CK12 Life Science

Introduction

A healthy reproductive system is important for two reasons. It is important for overall good
health. It is also important for reproduction. If the reproductive system is not healthy, a
person may be unable to have children. Many health problems can affect the reproductive
system. They include sexually transmitted diseases and cancers. The good news is that
many reproductive health problems can be prevented or cured.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Asexually transmitted disease (STD)is a disease that spreads through sexual contact.
STDs are caused by pathogens. The pathogens enter the body through the reproductive
organs. Many STDs also spread through body fluids such as blood. For example, a shared
tattoo needle is one way an STD could spread. Some STDs can also spread from a mother
to her baby during childbirth.

STDs are more common in teens and young adults than in older people. One reason is that
young people are more likely to take risks. They often have the attitude, “It can’t happen
to me.” They also may not know how STDs spread. They are likely to believe myths about
STDs, like the myths inTable(22.2).

Table 22.2: Myths and Facts about STDs

Myth Fact

If you are sexually active with just one per-

son, you can’t get STDs.

The only way to avoid the risk of STDs is

to practice abstinence from sexual activity.

If you don’t have any symptoms, then you

don’t have an STD.

Many STDs do not cause symptoms, espe-

cially in females.

Getting STDs is no big deal, because STDs

can be cured with medicine.

Only some STDs can be cured with

medicine; other STDs cannot be cured.

(Source:http://womenshealth.about.com/od/stds/a/stdmythsvsfacts.htm)

Most STDs are caused by bacteria or viruses. STDs caused by bacteria usually can be
cured with drugs called antibiotics. However, antibiotics are not effective against viruses.
Therefore, viral STDs are not treated with antibiotics. Other drugs may be used to help
control the symptoms of viral STDs, but they cannot be cured. Once you are have a viral
STD, you are usually infected for life.