Aging Of The Reproductive System

Question 1

How long does sperm production last?

Answer 1

For life

Question 2

How long does egg production last?

Answer 2

After reproductive window, egg production declines.

Question 3

Why is female soma “less disposable”?

Answer 3

Due to physiologic role in reproduction

Question 4

What is immortal germ line?

Answer 4

Germ cells can be passed from one generation to the next, indefinitely. Therefore, the germline has the potential to proliferate indefinitely and is an immortal cell lineage.

Question 5

What is the structure of the male reproductive system?

Answer 5

▪️Testes 
▪️Epididymis 
▪️Scrotum 
▪️Prostate Gland/ Seminal Vesicles 
▪️Penis

Question 6

What is the function of the Testes?

Answer 6

Make sperm, ducts for transport

Question 7

What is the function of the Epididymis?

Answer 7

Site of sperm maturation; empty into urethra

Question 8

What is the function of the Scrotum?

Answer 8

Thermoregulation via cremaster muscles

Question 9

What is the functions of the Prostate Gland/Seminal Vesicles?

Answer 9

Make semen

Question 10

What is the function of the Penis?

Answer 10

Highly vascularized; blood engorgement

Question 11

What are the age-related changes in the Male reproductive system?

Answer 11

⬇️Testes size 
⬇️Testosterone production
⬇️muscle strength
⬇️Sperm Count 
⬇️Sperm motility 
⬇️ability to obtain/sustain erection

Question 12

What are the age-related dysfunctions of the Male reproductive system?

Answer 12

▪️BPH- Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (in some cases indicative of Prostate Cancer)
▪️Impotence: 75% of men over 80 years, triggers can be psychological, bp meds, diabetes

Question 13

What is Benign Prostate Hyperplasia?

Answer 13

prostate gland enlargement that can cause urination difficulty.

Question 14

Is menopause experienced in men?

Answer 14

No

Question 15

What is erectile dysfunction and who does it effect?

Answer 15

“The inability to get or sustain an erection”

Effects men of all ages more likely to occur in men as they age though.

Question 16

What are the possible causes of erectile dysfunction?

Answer 16

▪️Disease such as diabetes, HTN, heart/thyroid conditions, depression, Parkinson’s, MS, etc.
▪️Medications
▪️Nicotine, alcohol, and other drugs
▪️Psychological distress (stress, fear, anxiety, anger)

Question 17

What are the preventions for erectile dysfunction?

Answer 17

⬇️exposure to smoking, alcohol, drugs 
▪️rest and relaxation
▪️exercise 
▪️healthy diet 
▪️safe sexual practices 
▪️open communication with partner

Question 18

What is andropause?

Answer 18

Lower levels of testosterone do cause serious changes in male health, however, testosterone levels drop marginally as a healthy male ages

Question 19

What happens with men with Prostate cancer?

Answer 19

Gland produces seminal fluid

Question 20

Who is at higher risk for prostate cancer?

Answer 20

African Americans

Question 21

What are the early symptoms of prostate cancer?

Answer 21

Urination issues 
And BPH (benign prostate hyperplasia)

Question 22

Are reproductive changes in men preventable?

Answer 22

Reproductive changes such as prostate enlargement and lowering levels of testosterone are NOT PREVENTABLE.

Question 23

What increases male lifespan?

Answer 23

Castration, the removal of testes.

Question 24

How can men prevent serious problems in reproductive aging changes?

Answer 24

Exercise and or early detection/treatment

Question 25

How is prostate cancer detected?

Answer 25

Those 40+ digital rectal examination PSA test- Prostate Specific Antigen

Question 26

What is the structure of the female reproductive system?

