Seacare Logo

Division 1 - Chapter 11

Chapter 11 - The Reproductive System

 

11.0 Introduction

11.1 Male Reproductive System

11.2 Female Reproductive System

11.0 Introduction

In conducting an assessment, the assessor must have regard to the Principles of Assessment and the definitions contained in the Glossary.

11.1 Male Reproductive System

WPI ratings from Tables 11.1.1, 11.1.2, 11.1.3, and 11.1.4 may be combined, provided the total WPI rating for all conditions affecting ability to father children does not exceed 20%.

The WPI ratings in Tables 11.1.1, 11.1.2, 11.1.3 and 11.1.4 are applicable to 40-65 year old men.

Where the employee is outside this age group, the following calculation should be made:

  • for men 39 years of age or younger, the combined WPI rating (from Tables 11.1.1, 11.1.2, 11.1.3 and 11.1.4) is increased by 50%;
  • men 66 years of age or older, the combined WPI rating (from Tables 11.1.1, 11.1.2, 11.1.3 and 11.1.4) is decreased by 50%.

For example, a 29 year old man with a combined maximum WPI of 20% of the male reproductive system would be rated as suffering a 30% WPI: 20% WPI + (0.5 x 20%WPI) = 30% WPI.

Tables 11.1.1, 11.1.2, 11.1.3, and 11.1.4 are not to be used with respect to sexual dysfunction arising as a result of neurological impairments rather than local reproductive pathology. Where sexual dysfunction is the result of spinal cord injury, use Table 9.6.1: Spinal Nerve Root Impairment Affecting the Lower Extremity (Chapter 9 - The Musculoskeletal System). Where sexual dysfunction is the result of neurological disorder other than spinal nerve root impairment, use Table 12.9: Neurological Impairment Affecting Sexual Function (Chapter 12 - The Neurological System).

Tables 11.1.1, 11.1.2, 11.1.3, and 11.1.4 are intended for use only to assess impairment resulting from neurological impairment, or local lesions of:

  • penis;
  • scrotum;
  • testes;
  • epididymes;
  • spermatic cords;
  • prostate and/or seminal vesicles.

These tables can be used to assess impairment where obstruction of the vascular supply of the penis and other male organs occurs.

These tables are not intended for use where sexual function is impaired for any other reason (for example, pain or depression).

Top

11.1.1 Male Reproductive Organs - Penis

Table 11.1.1: Male Reproductive Organs - Penis

% WPI

Criteria

0

Occasional interference with sexual function.

10

Sexual function possible but always with a degree of difficulty with erection, ejaculation and/or sensation.

15

Sexual function possible in that there is sufficient erection but sensation and/or ejaculation is absent.

20

No sexual function is possible.

11.1.2 Male Reproductive Organs - Scrotum

Skin disorders such as dermatitis, or tinea, affecting the scrotal skin are assessed under Table 4.1: Skin Disorders (Chapter 4 - Disfigurement and Skin Disorders). Table 11.1.2 is not used to assess these conditions.

Table 11.1.2: Male Reproductive Organs - Scrotum

% WPI

Criteria

0

Symptoms and/or signs of scrotal loss or disease with no evidence of testicular malfunction, malposition or loss of mobility.

5

Symptoms and/or signs of scrotal loss or disease with no evidence of testicular malfunction but with testicular malposition or loss of mobility.

10

Total loss of scrotum;

or

Symptoms and signs of scrotal loss or disease with necessity for testes to be implanted elsewhere to preserve testicular function.

15

Symptoms and signs of scrotal loss or disease with necessity for testes to be implanted elsewhere to preserve testicular function;

and

Scrotal pain or discomfort present with physical activity.

20

Symptoms and signs of scrotal loss or disease unable to be controlled by treatment

and

Scrotal pain severely limits physical activity.

 

Top

11.1.3 Male Reproductive Organs - Testes, Epididymes and Spermatic Cords

Table 11.1.3: Male Reproductive Organs - Testes, Epididymes and Spermatic Cords

% WPI

Criteria

0

Symptoms and signs of testicular, epididymal and/or spermatic cord dysfunction are present and there is anatomic alteration;

and

Continuous treatment is not required and there are no seminal or hormonal abnormalities.

5

Loss of one testis

10

Symptoms and signs of testicular, epididymal and/or spermatic cord dysfunction are present and there is anatomic alteration;

and

Continuous or frequent treatment is required, or treatment is not possible;

and

There are no seminal or hormonal abnormalities.

15

Symptoms and signs of testicular, epididymal and/or spermatic cord dysfunction are present and there is anatomic alteration;

and

Continuous or frequent treatment is required, or treatment is not possible;

and

There is no detectable seminal or hormonal function.

20

Loss of both testes.

11.1.4 Male Reproductive Organs - Prostate and Seminal Vesicles

Table 11.1.4: Male Reproductive Organs - Prostate and Seminal Vesicles

% WPI

Criteria

0

Symptoms and signs of prostate and/or seminal vesicle disease or dysfunction are present

and

there is anatomic alteration;

and

Continuous or very frequent treatment not required.

10

Frequent and severe symptoms of prostate and/or seminal vesicle disease or dysfunction are present;

and

There is anatomic alteration;

and

Continuous or very frequent treatment not required.

15

Prostatectomy.

