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=__**The Aging Process of the Reproductive System**__=

__**I****ntroduction**__

 * The aging process of a male and female change overtime and are very different from eachother. On this page you will read the many changes that a male and female will go through as they get older.**

**Aging Changes**

 * Changes in the male reproductive system can include changes in the testicular tissue, decrease in sperm production, and erectile function. The reproductive system in men do not change quickly like they do in women; they change overtime which is considered to be called andropause. Changes occur mainly in the testes because testicular tissue mas decreases. Also, when that happens a man's testosterone level either stays the same or changes slightly. The tubes that carry sperm may become less elastic which is a process called sclerosis. The testes still produce sperm but the rate is not as fast. The reason for the decrease in production of sperm is that the epididymis, seminal vesicles, and prostate gland lose some of their surface cells. They help produce the fluid that carries sperm.**

**Effects of Changes**

 * The effects of the changes don't really effect anything. Everything things stays the same. A man's fertility does not go down because of age. Even if a man had his prostate gland removed he can still father children, but there just won't be alot of living sperm in the fluid. The amount of fluid ejaculated from a man remains the same but with les living sperm in the fluid. Sexual responses can be decreased by aging especially if there is a lack of a willing partner. Decreased testosterone levels can be a result from psychological and social changes related to aging, illness, chronic conditions, or medications.**

**Common Problems**

 * Common problems in aging men is erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and bladder cancer. Erectile dysfunction is when a man cannot keep an erection long enough to have intercourse. Prostate cancer is cancer that starts in the prostate gland and is more common the older a man gets with age. Testicular cancer starts in the scrotum but is more common for a younger man than an older man. Also bladder cancer is common for older men because they have a hard time holding their urine.**

**Prevention**

 * To prevent diabetes and high blood pressure as men get older; medications are available to keep their health under control. Prevention against testicular cancer and prostate cancer cannot be prevented. Also some medications help with erectile dysfuntion and a man's sexual response.**

**Timeline of a Male's Reproductive System**
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Video of the Process of the Male's Reproductive System
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**Aging Changes**

 * Aging changes in women are not slowly motivated as they are in men. Instead they sometimes come all at once with certain ages. When a women ages many signs show such as hormone levels, physical changes in the entire female reproductive tract, and psychological changes. That happens when changes occur with the ovarian hormones and the ones that are produced by the pituitary gland. Menopause is the most common aging change that is identified in women. It is very normal for women at the age around 40. Menopause is when the ovaries stop releasing eggs and their menstraul cycles come to a stop. The ovaries become less responsive to stimulation. In time the ovaries start to decrease in the amount of hormones it produces. Most changes occur int he urinary system for both women and men.**

**Effects of Changes**

 * Before menopause occurs fertility in women depends on the level that they produce hormones. Once menopause is in process a women can no longer become pregnant. Changes in the breasts occur around the same time that changes occur in the reproductive system. The changes in a woman's sex drive and sexual response are very common and natural. Aging does not prevent a woman to enjoy her sexual relationships.**

**Common Problems**

 * Most common problems due to aging is the pubic mucsles lose tone, and the vagina, uterus, or urinary bladder could fall out of place. A prolapse of any of these structures increases the risks of problems but most prolapses are treatable. Sexual intercourse may become painful as a women ages because the vaginal wals become thinner and dryer. Hot flashes, mood swings, headaches and sleep problems are common symtpoms if menopause. Osteoporosis is the most common to effect older women.**

**Prevention**

 * Estrogen replacement pills will help when these changes occur because most of them are caused by low estrogen levels. Also to prevent uncomfortable intercourse lubrication is suggested.**

**Timeline of a Woman's Reproductive System**
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**Video of a Women's Reproductive System**
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