Endometriosis: around 10% of women of reproductive age can be afflicted with this reproductive disease.

Cells which would normally line the uterus are found in other parts of the body, often in the fallopian tubes and the ovaries. They can also be present in the other areas such as the bladder or bowel, the intestines or the rectum or vagina.

These cells develop in the same way as those that line the uterus, growing each month then shedding blood.

As there is nowhere for this tissue to go it becomes trapped which is what causes the swelling and pain.

One of the most usual symptoms of endometriosis is discomfort in the area afflicted, although some women don’t feel any pain.Some women can experience heavy and painful periods, or pain during intercourse.

Prostate cancer in men:

This is a cancer where cells in the prostate (the male reproductive gland) multiply or mutate very quickly. These cells can spread to other areas of the body such as the the lymph nodes.

Prostate cancer usually occurs in men over 50 years of age.

The symptoms are usually a lot of pain, urinating problems sometimes with the presence of blood, and difficulty in achieving an erection.

Syphilis: This is a sexually transmitted disease which can cause discomfort and pain. If detected it can be treated very effectively but can become serious if left untreated.

You can get syphilis by coming into contact directly with the syphilis sores of someone who is infected. This would normally happen whilst having intercourse, either vaginal, anal or oral.

The symptoms of Syphilis are different depending on what stage of advancement the disease is at.

Initially a person with this reproductive disease may become aware of a sore on their body at the site of the the infection.

If left untreated the next symptoms would be a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The sufferer might also feel unwell, with flu like symptoms and joint pain.

If left untreated syphilis can cause a number of serious conditions such as blindness, seizures and dementia.

Illness in the reproductive system