 

Top

11.2 Female Reproductive System

WPI ratings from Tables 11.2.1, 11.2.2 and 11.2.3 may be combined. However, the total WPI rating for all conditions affecting ability to conceive and be delivered of children may not exceed 30%.

Tables 11.2.1, 11.2.2, and 11.2.3 are not to be used with respect to sexual dysfunction arising as a result of neurological impairments rather than local reproductive pathology. Where sexual dysfunction is the result of spinal cord injury, use Table 9.6.1: Spinal Nerve Root Impairment Affecting the Lower Extremity (Chapter 9 - The Musculoskeletal System). Where sexual dysfunction is the result of neurological disorder other than spinal nerve root impairment, use Table 12.9: Neurological Impairment Affecting Sexual Function (Chapter 12 - The Neurological System).

11.2.1 Female Reproductive Organs - Vulva and Vagina

Table 11.2.1: Female Reproductive Organs - Vulva and Vagina

% WPI

Criteria - Pre-menopausal

Criteria - Post-menopausal

0

Symptoms and signs of disease or deformity of the vulva and/or vagina are present;

and

Continuous treatment is not required;

and

Sexual intercourse is possible;

and

The vagina is adequate for childbirth.

Symptoms and signs of disease or deformity of the vulva and/or vagina are present;

and

Continuous treatment is not required;

and

Sexual intercourse is possible with or without considerable difficulty.

15

Symptoms and signs of disease or deformity of the vulva and/or vagina are present;

and

Continuous treatment is required;

and

Sexual intercourse is possible only with difficulty;

and

Limited potential for vaginal delivery.

Symptoms and signs of disease or deformity of the vulva and/or vagina are present;

and

Continuous treatment is required and may not control symptoms;

and

Sexual intercourse is not possible.

25

Symptoms and signs of disease or deformity of the vulva and/or vagina are present;

and

Continuous treatment does not control symptoms;

and

Sexual intercourse is not possible;

and

Vaginal delivery is not possible.

 

Top

11.2.2 Female Reproductive Organs - Cervix and Uterus

Table 11.2.2: Female Reproductive Organs - Cervix and Uterus

See notes to Table 11.2.2 immediately following Table.

% WPI

Criteria - Pre-menopausal

Criteria - Post-menopausal

0

Symptoms or signs of disease or deformity of cervix and/or uterus present;

and

Continuous treatment not required;

or

Cervical stenosis not requiring treatment.

Cervical stenosis.

Anatomical loss of cervix and/or uterus.

5

Symptoms and signs of disease or deformity of cervix and/or uterus present;

and

Continuous treatment required.

10

Symptoms and signs of disease or deformity of cervix and/or uterus present;

and

Continuous treatment required.

Symptoms and signs of disease or deformity of the cervix and/or uterus present;

and

Treatment does not give control.

15

Cervical stenosis requiring periodic treatment.

25

Symptoms and signs of disease or deformity of cervix and/or uterus present;

and

Treatment does not control symptoms;

or

Complete cervical stenosis.

30

Total hysterectomy;

and/or

Amputation of cervix.

Notes to Table 11.2.2

1. Hormone replacement therapy is not considered continuous treatment for the purposes of Table 11.2.2.

2. The contraceptive pill may be considered continuous treatment if pregnancy is contraindicated because of the cervical or uterine lesion.

11.2.3 Female Reproductive Organs - Fallopian Tubes and Ovaries

Table 11.2.3: Female Reproductive Organs - Fallopian Tubes and Ovaries

% WPI

Criteria - Pre-menopausal

Criteria - Post-menopausal

0

Symptoms or signs of disease or deformity of the fallopian tubes or ovaries present;

and

Continuous treatment not required;

and

No difficulties with conception or loss of one ovary.

Symptoms or signs of disease or deformity of the fallopian tubes or ovaries present;

and

Continuous treatment not required;

or

Unilateral or bilateral loss of one or both fallopian tubes and/or one or both ovaries.

5

Symptoms or signs of disease or deformity of the fallopian tubes or ovaries present;

and

Continuous treatment not required;

and

Conception possible with medical intervention;

or

Loss of one fallopian tube.

Symptoms or signs of disease or deformity of the fallopian tubes or ovaries present;

and

Continuous treatment required.

10

Symptoms or signs of disease or deformity of the fallopian tubes or ovaries present;

and

Continuous treatment required;

and

Conception is possible although medical intervention may be required.

Symptoms or signs of disease or deformity of the fallopian tubes or ovaries present;

and

Continuous treatment does not give control.

20

Bilateral loss of both fallopian tubes;

or

Irreparable loss of patency of both fallopian tubes.

30

Loss of both ovaries;

or

Failure to produce ova despite treatment.

Contents | Back | Next

Acknowledgments | Introduction | Tables and Figures
| Principles of Assessment

Division 1 | 1 - The Cardiovascular System | 2 - The Respiratory System
3 - The Endocrine System | 4 - Disfigurement and Skin Disorders
5 - Psychiatric Conditions | 6 - The Visual System
7 - Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders | 8 - The Digestive System
9 - The Musculoskeletal System | 10 - The Urinary System
11 - The Reproductive System | 12 - The Neurological System
13 - The Haematopoietic System

Division 2 | Division 3 | Appendix