Reproductive System and Emmenagogues Flashcards
testicles
where the male gamete sperm is made
most common complaints relating to the male reproductive system
prostate problems or some form of sexual dysfunction
what is benign prostatic
hyperplasia BPH
enlarged prostate
in approximately 60% of the males between ages 40 - 59
usually progressive, getting worse with age
BPH is caused by
an accumulation of testosterone in the prostate
what happens in the prostrate?
Testosterone converts to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) within the prostate
Dihydrotestosterone makes
cells to multiply excessively,
eventually enlarging the prostate
symptoms of BHP (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
a thinner stream of urine
increased frequency of urination
second stage, the prostate enlarges enough to partially shut off urine flow from the bladder causing urine retention
the third stage, the residual urine in the bladder caused by inhibited urination flow becomes large enough to “backwash”, causing kidney problems
most effective herb for BHP (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
Saw Palmetto.
Physical reasons for Prostatitis (often called prostatocystitis)
happens when the prostate
and urinary tract become inflamed
Causes of Prostatitis (often called prostatocystitis)
Stress
excessive caffeine
alcohol
lack of exercise
Symptoms of Prostatitis (often called prostatocystitis)
an aching in the prostate area, frequent dribbling, sometimes with blood in the urine
Treatment for Malignant prostatic enlargement (MPH)
high carbohydrate diet
Two of the most important herbs for the prostate gland are saw palmetto and buchu.
Other nutrients that are useful are zinc and pumpkin seeds
15 mg of zinc twice daily, as well as a handful of pumpkin or sunflower seeds daily (pumpkin preferred).
Parts of the male reproductive system
➊ The Testes.
➋ A Series of Ducts.
➌ Various Glands.
➍ The Penis.
testes
primary male gonads (sex cell-producing organs)
ovoid bodies enclosed in a pouch of skin called the scrotum
spermatozoa
Continuous production of sperm
takes place within the numerous long coiled tubes of the two testes
three ducts leading from each testis
- epididymis
- vas deferens
- ejaculatory duct
epididymis
c-shaped elongated mass at the back of the testis.
The sperm that are produced by the testis are stored here until they are emitted
vas deferens
a continuation of the epididymis
enters the abdominal cavity and joins the duct of the seminal vesicles to form the ejaculatory duct.
prostate gland
about the size of a chestnut, lying just below the urinary bladder, and surrounds approximately the first inch of the urethra
seminal vesicles
two accumulative pouches that produce a large part of the seminal fluid (semen is the fluid composed of sperm cells and the secretions from the various associated glands
Cowper’s glands
two pea-shaped, yellowish bulbourethral glands
merge into the urethra just as it is about to enter the penis
produce a slightly alkaline lubricant during sexual
arousal:
- which facilitates entry of the penis into the vagina
- helps the secretions of the prostate gland and seminal vesicles in neutralizing the acidity of the urine which would normally kill the sperm as they pass through the penis
penis
consists primarily of three elongated cylinders of specialized erectile tissue — two corpora cavernosa and a middle corpora spongiosum
The end of the penis (part of the corpora spongiosum) is called the glans
vasectomy
the vas deferens is cut. This will mean the sperm will not be able to travel to their maturing location
female reproductive system consists of
➊ Two Ovaries
➋ Two Uterine Tubes (Fallopian tubes)
➌ A uterus
➍ A vagina
➎ The external genital organs
ovaries
primary sex organs of the female, are almond-sized and almond shaped bodies located at the outer end of the Fallopian tubes
functions of ovaries
- produce ova (the female
gametes) - produce hormones
Fallopian tubes
- two very small tubes, each about 10 cm long, curving away from the upper corners of the uterus
- Fertilization usually occurs within a Fallopian tube
endometrium
the lining of the uterus
menstruation
If the ovum is not fertilized, the endometrium gradually stops growing and comes loose.
The excess blood and part of the swollen membrane is sloughed off and discharged from the uterus through the vagina.
- every twenty-eight days
vagina
female organ of copulation, receiving the penis during sexual intercourse
consists chiefly of smooth muscle lined with mucous membrane
cervix
neck of the uterus
vulva
external genital organs of the female
form the entrance into the vagina
labia majora
large, fleshy liplike structures bounding the outer parts of the
vulva
labia minora
much smaller liplike structures bounding the remaining structures of the vulva
clitoris
a tiny body composed of highly sensitive tissue situated at the front junction of the labia minora
vestibule
the space between the labia minora; and the hymen
hymen
a thin mucous membrane stretching across the opening of the vagina
mammary glands
composed of glandular tissues embedded in fat.
glandular tissue is organized into globules, each of which gives rise to a lactiferous duct which opens at the nipple on the body surface.
The secretion of milk is stimulated by the pituitary hormone prolactin, which is released around the time of delivery
premenstrual syndrome
e emotional upset often characterizing the first few days before the period is due to a hormonal imbalance
how to treat premenstrual syndrome
50-500 mg of B6 in addition to other B vitamins for these few day.
dong quai.
- Two capsules should be taken twice daily. Dong quai will help balance the hormones in the body. It also contains Vitamins B6 and B12
zygote
fertilized ovum
Menopause
between the ages of forty-two and fifty-five
atrophy of the Fallopian tubes, diminished breast size, cessation of menstruation and even redistribution of body fat
dong quai.
- It helps stop cold sweats, hot flashes, and relieves mental and emotional upset
what are Emmenagogues
herbal agents that are female correctives
what are Emmenagogues used for
➊ For menstrual obstruction resulting in absence, delay, retardation or suppression of menstruation. (In other words, amenorrhea.)
➋ For delayed menstruation at puberty (associated with the anemia called chlorosis or “green sickness”).
➌ For profuse menstruation (called menorrhagia).
➍ For painful menstruation (called dysmenorrhea).
➎ For leucorrhea (whitish viscous discharge from the vagina resulting from inflammation or congestion of the mucous membrane).
Dong quai
a major Chinese herb
This herb is often considered ‘female ginseng’ as it builds up the female organs and regulates hormones
