Female Reproductive System Several Functions Produces Female sex hormones Stores Ova (Ovum) which is the female reproductive cells Nourishes and protects fertilized ovum (egg) from pregnancy to birth Females enter puberty 9-12 years of age Hormonal changes, hair growth, hips widen, breast development, and acne is possible

Female Reproductive Organs Vagina Sperm enters through vagina and acts as the birth canal Muscular, elastic passage way Extends from uterus to outside of the body Ova – Egg Stored in ovaries At birth 400,000 immature ova are in ovaries

Female Reproductive System Ovaries – Female Sex Glands House of ova Produce female sex hormone Located on each side of lower abdominal cavity Ovulation After ova mature ovaries release one mature ovum each month Usually one ovary releases a mature ovum one month and the other the next Fallopian Tubes – A tube that transports ova to the uterus.

Female Reproductive System Uterus – A hollow muscular organ located in the pelvic cavity of female in which the fertilized egg implants and develops. Cervix – A narrow outer end of the uterus. Labia (Vulva) – Any of four folds of tissue of the female external genitalia. Clitoris – A small elongated highly sensitive erectile organ. Hymen – Membrane covering the opening of the female system

Menstruation Menstruation If ovum does not become fertilized menstruation occurs The lining of the uterus breaks down into blood, tissue and fluids It will pass through the CERVIX (neck of uterus) and out the vagina The flow usually lasts about 5-7 days After the flow ends the entire cycle begins again The lining of the uterus thickens again to receive a fertilized egg

Menstrual cycle is the time from the beginning of one period to the onset of the next This is usually 28 days Most females begin between 10-15 years of age May be irregular at first *Poor nutrition, stress, illness can all influence regularity

Problems of Female System Menstrual cramps Occur in beginning of menstrual period Heating pad or light exercise will help Dysmenorrhea – severe or persistent cramping Amenorrhea – Abnormal menstruation.

PMS (PRE - MENSTRUAL SYNDROME) Physical & emotional discomfort that occurs before a menstrual period starts SYMPTOMS: Usually appear 1- 2 weeks before Menstruation Mood changes Muscle cramps in stomach and back Breast tenderness Nausea Headaches Fatigue Bloated feeling Weight gain Inability to sleep / concentrate Depression

MENSTRUAL CYCLE Toxic Shock Syndrome – TSS An acute infection characterized by sudden high fever, a sunburn like rash, vomiting, and diarrhea, followed in severe cases by shock, that is caused by a toxin-producing strain of the common bacterium. NEVER – leave a tampon in more than 6 - 8 hours 1 in 100, 000 Women in the U.S. get TSS 5% of these cases cause Death - 650 people a year die.

Female Reproductive System Terms Tubal Ligation – A method of female sterilization in which the fallopian tubes are surgically tied. Menopause – The period marked by the natural and permanent cessation of menstruation, occurring usually between the ages of 45 and 55. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – Inflammation of the female genital tract. Endometriosis – A condition, usually resulting in pain and dysmenorrhea, that is characterized by the abnormal occurrence of functional endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Ovarian Cysts – fluid-filled sacs on the ovary. Small noncancerous cysts will disappear but larger cysts may require surgery Cervical, uterine and ovarian cancer – May be caused by early sexual activity and STDs like Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Care of Female Reproductive System Bathe regularly During menstruation, change tampons or sanitary pads every few hours Practice Abstinence Regular breast self-exam