Reproductive Health Issues

It refers to the diseases, disorders and

conditions affecting the function of male

and female reproductive systems.

It includes birth defects, developmental

disorders, teenage pregnancy and

abortion.

This is also concerned with environmental

pollutants that can cause infertility to both

men and women.

Prepared by: Alex D.C. Papa Jr.

Environmental Pollutants

Lead (Pb)

• Main component in paints, gasoline and

cosmetic products. It can also be present in

contaminated food and water.

• It is also present in spermicides.

• Spermicides are contraceptive substances that

destroys sperm.

Lead-containing Products

Effects of Lead Decreased sperm count and increased

sperm abnormalities.(Alexander et al.1996; Gennart et al. 1992; Lerda 1992; and Lin et al.).

Effects may begin at 40 (lethal dose).

Long-term lead exposure also may diminish sperm concentrations, total sperm counts, and total sperm motility (Alexander et al. 1996 as cited in ATSDR 2000).

Study shows that increasing dosage or

exposure to lead may cause placenta

disintegration which can treat life in the

womb.

It can also cause adverse effects to fetus

development that often results to birth

defects and abnormalities.

Mercury

Mercury can affect fertility is well known

since mercury has been commonly used

as a spermicide in birth control products.

Present in batteries, electronic appliances.

And fluorescent lamps.

Mercury-containing Products

Effects of mercuryPositive association was found between

elevated mercury levels and incidence of

malformations and aborted

pregnancies..

Mercury exposure have been implicated in

birth defects, autism, attention deficit

disorders, impotency, and significant

reduction in sperm motility and sperm

count leading to infertility.

Sperm Motility

Sperm motility describes the ability of

sperm to move properly through the

female reproductive tract (internal

fertilization) or through water (external

fertilization) to reach the egg.

Semen Analysis

A semen analysis (plural: semen

analyses) evaluates certain characteristics

of a male's semen and the sperm

contained therein.

It is done to help evaluate male fertility,

whether for those seeking pregnancy.

Abortion

History of Abortion

Since the start of civilization, abortion was

widely practiced by primitive man.

They used herbs to perform abortion.

Some resort to abortion as last choice to

save mother’s life.

Because of booming population, abortion

is sometimes driven by social pressures.

Abortion: A Closer LookSpontaneous abortion, also known as

miscarriage, is the unintentional expulsion

of an embryo or fetus.

References: Harlap and Davies, "Late Sequelae of Induced Abortion:

Complications and Outcome of Pregnancy and Labor", American Journal of Epidemiology (1975), vol.102,no.3.

Heath,"Psychiatry and Abortion",Canadian Psychiatric Association Journal (1971), vol.16, pp55-63)

Hilgers, "The Medical Hazards of Legally Induced Abortion," in Hilgers and Horan, eds., Abortion and Social Justice(New York: Sheed and Ward, 1972).

Hogue,"Impact of Abortion on Subsequent Fecundity", Clinics in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (March 1986), vol.13,no.1.

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