FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

External Genitaila The Vulva is the outer portion of the female reproductive system and is comprised of these parts: Mons Pubis Labia Majora Labia Minora Clitoris Urethral Opening Vaginal Opening Perineum

Mons Pubis The Triangular mound of fatty tissue that covers the pubic bone Protects the pubic symphysis During adolescence sex hormones trigger the growth of pubic hair on the mons pubis Pubic hair helps prevent bacterial growth by absorbing moisture and sweat

External Organs Labia Minora: Made up of erectile tissue, connective tissue that darkens and swells during sexual arousal Labia Majora Have a darker pigmentation Protects the vaginal and the urethra opening

Clitoris Highly sensitive organ composed of nerves, blood vessels and erectile tissue It is made up of a shaft and a glans Becomes engorged with blood during sexual arousal Urethral opening is located directly below the clitoris

Vaginal Opening Introitus Opening may be covered by a thin sheath called a hymen The hymen may not be present in all woman, be be torn by athletics, using a tampon etc.

Perineum The Perineum contains an abundance of nerve endings An episiotomy is an incision of the perineum used to widen the vaginal opening during childbirth

INTERNAL GENITALIA The internal genitalia consists of the: Vagina Cervix Uterus Fallopian tubes Ovaries

Internal Anatomy

VAGINA The vagina connects the cervix to the external genitals It is located between the bladder and the rectum 3 main functions: Passageway for the menstrual flow Allows uterine secretions to pass down through the opening As the birth canal for child birth

CERVIX The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina The cervical opening to the vagina is small This acts as a safety precaution against allowing foreign bodies entering the uterus During childbirth the cervix must dilate or open 10 cm to accommodate the fetus This dilation is a sign that labor has begun

UTERUS Commonly referred to as the womb A pear shaped organ about the size of a clenched fist Consists of blood enriched tissue that sloughs off each month during a menstrual cycle The powerful muscles of the uterus expand to accommodate a growing fetus and then contracts to push the fetus through the birth canal

FALLOPIAN TUBES Serves a pathway for the ovum to the uterus Is the site for fertilization by the male cell, the sperm The fertilized egg take approximately 6 to 10 days to travel through the fallopian tube to implant in the uterine lining

OVARIES The female gonads or sex glands They develop and expel an ovum each month through ovulation A woman is born with approximately 400,000 immature eggs called follicles During a lifetime a woman will release fully matured eggs for fertilization The follicles produce the female sex hormones, progesterone and estrogen These hormones prepare the uterus for implantation of the fertilized egg

BREASTS Contain mammary glands Consists of connective tissue that serves as support Each breast contains clusters called lobes Breast may exhibit cyclical changes including swelling and tenderness Woman should complete self-examinations to monitor for changes that can detect a problem

MENSTRUATION The onset of menstruation signals the bodily changes that transform from a girl to a woman The average age is 12 Amount of bleeding will vary from woman to woman Usually occurs every 28 to 32 days Woman may experience fluid retention, cramping, weight gain, breast tenderness, diarrhea, and constipation from hormonal changes.

Problems related to menstruation PMS: Pre Menstrual Syndrome Caused by hormonal changes Typically occur 2 weeks prior to the onset of the menstrual fluid flow Symptoms include: Tension Irritability Anxiety Bloating Depression Mood Swings

DYSMENORRHEA- MENSTRUAL CRAMPS Painful menstrual cramps Painful menses without evidence of a physical abnormality Believed to be the body normal response to uterine contractions Other symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal disturbances, and fainting due to excessive blood loss

Toxic Shock Syndrome TSS- A rare but serious bacterial infection that is caused from leaving a tampon in too long or using the wrong absorbency. Affects the immune system and liver; it can be fatal Symptoms include: Fever Vomiting Diarrhea Sunburn like rash Dizziness Muscle Aches

Problems leading to infertility Pelvic Inflammatory disease (PID) Infection of the Fallopian Tubes, ovaries and surrounding areas of the pelvis Damages the reproductive organs Usually caused by STD’s and STI’s

Endometriosis Common cause of Dysmenorrhea and infertility Endometrium fragments and lodges in other parts of the pelvic cavity Causes inflammation, scarring and bleeding

Other Reproductive Disorders Vaginitis- Bacterial Infection Most common in child bearing age Symptoms Discharge Odor Pain Itching Burning If not treated it can become PID

Other Reproductive Disorders Blocked Fallopian Tube Leading cause of infertility Resulting from PID Abdominal Surgery STD’s and STI’s Endometriosis

Other Reproductive Disorders Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Can be the cause genital warts- might clear up on its own Can be detected with a test called a Pap Smear Gardasil given in 3 doses over 6 months between the ages of 12 and 26 Most common STD and can be the cause of cervical cancer. 2 strains are more dangerous than others