian tubes
- conception takes place ( where egg and sperm meets)
- carries egg from the ovary
- links the ovary and the uterus
- The egg travels down the fallopian tube
- Fertilisation takes place here
Function of the ovary
- produces eggs
- stores eggs
- releases eggs
- produces oestrogen ( female sex hormone)
- produces progesterone (female pregnancy hormone)
- ovulation takes place here
Function of the uterus
- contracts during labour
- holds the baby during pregnancy
- enlarges during pregnancy
- protects baby/ provides safe place for baby to develop
- fertilised egg implants here
- becomes part of birth canal
What is the function of the vagina
Where the penis places sperm during intercourse
What is the function of the scrotum
- Holds and protects the testes
- keeps sperm at correct/low/ cooler temperature
What is the function of the urethra
It is the tube through which semen and urine leave the body
What is the function of the testes
- where sperm is made
- where testosterone is produced
- produces semen
What is the function of the penis
- enlarges during sexual intercourse
- carries sperm and urine
- release sperm
- penetrates womens vagina
What is menstruation
- Between ages 10 and 17 girls will begin to menstruate ( have periods) and it shows the reproductive organs are working
How long does the mestrual cycle last
About 28 days
What is the purpose of the mestrual cycle
- produce and prepare eggs
- prepare the uterus to receive the fertilised egg
What happens on days 1-5 of the menstrual cycle
- This is called menstruation
- Fragments of the broken down uterus lining and blood leaves the body through the vagina
What happens on days 6-15 of the mestrual cycle
- This is called the repair phase
- Around day 7 bleeding stops and the lining of the uterus begins to build up again.
- At this time an egg starts to mature in one of the ovaries
What happens on days 16- 21 of the menstrual cycle
- This is called the receptive phase
- The egg can last up to 3 days after it is released from the ovary
- The egg travels down the oviduct and into the uterus hoping to be fertilised
What happens on days 22-28 of the menstrual cycle
- This is called the Premenstrual phase
- If the egg has not been fertilised then the line of the uterus begins to break down
Why could a period stop
- if you are stressed or worried about something
- if you are sick
- if you are receiving treatment like chemo
- if you are pregnant
- if you are underweight
What is meant by the term conception
Conception occurs when the embryo becomes implanted in the uterus, and pregnancy begins
Explain the conception process
- In the female, one of the ovaries produces an egg every month. This is called ovulation.
- The erect penis is inserted into the vagina - this is sexual intercourse
- During sexual intercourse, millions of sperm are ejaculated into the vagina, they swim towards the cervix, though the uterus to the fallopian tube until they meet an egg.
- Not all sperm will teach the egg
- One sperm may, it will then try to penetrate the egg
- If a sperm meets the egg, the sperm nucleus can join the eggs nucleus
- This fusing of the nuclei is called fertilisation
What are the hormones involved in pregnancy
- oxytocin
- progesterone
- oestrogen
- prolactin
What does progesterone do
- Helps implantation of the fertilised egg in the lining of the uterus
- Maintenance of pregnancy- helps maintain a supportive environment for the developing foetus
- controls the mestrual cycle
- stops further ovulation from occurring
- helps the womb receive the fertilised egg
- helps relax muscles in the uterus to provide room for the baby
What does oestrogen do
- responsible for the development of female sex organs
- responsible for the functioning of female sex organs
What does oxytocin do
- Stimulates the uterus to contract during labour
- Responsible for the encouragement of the uterus and breasts during pregnancy
- Helps relax pelvis joints to allow easier birth of the baby
- It is used to induce (bring on) labour
- used to induce birth by drip, pessary or gel to soften the cervix
What does prolactin do
- stimulates breast milk production by the mammary glands
- The baby’s sucking reflex stimulates the milk after birth
- Acts on the reproductive system to regulate the immune system
What is contraception
Contraception is the deliberate prevention of pregnancy
What are some methods of contraception
- condom
- contraceptive pill
- IUD or coil
- diaphragm or cap
- female condom
- male/female sterilisation
- contraceptive injection
- spermicide
- implant
- natural family planning method
How does the contraceptive pill work
- It’s a pill the girl takes daily at the same time.
