Health and Sex - Assignment Example

Questions Question 1 The production of sperm occurs once a male reaches age of reproduction known as puberty. One the age is reached; millions of sperms are produced on a daily basis. Sperm production occurs through the aid of a hormone known as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Development of sperm occurs in the testicles (Chiras 115-120). Seminiferous tubules act as a site of sperm production within the testicles. In the tubules, there is partial development of the cells. Hence, the sperm needs another place to develop fully. As a result, partial developed sperm moves into the epididymis a place where their complete development takes place. After maturity, the sperm cells move along the vas deferens (Chiras 115-120). As the sperm cells move along the tube, they take fluid from seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and Cowper’s gland organs. The fluid is added to the sperm cells. The resulting mixture is known as semen. The fluid plays a significant role to the sperm cells. It provides nourishment to the cells, allows locomotion, and offers a suitable environment for the cells to exist. Exit of sperm occurs through a method identified as ejaculation (Chiras 115-120). However, ejaculation occurs when the male organ erect. Erection occurs once the male organ is filled with blood, and this makes it firm. As a result, semen is discharged through the tube known as the urethra. Question 2 The tow cycles play a significant role in the reproduction process of a woman. A reflection on the two cycles is crucial. First, female ovarian cycle controls growth of the egg in the ovary. The process begins with the rise of level of estrogen in the woman body. Then increase level of this hormone causes an upsurge of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle Lutenising hormone (FSH) (Sloane 82-88). A rise of LH and FSH leads to growth and breakdown of the follicle, and this sets free the completely developed egg from the ovary. The menstrual cycle takes over the process from here. The process occurs in what is known as luteal phase. In the course of ovulation, the eggs disintegrate from its follicle (Sloane 82-88). However, the ruptured follicle floats on the ovary. For a period of 14 days, the follicle changes into a structure recognized as corpus luteum (Sloane 82-88). The structure plays a role of releasing progesterone and a limited amount of estrogen. The hormone helps in thickening of the uterine wall awaiting implantation of fertilized egg. Failure of egg to stick leads to various changes in the uterus. First, the corpus luteum shrinks and dies (Sloane 82-88). Secondly, the level of progesterone declines significantly causing the wall of the uterus to shed. Question 3 There are various types of birth control. A reflection on five of them will help in offering some insight. The first form of control is through use of contraceptive sponge (Healthline Networks 1). The make up of this includes soft foam. It is rounded with a a diameter of about two inches. It is put in the vagina before intercourse. It helps by covering the cervix and hence denying entry of sperm to the uterus (Healthline Networks 1). It has a high efficiency rate of about 88-91 percent. The advantage of this is that no prescription is required and may last more than a day. It also has no impact on the hormones. However, there are few challenges. One is that it offers no protection from sexually transmitted diseases. It is also challenging to use to some individuals. It also affects intercourse as it may lead to extreme wetness or dryness. The other control method is the use of the female condom. The device has a plastic pocket covered by elastic plastic rings at each end. It is put in the female organ before sexual intercourse (Healthline Networks 1). It is highly effective. The advantage is that it is more accessible, decrease risks of STDs and has no effect on hormonal balance. The effect is that it leads to less enjoyment of sex and leads to reduced feeling during the act. It may also lead to irritation during the act. Male’s condom also acts as a birth control method. It had a lean latex cover and worn on the penis during intercourse. It collects semen and stop sperm from gaining access to the vagina (Healthline Networks 1). It has been shown to be 82-98 percent effective (Healthline Networks 1). The benefit is that they are cheap and can be used with other birth control methods. Moreover, they play a significant role in the prevention of STDs. The con is that the latex can lead to allergic reactions. Moreover, there is reduced sexual feelings as well as affect sex life quality. The other common method is the use of the diaphragm. It acts as a dome shaped cup. It also has elastic ring that constitutes of latex. It is inserted on female organ to envelop the cervix. Hence, it blocks the entry of sperm to the uterus (Healthline Networks 1). It has been shown to have an efficiency rate of 88-94 percent. It has no hormonal effect, on the negative side, it requires a prescription and not effective during the period. In worst cases, it leads to infection in the urinary system as well as some allergic reactions. The