Reproductive system diseases affect the reproductive organs in men and women. This HealthHearty article explains the most commonly diagnosed reproductive system diseases in men and women.
Reproductive system diseases is a generic term that refers to all the diseases that affect the organs of reproductive system in human beings. This includes all the inherited or acquired diseases, abnormal functioning of the glands related to secretion of sex hormones, infections, and other diseases erupting from unknown causes. Diseases of reproductive system need immediate attention as the chances of transmission to healthy individuals is high, if the disease happens to be a sexually transmitted one. Given below is the list of reproductive system disorders in men and women.
Reproductive System Diseases in Women
Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea refers to a condition in which an individual fails to menstruate. It is classified into two types, primary and secondary amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea is the abnormal delay for the menstrual cycle to initiate, whereas secondary amenorrhea is the abrupt cessation of menstrual cycle after years of regular menses. Secondary amenorrhea occurs in women who have not yet reached perimenopausal age.
Cervical Erosion
Cervical erosion is the condition in which ulcers are formed in the cervix. It is characterized by bright red or pink spots around the cervical opening. During the onset of the disease, patches of mucous are shed by the body.
Cervicitis
It is basically an inflammation of uterine cervix. Many mucous glands are present in this region which constantly keep the vagina lubricated. However, this creates a conducive environment for the growth of bacteria and other microbes. Thus, vaginal infections can be transmitted to the uterine cervix, leading to cervicitis.
Oligomenorrhea
Oligomenorrhea is a condition characterized by prolonged gaps between two menses. Typically, a woman menstruates every 25 to 30 days, however, in oligomenorrhea, the woman only menstruates for 4 to 9 times in a year. Oligomenorrhea may cause due to estrogen deficiency and may lead to infertility.
Puerperal Fever
It is also called childbed fever as it mostly occurs within 10 days of childbirth or miscarriage. The raw placenta, after separation becomes very prone to infections and lacerations. This disease is characterized by a very high fever, which must be reported to the physician.
Reproductive System Diseases in Men
Gynecomastia
This disorder is due to abnormal enlargement of breasts in men. It is mainly attributed to hormonal imbalance. Once the male hormone androgen takes over after puberty, the development of breasts stops. Usually, gynecomastia afflicts only one breast.
Hydrocele
In this disease, fluid accumulates in and around the testes. It is usually reported in older males of age 40 and above. A direct physical injury to testes or other internal disturbances are usually the cause of hydrocele. This is an asymptotic condition and it may further lead to testicular tumors if it goes untreated for a longer time.
Priapism
This condition refers to painful erection. Normally, when the penis gets erect, the corpora cavernosa and the corpus spongiosum become engorged with blood so as to render the hardness to the penis. In priapism, the enlarged parts become tender and painful, leading to constant pain during erection. Although, the person may experience pleasurable sensation for some time, the pain quickly takes over again.
Prostate Disorders
Prostate gland is a major functional gland in men. Any abnormality or dysfunction with this gland results in plethora of diseases and disorders. Enlarged prostate and prostate cancer are such diseases that mainly afflict men in sixties and seventies.
Besides these, there are several other diseases of reproductive system which affect a large number of population. As mentioned above, the symptoms of reproductive diseases must be immediately reported to the physician for early diagnosis and treatment.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
