Lesson Summary
- Sexually transmitted diseases are caused by pathogens. They spread through sexual
contact. - In males, other disorders of the reproductive system include varicocele and cancer of
the testes. In females, other disorders include vaginitis and breast cancer. - One way to keep the reproductive system healthy is by making the right choices for
overall good health. Other ways are keeping the genitals clean and avoiding sexual
activity.
Review Questions
- What is a sexually transmitted disease?
- In the U.S., what is the most common STD caused by bacteria?
- Which of the following STDs can be prevented with a vaccine? genital warts, Chlamy-
dia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B - What is a varicocele?
- What is the best way to prevent STDs?
- Explain why bacterial STDs are treated differently than viral STDs.
- It is especially important for females to be protected from HPV infections. Why is this
the case? - Why should males start doing self-exams of the testes by age 15?
- How could a person become infected with an STD without ever being sexually active?
- Explain how girls can reduce their risk of developing toxic shock syndrome.
Further Reading / Supplemental Links
CK–12.org, High School Biology, Chapter 40, Lesson 4
- http://focus.hms.harvard.edu/2008/030708/licensing.shtml
- Rajasingam S. Jevendran and Megan Hollingsworth. Sex, Sperm, and STDs: What
Every Teenage Boy Needs to Know. iUniverse, Inc., 2006. - Robie H. Harris.It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual
Health. Candlewick, 2004. - Steve Parker. The Reproductive System: Injury, Illness, and Health. Heinemann
Library, 2004. - Tricia Kreitman, Fiona Finlay, and Rosemary Jones. The Period Pocketbook: Honest
Answers with Advice from Real Girls. Ulysses Press, 2006. - http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/body_basics/female_reproductive_system.
html - http://womenshealth.about.com/od/stds/a/stdmythsvsfacts.htm