Personal hygiene is a requirement for every
individual. As of the generation today, people are too careless of what they
are doing in a daily basis. In some cases, people doesn’t have any time to take
care of themselves because they are drowning with work. Let’s start from the
Male, the male reproductive system isn’t as sensitive as the female
reproductive system since a woman passes menstruation. But it doesn’t mean it’s
not sensitive and it’s not possible to have any diseases. A woman’s
reproductive system is very sensitive and it requires responsibility since a
woman is capable of giving birth and is going to carry a child for 9 months or
so. But before all that, safe intercourse should be implemented and everyone
should be aware of that. Around any ages, kids, teenagers and adult doesn’t give
a huge deal on safe sex because it’s their definition of pleasure and passion.
We should be aware that even if your husband or wife or what relationship you
may have with that person, we or you don’t know that person’s history, there
could be a possibility that he or she could have HIV. Everybody should be aware
on how to take care of your reproductive organs because if symptoms show from
the organs, there could be a possibility it already damaged your reproductive
system.
There are so much global issues surrounding us and STDs (or Sexually Transmitted Diseases) are one of them. HIV or AIDs being one of the most common one. HIV is a virus that damages the immune system. The immune system helps the body fight off infections. Untreated HIV infects and kills CD4 cells, which are a type of immune cell called T cells. Over time, as HIV kills more CD4 cells, the body is more likely to get various types of infections and cancers. The virus doesn’t spread in air or water, or through casual contact but its does spread through blood, semen, vaginal and rectal fluid and breast milk.
There are 3 stages of HIV, being AIDS as the last and worst stage. Stage 1 is the acute stage and the first few weeks after transmission. Stage 2 is clinical latency, or chronic stage and stage 3 is AIDS. The treatment for HIV isn't as reliable and a guaranteed treatment but if so treatment should begin as soon as possible after a diagnosis of HIV, regardless of viral load. The main treatment for HIV is antiretroviral therapy, a combination of daily medications that stop the virus from reproducing. This helps protect CD4 cells, keeping the immune system strong enough to fight off disease. Antiretroviral therapy helps keep HIV from progressing to AIDS. It also helps reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others.
Other than HIV, we have another STD that we should be careful in catching which is Genital Herpes. This sexually transmitted
infection is caused by a virus that lives in the nerves. Herpes is a group of viruses that cause painful blisters and sores. There are two common
types of herpes are Herpes zoster which causes chickenpox and
shingles and Herpes simplex virus which causes cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth and
sores on the genitals (sexual organs). Once you are infected, you
have the virus for the rest of your life.
Many people who get herpes
never have symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms are mild and are mistaken for
another skin condition. If you experience symptoms, they may include painful sores in the genital area, anus,
buttocks, or thighs, itching, painful urination, vaginal discharge and tender lumps in the groin. The virus that causes
genital herpes is usually spread from one person to another during vaginal,
oral, or anal sex. The virus can enter your body through a break in your skin.
It can also enter through the skin of your mouth, penis, vagina, urinary tract
opening, or anus. Herpes is most easily spread when blisters or sores can
be seen on the infected person. But it can be spread at any time, even when the
person who has herpes isn’t experiencing any symptoms. Herpes can also be spread
from one place on your body to another. If you touch sores on your genitals,
you can carry the virus on your fingers. Then you can pass it onto other parts
of your body, including your mouth or eyes. Keep in mind that herpes
is very common. About 1 in 6 adults have it. Herpes may get less severe as time
goes by. You can help protect your sex partner by not having sex during
outbreaks and by using condoms at other times. Always be safe.
STDs can affect both genders but there are also diseases, infections and cancers that are specifically for girls and for boys as well. For the girls, we have to be aware of the Ovarian Cancer. Ovarian cancer is when abnormal cells in the ovary begin to multiply out of control and form a tumor. Ovarian cancer often has warning signs, but the earliest symptoms are vague and easy to dismiss. Twenty percent of ovarian cancers are detected at an early stage. The early symptoms include abdominal bloating, pressure, and pain, abnormal fullness after eating, difficulty eating, an increase in urination and an increased urge to urinate. There are already several treatments and the treatment depends on how far the cancer has spread. A team of doctors will determine a treatment plan depending on your situation. It includes chemotherapy, radiation, surgery to stage the cancer and remove the tumor, targeted therapy and hormone therapy.
Another problem that could possible occur to the females reading this right now is the Cervical Cancer because of how common it it. Cervical
cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cell of a cervix wherein it grows
abnormally and invade other tissues and organs in the body – the lower part of
the uterus that connects to the vagina. This can also affect the entrance to
the womb. When it gets invasive this cancer will affect the deeper tissues of
the cervix and possible spread to the other parts of the body namely lungs,
liver, bladder vagina and rectum. There are two types of cervical cancer namely
Squamous cell carcinoma which begins in the thin, flat cells (squamous cell)
lining the outher part of the cervix, which projects into the vagina. The other
one is Adenocarcinoma begins in column-shaped glandular cells that line the
cervical canal. HPV, human papillomavirus is a viral infection that's passed
between people through skin-to-skin contact plays a role as causing most
cervical cancer since it’s a sexually transmitted infection.
