sexual health 2

SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT

AND HEALTH

What do you really need to know…

MENSTRUATION

• It can begin as early as 8 or as late as 16• Usually one egg is released each menstrual cycle. If

more than one is released and fertilized, it means a woman may have a multiple pregnancy.

• Fraternal Twins: When 2 eggs are fertilized• Identical Twins: When 1 egg splits into 2 before the

cells begin to divide.• An egg can live 12-24 hours from the time of

ovulation• Girls need to be aware of good hygiene• Cramps are normal during menstruation

SPERM PRODUCTION

• Sperm cells mature at about 15-16 years of age• Sperm production and ejaculation first happens

around ages 12-14• “Wet Dreams” are ejaculations that occur while

sleeping, and are very normal• 2 million sperms can be released during each

ejaculation• Sperm can live inside the female’s body 3-7 days

from the ejaculation

CARING FOR THE FEMALE BODY

•Bathe every day. Do not wear damp clothing any longer than necessary

•See a doctor regularly. Report any unusual symptoms, including discharge, itching, or pain

•Do monthly breast self exam

•Abstain from sex before marriage to prevent catching Sexually Transmitted Diseases. (STD’s)

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Infection in the urinary tract, that causes frequent and burning urination; may result from infection by STD’s or other causes

Treatment

Medical treatment required for any symptoms; may be treated with antibiotics


Vaginitis

An infection of the vagina by bacteria, fungi, or protozoa that cause itching, odor and/or discharge from the vagina; sometimes called a yeast infection.

Treatment

Medical treatment required, may be treated with antibiotics or over-the-counter creams; may be prevented by avoiding sexual activity and by removing damp clothing as soon as possible.


Endometriosis

Growth of a tissue like the endometrium outside the uterus and in the wrong place in a woman’s body; during the menstrual period, the tissue bleeds and causes pain; may lead to infertility.

Treatment

Medical treatment required for severe cramps during menstrual periods; may be treated with hormones and/or surgery


Sexually Transmitted Diseases STD’s

Diseases passed from one person to another by sexual contact involving sex organs, the mouth, or the rectum; may cause sores or discharge or may not cause any symptoms

Treatment

Medical treatment required for all STD’s; prevented by abstaining from sexual activity


Toxic Shock Syndrome

A bacterial infection that causes fever, chills, weakness, a rash on the palms of the hands, and other symptoms; may be caused by leaving tampons in the vagina too long during menstruation

Treatment

Immediate medical care required; treated with antibiotics and fluids; may be prevented by changing tampons 4 to 6 hours or not using tampons


Cervical, Uterine, and Ovarian Cancer

Uncontrolled growth of cells on the cervix, uterus, or ovary; the sexually transmitted disease HPV increases the chance of getting cervical cancer.

Treatment

Medical care required; treated with surgery and chemotherapy; may be detected early through annual medical tests




Treatment


CARING FOR THE MALE BODY

•Bathe every day and keep skin clean and dry. Do not wear damp clothing any longer than necessary

•Always wear protective gear when playing sports that could cause testicular injury

•See a doctor regularly. Report any unusual symptoms, tenderness, swelling, lumps, itching, or pain

•Do regular testicular self exams

•Abstain from sex before marriage to prevent catching Sexually Transmitted Diseases. (STD’s)

MALE REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS



Treatment



Jock Itch

Infection of the skin by a fungus; not a sexually transmitted disease; often occurs when scrotum and groin skin stays hot and moist; symptoms are red, itchy, irritated skin

Treatment

Prevented by keeping the area clean and dry and by not wearing damp clothing longer than necessary; treated with over-the-counter medicated creams or ointments




Treatment



Inguinal Hernia

A weakness in the lower abdominal wall that allows a small loop of intestine to bulge through

Treatment

Medical treatment and surgery required


Undescended Testicle

A developmental defect in which a testicle has not descended into the scrotum; can cause damage to the testicle that prevents it from producing sperm

Treatment

Medical attention required; may require surgery to correct


Testicular Cancer

Uncontrolled growth of the cells of the testes; usually does not cause pain and is usually found as an enlargement of the testicle or as a pea-size lump on the testicle

Treatment

Medical care required; surgery and chemotherapy usually required; indentified early during testicular exams


Testicular Torsion

Twisting of the testicle on the nerves and blood vessels attached to it; produces swelling and pain; usually happens during athletic activity

Treatment

Immediate medical treatment required


Prostate Enlargement

Enlargement of the prostate gland; happens with age; causes frequent and slow urination

Treatment

Medical care required; may be treated with medications or surgery

sexual health 2

Health & Medicine