Nursing 209

N209: Reproductive Health Study Guide • Bulbourethral glands: Also known as Cowper’s glands (neutralizes acidity from residual urine in urethra) Male Hormones • FSH: Necessary for spermatogenesis (production) • LH: Stimulates production of testosterone • Testosterone: Development of male characteristics and sex drive Male Menopause • Men do not lose the ability to produce hormones as women do, and can produce sperm into old age • Hormone production can decrease due to illness • Some have decreased testicular function as a result of decrease in hormones • Signs and symptoms: Impotence, fatigue, weakness, depression, and loss of libido • Treatment: Testosterone replacement to improve signs and symptoms (can increase risk for prostate cancer and atherosclerosis) 7.3 Hormone and Structural Alterations Infertility • Defined as not being able to conceive after one year of unprotected sex • For women over 35 years of age, it decreases to six months of unprotected sex • Incidence: About 10-11% of women in the U.S. ages 15-44 have difficulty getting or staying pregnant (6.7 million women) • Referred to as “impaired fecundity” • Affects men and women equally; in 40% of couples, the man contributes to infertility problems • 25% of infertile couples have more than one contributing factor • Abnormal ovulation accounts for 25% of female problems • Causes: Male and female o Smoking (also increases miscarriage risk) o Increased BMI of female (12% of cases); can improve fertility with weight loss into healthy range o Chlamydia or gonorrhea: If untreated, it is most often associated with male infertility (causes scarring resulting in sperm blockage)

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