The reproductive system refers to a set of organs responsible for fertility. In women, the uterus and ovaries are necessary to bear children. In men, the penis and testicles are responsible for providing sperm. Sometimes, cells within the ovaries and testicles can affect the reproductive system. In some instances, an infection can wreak havoc on this system. A few disorders and diseases impact the reproductive system.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a potentially fatal disease affecting the female reproductive system. Specifically, ovarian cells grow at a very rapid rate. The Cleveland Clinic says that ovarian cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women. Typical signs of ovarian cancer include an enlarged ovary, unintentional weight loss or gain, leg pain, lower abdominal pain and a swollen abdomen. Risk factors for developing ovarian cancer include having a family history of ovarian cancer, suffering from early menopause and never being pregnant. Treatment for ovarian cancer involves surgically removing the affected ovary and receiving such chemotherapy treatment as paclitaxel or cisplatin to destroy the ovarian cancer cells. Sometimes, radiation treatment can also be used to eliminate the ovarian cancer cells.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer refers to a medical condition affecting the male reproductive system. Here, testicular cancer cells grow at a very fast rate. The Mayo Clinic says that testicular cancer is the most common cancer in males between 15 and 34 years old. The Mayo Clinic says that specific signs of testicular cancer include a large or lump-like testicle, an ache in the groin or abdomen, fatigue and testicular or scrotal pain. Risk factors for developing testicular cancer include having a family history of testicular cancer, having an undescended testicle and being between the ages of 15 and 34. Treating testicular cancer involves receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment to eliminate testicular cancer cells. Sometimes, surgery is necessary to remove the cancer.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disorder, also known as salpingitis or oophoritis, refers to an infection affecting the fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that specific symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease include a fever, chills, menstrual cramping, painful sexual intercourse and painful urination. Chlamydia and gonorrhea, both types of bacteria, are responsible for causing pelvic inflammatory disease. Treating pelvic inflammatory disease involves taking such antibiotics as ceftriaxone and doxycycline. Sometimes, surgery may be needed to treat pelvic inflammatory disease if the antibiotics do not work.