This begins when healthy cells in a cervix develop
changes in their DNA. As the process, healthy cells grow and multiply at a set
rate and eventually dying at a set time. The changes or the mutations makes the
cell grow and multiply uncontrollably and they don’t die. Cancer cells then
invade tissues and can break off from a tumor to spread metastasize elsewhere
in the body. In additional, early sexual contact, multiple sexual partners and
taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills) increase the risk of cervical
cancer because they lead to greater exposure to HPV. These includes risk
factors wherein you’re bleeding between periods, bleeding after sexual
intercourse, a weakened immune system, smoking, exposure to miscarriage
prevention drug, bleeding in post-menopausal, discomfort during sexual
intercourse, vaginal discharge with a strong odor, vaginal discharge tinged
with blood, socio-economic status and pelvic pain. To prevent this, ask
your doctor about the HPV vaccine. It may reduce your risk cervical cancer and
other HPV- related cancers. Have routine Pap test, it can detect precancerous
conditions of the cervix, so they can be monitored or treated in order to
prevent cervical cancer. Practice safe sex, reduce your risk of cervical cancer
by taking measures to prevent sexually transmitted infections, such as using
condom every time you have sex and limiting the number of sexual partners you
have.
For the Male Reproductive System, one of the diseases is the
Prostate Cancer. Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate — a
small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes
and transports sperm. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer
in men. Usually prostate cancer grows slowly and is initially confined to the
prostate gland, where it may not cause serious harm. However, while some types
of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other
types are aggressive and can spread quickly. Prostate cancer may cause no signs
or symptoms in its early stages but if it does, the symptoms are troubles
urinating, decreased force in the stream of urine, blood in semen, discomfort
in the pelvic area, bone pain and erectile dysfunction. Prostate cancer has
more advanced may cause signs and symptoms and the symptoms seem to be strong
and difficult types of symptoms.
Doctors know that prostate cancer begins when some cells in
your prostate become abnormal. For the treatments, here are the possible
treatments. Active surveillance, Chemotherapy, Hormone therapy, Immunotherapy,
Radiation therapy and Surgery to remove the tumor.
Last but not the least of the medical issues we'll be tackling about today is the Testicular Tumors for the guys.Testicular cancer occurs in the testicles (testes), which are located inside the scrotum, a loose bag of skin underneath the penis. The testicles produce male sex hormones and sperm for reproduction. Compared with other types of cancer, testicular cancer is rare. But testicular cancer is the most common cancer in American males between the ages of 15 and 35. This cancer usually affects only one testicle.The Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer is a lump or enlargement in either testicle, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, a dull ache in the abdomen or groin, a sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum, pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum, enlargement or tenderness of the breasts and lastly is back pain. t's not clear what causes testicular cancer in most cases.
Doctors know that testicular cancer occurs when
healthy cells in a testicle become altered. Healthy cells grow and divide in an
orderly way to keep your body functioning normally. But sometimes some cells
develop abnormalities, causing this growth to get out of control — these cancer
cells continue dividing even when new cells aren't needed. The accumulating
cells form a mass in the testicle. Nearly all testicular cancers begin in the
germ cells — the cells in the testicles that produce immature sperm. What
causes germ cells to become abnormal and develop into cancer isn't known.
From the several issues we talked about, it can be quite alarming. By simply taking care of your self, you will be free from such. Take your time and save the photos up there, for it to remind yourself that the greater good will come if you look out for yourself. Especially the one below because they will be the constant reminder and they are also not just for your reproductive system but your entire body. Always get yourself checked. Be safe and always look out for yourself.
References
- Mayo Clinic 2017, Testicular Cancer Available from: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/testicular-cancer-care/symptoms-causes/syc-20352986>
- Vikaspedia 2020, Tips for Reproductive Healthcare Available from: <http://vikaspedia.in/health/women-health/reproductive-health-1/tips-for-reproductive-healthcare>
- Mayo Clinic 2018, Cervical Cancer Available from: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervical-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352501>
- WebMD 2019, Cervical Cancer Available from: <https://www.webmd.com/cancer/cervical-cancer/cervical-cancer#1>
- MedicalNewsToday 2019, What you need to know about Cervical Cancer? Available from: <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159821.php>
- Healthline 2019, Everything you Need to Know About Human Papillomavirus Infection Available from: <https://www.healthline.com/health/human-papillomavirus-infection>
- FamilyDoctor 2020, Herpes Available from: <https://familydoctor.org/condition/herpes/>
- Healthline 2018, Ovarian Cancer Available from: <https://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/ovarian-cancer-early-signs#outlook>
- Mayo Clinic 2017, Prostate Cancer Available from: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087>
- Healthline 2018, A Comprehensive Guide to HIV and AIDS Available from: <https://www.healthline.com/health/human-papillomavirus-infection>
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