Female Reproductive System One of the mechanisms that maintain life from one generation to another

External Female Reproductive Organs Vulva – the external female reproductive organ Includes Labia Majora Labia Minora Clitoris Hymen Mons Veneris

External Female Reproductive Organs Mons veneris Clitoris Urethra Labia Minora Vagina Labia Majora Anus

External Female Reproductive Organs Labia Majora – heavy folds of skin that surround the opening of the vagina Labia Minora – two smaller folds of skin located within the labia majora Clitoris – a small structure located above the opening of the urethra made from erectile tissue Hymen – a thin membrane that stretches across the opening of the vagina Mons Veneris – the fatty tissue that covers the front of the pubic bone

Internal Female Reproductive Organs The internal female reproductive organs consist of Ovaries Fallopian Tubes Uterus Vagina

Internal Female Reproductive Organs Fallopian Tube Uterus Endometrium Ova Ovary Cervix Vagina

Internal Female Reproductive Organs Ovaries – female reproductive glands that produce ova and estrogen Ova – females are born with between 200,000 and 400,000 immature ova in her ovaries. Approximately 375 are released in a lifetime during ovulation

Internal Female Reproductive Organs Each developing ovum is enclosed in a small, hollow ball called a follicle. During a regular menstrual cycle, an ovum matures and is released from its follicle. Ovulation is the release of a mature ovum from one of the two ovaries.

Internal Female Reproductive Organs Fallopian Tubes – Also called an oviduct. Thin tubes that transport an ovum from the ovary to the uterus. Where fertilization occurs Uterus – A muscular organ that receives and supports a fertilized ovum during pregnancy and contracts during childbirth Cervix – the lowest part of the uterus. Vagina – muscular tube that connects the uterus to the outside of the body

Female Reproductive System

What to Know About the Menstrual Cycle Females often describe menstruation as their “period.” The menstrual cycle usually occurs over 28 days; however, many teens have irregular cycles and the length of their menstrual cycles varies. Menstruation usually lasts about five days; however, the number of days also may vary.

What to Know About the Menstrual Cycle Days 1–5 Menstruation occurs. At the same time, a new ovum is maturing in the ovary. Days 6–12  The uterine lining begins to thicken and the uterus prepares for ovulation and the possibility that an ovum will be fertilized. Days 13–14  Ovulation occurs.

What to Know About the Menstrual Cycle Days 15–20  The corpus luteum secretes hormones to support a pregnancy. The corpus luteum is a temporary gland that secretes progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that changes the lining of the uterus. If an ovum is fertilized, the corpus luteum continues to secrete progesterone throughout pregnancy.

What to Know About the Menstrual Cycle Days 21–28  The corpus luteum disintegrates if an ovum is not fertilized. The cells in the lining of the uterus die without progesterone. The unfertilized ovum disintegrates. The menstrual cycle begins again with menstruation.

Female Reproductive Health What does a pelvic exam include? Examination of the internal female reproductive organs A digital exam Pap Smear – screening test which cells are scraped from the cervix What is a yeast infection? A vaginal infection caused by a fungal organism. Thick, malodorus discharge, painful urination, vaginal itching

Female Reproductive Health What is toxic shock syndrome (TSS)? Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a severe illness that results when vaginal bacteria secrete a toxin that gets into the bloodstream Females can reduce the risk of TSS by changing pads tampons every four to six hours.

Protecting Female Reproductive Health Breast Cancer – one of the most common types of cancer in women. To help detect breast cancer early, women should do monthly breast examinations to check for lumps or changes. With early detection and treatment, the chances of successfully treating breast cancer increase.

Protecting Female Reproductive Health Practice Abstinence Practice good menstrual hygiene habits Keep a calendar to record menstrual information Perform monthly breast exams Have regular medical exams Seek medical attention when you show signs of infection