Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology

476 Chapter 19

Common Disease, Disorder, or Condition

Disorders of The Reproductive System continued

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease^
Pelvic inflammatory disease is a bacterial infection of the uterus, uterine tubes, and/or
ovaries. It can result from infection with a number of bacteria but mainly infections with
Chlamydia or gonorrhea will produce vaginal discharges and pelvic pain. An-tibiotics
can treat the disease. If not treated, it can lead to sterility and even death.

Phimosis^
Phimosis is the condition where the foreskin of the penis fits too tightly over the head of
the penis and cannot be retracted. This is usually treated at birth by circum-cision.
Severe phimosis could obstruct urine flow, and mild phimosis could result in hygienic
problems. Organic matter and debris can accumulate under the foreskin, creating an
environment suitable for the growth of bacteria or other microorgan-isms resulting in
infections. In a circumcision, the foreskin is cut along the base of the glans and
removed.

Premenstrual Syndrome^
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a series of symptoms that develop in many women
dur-ing the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle. Women become irritable, tire
easily, become highly nervous, and feel depressed. The cause of PMS is not known, so
treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms. The symptoms can become so se-vere
that they can affect relationships and disrupt family life.

Endometriosis^
Endometriosis (en-doh-MEE-tree-OH-SIS) occurs when endometrial tissue is found
growing outside the lining of the uterus in such places as the abdominal wall, on the
surface of the ovaries, the urinary bladder, the kidneys, the outer surface of the uterus,
or the sigmoid colon. It usually is caused by endometrial cells passing through the
fallopian tubes from the uterus and entering the pelvic cavity where they successfully
establish themselves on these organs. Since endometrial tissue is sensitive to the
hormones estrogen and progesterone, the tissue first proliferates and grows, but then it
degenerates with resulting bleeding. Such a cycle is a cause of abdominal pain,
inflammation, and tissue scarring. Individuals with this condi-tion experience unusually
severe premenstrual and menstrual pain. This condition is also often a source of
infertility.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or Impotence^
Erectile dysfunction or impotence (IM-poh-tens) is the inability of a male to main-tain
an erection. It also can be classified as the inability to ejaculate after having achieved
an erection. It can be caused by possessing physically defective geni-talia, certain
diseases like Type II diabetes, neuromuscular dysfunctions, or vari-ous psychological
issues. In addition, impotence can develop from stress, fatigue, advanced age, and the
use of certain drugs. Currently, the use of Viagra can en-hance the maintenance of an
erection by causing dilation of blood vessels. How-ever, a side effect can be the
overworking of the heart and lowering of blood pressure. Therefore, individuals with
certain heart conditions are advised not to use this product.