Answer 26

``` ▪️Ovaries ▪️Fallopian Tubes ▪️Follicles ▪️Uterus ▪️Cervix ▪️Clitoris ```

Question 27

What is the function of the ovaries?

Answer 27

Make eggs (ova)

Question 28

What is the function of the Fallopian tubes?

Answer 28

For transport of eggs

Question 29

What is the function of follicles?

Answer 29

Secret estrogens, progesterone and androgens

Question 30

What is the function of the uterus?

Answer 30

Site of fertilized egg implantation, fetal development linning = endometrium

Question 31

What is the function of the cervix?

Answer 31

Outlet to vagina (birth canal)

Question 32

What is the function of the clitoris?

Answer 32

Erectile tissue @ labial junction

Question 33

What is folliculogenesis/ Ovarian Cycle?

Answer 33

▪️The pituitary gland in the brain regulates hormone release ▪️hormones dictate cycle- FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone follicle ruptures to release ova ▪️Ova travels via Fallopian tubes to uterus ▪️28-30 day cycle (menstraution)

Question 34

What happens to endometrium when there is no pregnancy ?

Answer 34

▪️thickens, preparing for egg ▪️no fertilization: ⬇️ estrogen and progesterone ▪️endometrium degenerates, sloughs/she’s ▪️next cycle repairs

Question 35

How does “The Pill” work?

Answer 35

Pull = estrogen + progesterone ▪️body fooled into thinking it is pregnant ▪️1 week of sugar pill- uterine lining shed

Question 36

What are some of the age-related changes in the female reproductive system ?

Answer 36

▪️Ovaries affected first: hormone ⬇️starts at 40 yrs progress through 60 yrs ▪️menopause= natural end of mensural cycle: ⬇️periods, ⬆️intervals, 75% have hot flashes, red facial/chest patches, depression, irritability, insomnia and headaches ▪️Atrophy of vaginal linning, narrowing, shortening, ⬇️elasticity, lubrication, libido/testosterone levels fine, sexuality more dependent on partner

Question 37

What is Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT)?

Answer 37

Hormone replacement. Premarin (estrogen) Prempo (Estrogen + progestin)

Question 38

Why was placebo stopped in 2002?

Answer 38

Increased heart disease, breast cancer, and stroke

Question 39

What occurs with women with hysterectomy who take Premarin?

Answer 39

Decrease hip fractures, no increase in ❤️ disease but blood clots

Question 40

Is ERT good for older women?

Answer 40

No it is used for younger women but the FDA still recommends the lowest dose and shortest time

Question 41

How does ERT take place?

Answer 41

Through a patch, pill or creams

Question 42

What are the pros for ERT?

Answer 42

``` ▪️⬇️Bone loss ▪️AIDS sleep ▪️⬇️Hot flashes ▪️improves depression ▪️AIDS in vaginal dryness ▪️Improves mood swings ```

Question 43

What are the cons for ERT?

Answer 43

``` ▪️Bleeding ▪️Blood clots (can cause breast cancer) ▪️Mood Changes ▪️Tender breasts ▪️bloating, nausea ▪️heart attack, stroke ```

Question 44

What are the risk factors for breast cancer?

Answer 44

``` ▪️Age (35+) ▪️Diet/Weight ▪️Education/Income ▪️Early/Long Menses ▪️No or late first pregnancy ```

Question 45

What are some exams and tests for breast cancer?

Answer 45

MRI, Ultrasound, Biopsy

Question 46

What are some treatments for breast cancer?

Answer 46

``` ▪️Lumpectomy ▪️Mastectomy ▪️Radiation ▪️Tamoxifen (anti estrogen) ▪️Herceptin-MAb ```

Question 47

What are the age-related dysfunctions of The female reproductive system?

Answer 47

▪️Prolapsed Uterus- uterus drops through cervix into vagina. -Childbirth weakens pigment/muscle -surgery/support (pessary) ▪️Atrophic Vaginitis- ⬇️hormone, ⬇️moisture, ⬆️infection/irritation ▪️Ovarian cancer- classically detected too late

Question 48

When can Ovarian cancer be detected?

Answer 48

It can be hard to diagnose until it has spread via the lymph system or by direct extension to other organs or tissues.

Question 49

What are the risk factors for ovarian cancer?

Answer 49

▪️60+ ▪️single women ▪️asymptomatic ▪️prior breast cancer

Question 50

What happens to elderly men’s sex drive ?

Answer 50

Sex become more important, lack of sex is the biggest complaint of older men