other common method is using the pill. These are taken orally and have artificial estrogen and progestin (Healthline Networks 1). The hormones stop egg production and avert sperms from reaching egg (Healthline Networks 1). It has been shown to have a high efficiency rate of 91-99 percent. The advantage is that it does not involve sex. It also offers protection to diseases such as ovarian cysts. The effect is that omission increases chances of pregnancy. Moreover, it may lead to nausea and vomiting (Healthline Networks 1). The combination of hormones may lead to serious conditions such as stroke and associated heart diseases. Question 4 Various treatment options may be available for couples with trouble conceiving. One of such treatment method is the use of fertility drugs. This is taken orally in the form of pills (Christiano 1). The drug releases hormones that stimulate the ovulation process. This boost egg production and makes the uterus more receptive to embryo (Christiano 1). There are various challenges that occur due to the use of this method. One of the significant challenges is a constant headache and even nausea. There are also significant side effects. Some of the effects include multiple births and premature delivery (Christiano 1). The other treatment option is through artificial insemination. This is done by injecting cautiously prepared sperm into the uterus. It is done using a thin elastic catheter. The process may be used together with fertility methods upon doctor’s recommendation. The challenge is that it may lead to multiple births and even leads t side effects on using fertility drugs. Use of donor sperm is another convenient method. In this process, sperm from a different man other than future father is used in IUI (Christiano 1). The challenge is that it may lead to lack of acceptance of the offspring as the father may feel to have no genetic association with the baby. Question 5 There are four stages of sexual response. The first phase comprises of excitement. Generally, there are changes to muscle tension, heart rate (WebMD 1). In addition, nipples become stiff, flow of blood increases to reproduction organs. This leads to bulge of the clitoris in women (WebMD 1). There is also increased the rate of lubrication as well as swelling of vaginal walls in women. In man, testicles swell, and the scrotum becomes tense. The second stage is known as a plateau. Changes are more pronounced as compared to stage one. The increased blood flow leads to the vaginal wall changing color into dark purple (WebMD 1). Sensitivity of the clitoris increases. In man, testicles are removed from the scrotum. Other changes, that occur, are heightened heart rate, rate of breathing and muscle tension. The third phase is the shortest of them all. It is known as orgasm. It acts as a climax of the whole process. It is characterized by involuntary muscle contraction. Moreover, there is an elevated rate of blood pressure, heart rate as well as breathing (WebMD 1). In women, the is contraction of vagina muscles while, in men, contraction leads to ejaculation (WebMD 2). The last phase is known as resolution. In this stage, there is a return of normalcy in various parts of the body involved in previous stages. Question 6 There are various hormones produced in the human body. The first hormone is testosterone. It is produced in the testes (Chiras 105-113). The hormone plays a role in development and function of male sex organs. It also plays a role in the determination of secondary sexual characteristics. The other hormone is estrogen. It is produced in the ovaries (Chiras 105-113). It helps in break of the barricade of the uterus. The other hormone is insulin produced by the pancreas (Chiras 105-113). Insulin helps in changing glucose to glucagon. It also helps in cellular absorption of glucose. The other hormone is human growth hormone produced in the anterior pituitary (Chiras 105-113). The hormone control development. The last hormone is thyroxin produced by thyroid gland (Chiras 105-113). The hormone helps in the regulation of basal metabolic rate organs. Question 7 There are various secondary sexual characteristics in males and females. In males, it is characterized by the development of pubic, armpits and facial hair (Gemelli 452). There is also an expansion of voice and bone and muscle enlargement. In females, there is an expansion of breasts, structural changes in hip and pelvic as well as beginning of the menstrual cycle (Gemelli 452). Works Cited  Chiras, Daniel. “Human Body Systems.” New York: Jones & Bartlett Publishers, 2011. Print Christiano,  Donna. “Fertility Treatment Options.” Parents.com. Web. 12 January 2015. . Gemelli, Ralph. “Normal Child and Adolescent Development.” New York: American Psychiatric Pub, 1996. Print Healthline Networks. “Choosing the Right Birth Control.” Healthline.com. Web. 12 January 2015. < http://www.healthline.com/health/birth-control/methods#Overview1>. Sloane, Ethel. “Biology of Women.” New York: Cengage Learning, 2002. Print WebMD. “Health & Sex.” Webmd.com. Web. 12 January 2015. < http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/guide/sexual-health-your-guide-to-sexual-response-cycle>.   Read More