Male reproductive function is controlled by hormones secreted by
the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, and testes

At time of puberty, the hypothalamus controls many changes that lead to
the development of a reproductively functional adult

Male sex hormones; testosterone is the most important one

Responsible for male secondary sexual characteristics (deep

It produces the female egg cells necessary for reproduction, called the ova or oocytes.

the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in the fallopian tubes

fertilized egg is to implant into the walls of the uterus, beginning the initial stages of pregnancy.

If fertilization and/or implantation does not take place, the system is designed to menstruate (the monthly shedding of the uterine lining

the female reproductive system produces female sex hormones that maintain the reproductive cycle.

Fallopian tubes: These are narrow tubes that are attached to the upper part of the uterus and serve as tunnels for the ova (egg cells) to travel from the ovaries to the uterus.

Ovaries: The ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands that are located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones.

Uterus (womb): The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ that is the home to a developing fetus

Vagina: The vagina is a canal that joins the cervix (the lower part of uterus) to the outside of the body. It also is known as the birth canal.

Clitoris: The two labia minora meet at the clitoris, a small, sensitive protrusion that is comparable to the penis in males.

Bartholin's glands: These glands are located beside the vaginal opening and produce a fluid (mucus) secretion.

Labia minora: Literally translated as "small lips," the labia minora can be very small or up to 2 inches wide.

There are four major hormones (chemicals that stimulate or regulate the activity of cells or organs) involved in the menstrual cycle: follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estrogen, and progesterone.

Two hormones, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), are released from the brain and travel in the blood to the ovaries.

The hormones stimulate the growth of about 15 to 20 eggs in the ovaries, each in its own "shell," called a follicle

These hormones (FSH and LH) also trigger an increase in the production of the female hormone estrogen

They produce, maintain and transport sperm (the male reproductive cells) and semen (the protective fluid around sperm).

They discharge sperm into the female reproductive tract.

They produce and secrete male sex hormones.

The male reproductive system is made up of internal (inside your body) and external (outside your body) parts. Together, these organs help you urinate (rid your body of liquid waste materials), have sexual intercourse and make children.

The primary hormones involved in the functioning of the male reproductive system are follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone.

FSH and LH are produced by the pituitary gland. It’s located at the base of your brain and it’s responsible for many functions in your body. FSH is necessary for sperm production (spermatogenesis).

Many STIs are transmitted through the mucous membranes of the genitals, rectum, mouth, and throat.

common sexually transmitted infections include: gonorrhea, syphillis, chlamydia, genital warts, genital herpes, the human papillomavirus ( HPV ), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Healthcare professionals suggest safer sex, such as the use of condoms, as the most reliable way of decreasing the risk of contracting STIs during sexual activity, but any activity that involves the exchange of body fluids (sharing needles, blood transfusions, etc.) can lead to an STI.