Medical Information

You and your sexual health

Human sexuality is a complex, yet integral part of our existence. Friendship, love, emotional intimacy, spirituality, communication and sexual activity all are important aspects of a stimulating and healthy relationship. In the process of learning about and living one's sexuality, one must also be aware of the potential hazards or illnesses that can adversely affect your sexual health. At the clinic l' Actuel, we hope to herein equip you with information that will be both informative and helpful in assisting you in the protection of yourself, your partner(s). We hope to educate you into living a healthy sexual existence.

The anatomy of sexuality

First of all, let us review the anatomy and terms that will be helpful in understanding your and your partner's body and sexual anatomy;

The male genital tract

The brain - testicular link

The production of mature spermatozoa requires a complex interaction between a small gland at the base of the brain called the “pituitary gland” and the testicles. Hormones developed in the pituitary act as a message to the testes to produce sperm (FSH) and testosterone (LH). Testosterone is extremely important in the development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics. **These are the same hormones that are involved in messaging in the female genital/ reproductive system.

The “testes” (testicles or “balls”) are found in the “scrotum” (the sac found below the man’s penis). Sperm take quite some time to complete - approximately 72 days from start to finish! The process of development begins in the testes and is partially completed in the “epididymis” (tubular channels that connect the testes to the vas deferens). Maturation in the epididymis requires that sperm acquire motility. Once maturation and motility is achieved, the sperm travel into the “vas deferens” (the tubes that connect the epididymis to the seminal vesicles). The “seminal vesicles” found close to the “prostate gland” collect and store mature sperm.

At the moment of ejaculation, sperm from the seminal vesicles is mixed with fluid that originates in the prostate gland and results in the final product: “semen”.

What Part Make up the Male Genital Tract?

The glans of the penis also known as the head of the penis. This is a region of the penis sensitive to stimulation. It is covered by the;

Prepuce or foreskin, a fold of skin that covers the flaccid penis in uncircumcised men. In circumcised men, the foreskin has been removed thus exposing the head of the penis at all times (erect or not).

The urethra is the opening in the head which allows for the passage from inside to outside of both urine from the urinary tract and semen from the genital tract.

The bor sac is found at the base of the penis and supports and maintains temperature control of the testes.

The testes are the sperm and testosterone producing organs found suspended in the scrotum.

The prostate gland is a gland found at the base of the bladder, helping to control the urge to pee and also producing fluid that serves to mix with stored sperm from the seminal vesicles to form semen - ejaculate.

The epididymis, vas deferens and seminal vesicles are tubes that serve to tranport and assist in the maturation and storage of sperm.

The female genital tract

The brain - ovarian link

The production of “ova” or eggs (also known as oocytes) in the female genital tract requires a complex interaction between the brain and the “ovaries” (the egg producers). Hormones (LH and FSH) developed and released from the “pituitary gland” (small gland at the base of the brain) help to co-ordinate the reproductive cycle and female hormones such as “progesterone” and “estrogen”. The ova require “fertilization” by a mature viable spermatozoa for conception to occur. The genital tract is expertly designed to transport these eggs to the normal place of fertilization: “the fallopian tubes”. When an egg is released each month (approximately mid-cycle) it is quickly captured by one of the two fallopian tubes and gradually eased towards the “uterus” (where development of the fetus/baby occurs). If sperm are present in the female genital tract, they typically migrate to the upper third of the fallopian tube and penetrate the egg, resulting in fertilization.

Careful!! It is possible for fertilization to occur with a sperm ejaculated into the vagina up to 3 - 4 days prior to ovulation.

Ejaculate of semen from your partner contains millions (if not hundreds of millions) of sperm.

The female reproductive system is designed such that if fertilization does not occur, menstruation does (monthly loss and renewal of the surface of the uterus).

What Parts Make-up the Female Anatomy?

Labia majora: The “large lips” are external and protect the entrance to the vagina and internal organs. The labia majora contain numerous sweat and oil-secreting glands.

Labia minora: The "small lips" vary greatly in size and are just inside the labia majora, surrounding the vaginal orifice and urethra (urinary tube opening).

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

Clitoris: The small lips meet at the clitoris, a small, sensitive protrusion that is comparable to the penis in males. The clitoris is covered by a protective fold of skin, called the prepuce, which is similar to the foreskin at the end of the penis. Like the penis, the clitoris is very sensitive and becomes erect with stimulation.

The internal reproductive organs in the female include:

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

Uterus (womb): The uterus is a pear-shaped organ that accomodates a developing fetus. The uterus is divided into two parts: the cervix, which is the lower part that opens into the vagina, and the main body of the uterus, called the corpus. A channel through the cervix allows sperm to enter and menstrual blood to exit.

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

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