Reproductive System

PTA 120-PathologyWeek 10

Objectives• Describe the anatomy, physiology, and functions

of the reproductive system.

• Demonstrate knowledge of reproductive disorder etiologies and pathologies including:o Breast Cancero Pelvic floor incompetence and weakness

Objectives• Discuss anatomic structures and physiologic

processes related to the reproductive systems.

• Discuss physical effects of aging on the body.

• Define reproductive pathological conditions including signs and symptoms of each:

Objectives• Discuss how reproductive pathologies can

adversely affect function requiring the modification of treatment intervention to protect the patient from worsening the condition and optimize treatment outcomes.

• Discuss the modifications and precaution that may be required for the treatment of patients with urinary and reproductive disorders.

Textbooks• Pathology for the Physical Therapist Assistant, Ch

11

• Physical Therapy Clinical Handbook for PTAs

Female Reproductive System

Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology 9th ed. Marieb

Support for the Uterus

Male Reproductive System

Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology 9th ed. Marieb

Functions of the Reproductive System

• Female reproductive systemo Produces female hormones to

maintain the reproductive cycle

o Produce egg cells and transport to site of fertilization

o Provide safe and favorable environment for growth of embryo

http://www.cchs.net/health/health-info/docs.asp

• Male reproductive systemo Produce and secrete male sex

hormoneso Produce, maintain and

transport reproductive cells and protective fluid

Physical Effects of Agingon the Reproductive System

Physiologic Change Functional Effect

Ovaries cease releasing eggs Menstrual periods stop

Decreased production of estrogen and testosterone hormones by ovaries, and by pituitary gland

Vagina walls thin and become less elastic and rigidDecreased vaginal secretions and genital tissueCessation of menstrual period, reproductive capacity lost

Prostate tissue replaced with scar like tissue and enlarges

Slowed urination and ejaculation

http:..www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus

Breast Cancer • Description

o Malignant tumors in the breasto Can occur in men, but less commono Tends to metastasize through lymphatic systemo ACS recommends all women perform breast self-examination each

montho Inflammatory breast cancer

• Risk factorso Increasing age, female sex, Caucasian race o History of breast cancer in the familyo Hormones, nullparityo History of hypertension, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption,

diabeteso Radiation exposure to the thorax

Breast Cancer• Signs and Symptoms

o Small, painless lump • Freely moveable that becomes fixed

o Breast asymmetry, palpable nodules in the axilla, skin thickening and dimples, retraction of or discharge from the nipples

o Paget’s disease of the breast• Scaly, crusty patch on the nipple, areola and surrounding skin; red,

swollen and tender breasts

• Treatmento Early detection through breast self-exams and mammographyo Surgery o Radiation , chemotherapy, hormone therapy

Pelvic floor weakness• Description

o Pelvic floor muscles become weak and stretched and are no longer able to support the sphincters of the urethra and anus -> decreased bladder or bowel control

o Common in women

• Etiologyo Geneticso Pregnancy and vaginal delivery, multiple deliveries at increased risko Obesity, constant heavy lifting and strainingo Surgeries, episiotomyo Nerve damage

Pelvic floor weakness• Signs and Symptoms

o Urinary incontinenceo Fecal incontinence if anal sphincter musculature is damagedo Stress incontinence due to increased intraabdominal pressure onto

pelvic floor• Sneezing, coughing, laughing• Exercising, lifting heavy weights

Physical Therapy• Pelvic floor strengthening – Kegel exercises,

vaginal weighted inserts• Biofeedback• Electrical stimulation• Patient may have urine leakage during physical

activities

Other reproductive disorders

• Endometriosis, Premenstrual Syndromeo Modalities to decrease pain

• Uterine and ovarian Cancero Mobility and strengthening after surgery

• Uterine Prolapseo Pelvic floor strengthening