This document provides information about typical sexual development during adolescence as well as some common reproductive health issues for both males and females. It discusses the stages of puberty including menstruation and sperm production. It also outlines several potential reproductive problems for both sexes such as urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and various cancers. The document stresses the importance of practicing good hygiene, seeking medical care if issues arise, and abstaining from sex until marriage to prevent disease.

1. SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT AND HEALTH What do you really need to know…

6. FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Infection in the urinary tract, that causes frequent and burning urination; may result from infection by STD’s or other causes Treatment Medical treatment required for any symptoms; may be treated with antibiotics

7. FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS Vaginitis An infection of the vagina by bacteria, fungi, or protozoa that cause itching, odor and/or discharge from the vagina; sometimes called a yeast infection . Treatment Medical treatment required, may be treated with antibiotics or over-the-counter creams; may be prevented by avoiding sexual activity and by removing damp clothing as soon as possible.

8. FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS Endometriosis Growth of a tissue like the endometrium outside the uterus and in the wrong place in a woman’s body; during the menstrual period, the tissue bleeds and causes pain; may lead to infertility . Treatment Medical treatment required for severe cramps during menstrual periods; may be treated with hormones and/or surgery

9. FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS Sexually Transmitted Diseases STD’s Diseases passed from one person to another by sexual contact involving sex organs, the mouth, or the rectum; may cause sores or discharge or may not cause any symptoms Treatment Medical treatment required for all STD’s; prevented by abstaining from sexual activity

10. FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS Toxic Shock Syndrome A bacterial infection that causes fever, chills, weakness, a rash on the palms of the hands, and other symptoms; may be caused by leaving tampons in the vagina too long during menstruation Treatment Immediate medical care required; treated with antibiotics and fluids; may be prevented by changing tampons 4 to 6 hours or not using tampons

11. FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS Cervical, Uterine, and Ovarian Cancer Uncontrolled growth of cells on the cervix, uterus, or ovary; the sexually transmitted disease HPV increases the chance of getting cervical cancer. Treatment Medical care required; treated with surgery and chemotherapy; may be detected early through annual medical tests

12. FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS Sexually Transmitted Diseases STD’s Diseases passed from one person to another by sexual contact involving sex organs, the mouth, or the rectum; may cause sores or discharge or may not cause any symptoms Treatment Medical treatment required for all STD’s; prevented by abstaining from sexual activity

15. MALE REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Infection in the urinary tract, that causes frequent and burning urination; may result from infection by STD’s or other causes Treatment Medical treatment required for any symptoms; may be treated with antibiotics

16. MALE REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS Jock Itch Infection of the skin by a fungus; not a sexually transmitted disease; often occurs when scrotum and groin skin stays hot and moist; symptoms are red, itchy, irritated skin Treatment Prevented by keeping the area clean and dry and by not wearing damp clothing longer than necessary; treated with over-the-counter medicated creams or ointments

17. MALE REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS Sexually Transmitted Diseases STD’s Diseases passed from one person to another by sexual contact involving sex organs, the mouth, or the rectum; may cause sores or discharge or may not cause any symptoms Treatment Medical treatment required for all STD’s; prevented by abstaining from sexual activity

18. MALE REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Infection in the urinary tract, that causes frequent and burning urination; may result from infection by STD’s or other causes Treatment Medical treatment required for any symptoms; may be treated with antibiotics

19. MALE REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS Inguinal Hernia A weakness in the lower abdominal wall that allows a small loop of intestine to bulge through Treatment Medical treatment and surgery required

20. MALE REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS Undescended Testicle A developmental defect in which a testicle has not descended into the scrotum; can cause damage to the testicle that prevents it from producing sperm Treatment Medical attention required; may require surgery to correct

21. MALE REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS Testicular Cancer Uncontrolled growth of the cells of the testes; usually does not cause pain and is usually found as an enlargement of the testicle or as a pea-size lump on the testicle Treatment Medical care required; surgery and chemotherapy usually required; indentified early during testicular exams

22. MALE REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS Testicular Torsion Twisting of the testicle on the nerves and blood vessels attached to it; produces swelling and pain; usually happens during athletic activity Treatment Immediate medical treatment required

23. MALE REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS Prostate Enlargement Enlargement of the prostate gland; happens with age; causes frequent and slow urination Treatment Medical care required; may be treated with medications or surgery