- It contains oestrogen and progesterone hormones which prevent pregnancy
How does a female condom work
Lines the vagina before sexual intercourse
How does an IUD work
- An IUD is made of plastic and copper, sometimes with a little silver inside.
- They prevent sperm from getting through the womb and into the fallopian tube
- Stays in place for about 5-10 years
How does an IUS work
It is a plastic device containing hormones which is fitted into the uterus to prevent conception and last around 5 years
How does a diaphragm work
- It fits inside the vagina and covers the cervix.
- It is a barrier method of contraception and stops the sperm meeting an egg.
- Used with spermicide to kill sperm
Male condom
- The only method of contraception boys can use
- It is a rubber tub which fits over the erect penis before sexual intercourse
How does female sterilisation work
It is a surgery to have a women’s fallopian tubes blocked.
- Tubal sterilisation is a permanent form of birth control
How does male sterilisation work
It’s an operation where the sperm tubes are cut. It’s a permanent form of contraception
How does the contraceptive injection work
- It contains a hormone called progesterone and is a long - term method of contraception.
- It’s injected into a muscle and the hormone is released very slowly into the body
How does spermicide cream work
- Comes in several forms; cream, gel and foam
- Most contain nonoxynol-9 a chemical that kills sperm
How does the contraceptive implant works
A small flexible tube that’s inserted under the skin in the upper arm
-It slowly releases a hormone called progestogen and works for 3 years
How does the natural withdrawal method work
It’s the withdrawal of the penis from the vagina before the man has ejaculated. Not very reliable
How does the natural method of abstinence work
- The couple will obstain from sexual intercourse on the days when she is most fertile
What can influence what contraception method you choose
- individual beliefs
- religious beliefs
- Age
- Whether you want a short or long term method
What is emergency contraception
When intercourse has taken place without using contraception, or when the method of
contraception has failed
What are the 2 methods of emergency contraception
- Emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pill) - contain hormones which are taken within 72 hours. The sooner the pill is taken the more effective it is
- IUD (coil) - fitted within 5 days of intercourse
What is infertility
Being able to conceive (have a baby)
Causes of infertility
- Not enough sperm is produced/ low sperm count
- failure to ovulate
- sexually transmitted infections e.g. Chlamydia, gonorrheoa
- blocked fallopian tubes - the eggs can’t be fertilised as they can’t pass down the tubes
- The cervical mucus in the neck of the uterus is too thick and sperm are unable to enter
- Irregular menstrual cycle - will lower the chances of fertilisation
- Impotence - some men are unable to get erect penis and/or ejaculate sperm
Treatment options for infertility
- Surgery
- medicines
- assisted conception like IUI, IVF and GIFT
- Surrogacy
- sperm and egg donation
How does surgery to help with infertility work
- A woman can have to get eggs from her ovaries or to unblock her fallopian tubes.
- A man can have surgery to unblock the sperm tubes
How can medicines help infertility
Fertility medicines are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs
How does IUI assisted conception work
Intra uterine insemination (IUI)
- the woman is given fertility medicines to produce eggs and sperm is then placed in her uterus
How does IVF assisted contraception work
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) - the woman takes fertility medicines to stimulate the ovaries to make more eggs than usual.
How does Gamete Infra Fallopian Transfer (Gift) work
A fertilised egg is placed into the woman’s fallopian tubes
How does Surrogacy work
- Eggs are obtained from one woman and fertilised using IVF with sperm from the woman’s partner
- An embryo is then transferred to the uterus of another woman. The surrogate mother will give birth to the baby
How does sperm and egg donation work
Males and females donate their sperm and eggs for use in IVF
How does sperm and egg donation work
Males and females donate their sperm and eggs for use in IVF
