The Female Reproductive System

Function 1. Produces female sex hormones 2. Stores reproductive cells (ova or egg)

Uterus Muscular organ inside a females body that: 1. Nourishes the egg 2. Protects the egg

Structure and Functions Ovaries – female sex glands that produce and store the egg and produce female sex hormones Ovulation – the releasing of a mature ovum (egg) into the fallopian tubes

FACTS At birth a female’s ovaries contain 400,000 immature ova’s or eggs. Only one egg matures each month beginning at puberty. Only one egg is released each month

Reproduction Fallopian Tubes Tubes that draw in egg, and if a sperm is present, unites Fertilization The uniting of a sperm and egg that produces a zygote

VAGINA Muscular, elastic passageway that extends from uterus to outside of the body Sperm from the male enter the female reproductive system through vagina

Female Reproductive System

Zygote/Implantation When a zygote leaves the fallopian tubes, enters the uterus and implants itself in the uterine wall to grow

MENSTRUATION Cervix – the opening of the uterus where blood passes through Menstruation – shedding of the uterine lining Menstrual Cycle – Lasts 28 days; the series of events that prepares the female repro system for reproduction The length of a menstrual cycle varies from female to female as a teenager (called irregular)

Menstrual Cycle Days 1-13 – A new egg is maturing inside the ovary Day 14 – The mature egg is released into one of the fallopian tubes Day 15-20 – Egg travels through the fallopian tubes to uterus cont.

Menstrual Cycle Cont…. Day 21-28 – After seven days, if the egg is not fertilized, menstruation begins Menstrual Period – lasts 5-7 days Usually starts between ages of 10-15 years old

Care of Female Repro System Bathe/shower regularly Practice abstinence Breast Self Examination – done right after menstrual cycle in shower once a month Visit a gynecologist for regular checkups. (A doc who specializes in the female repro system)

Breast Cancer THE NUMBER 2 LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES CAN BE FOUND IN AGES FROM 12-55

Problems of the Female Repro System Menstrual Cramps – in abdominal area, meds or the pill may be prescribed Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) – includes nervous tension, anxiety, mood swings, irritability, bloating, fatigue

More…. Toxic Shock Syndrome – bacterial infection that affects the immune system & liver Caused by leaving tampon in too long. Use tampons with lowest absorbency and change often

Symptoms of TSS Fever *Dizziness Vomiting *Muscle Aches Diarrhea A sunburn-like rash Red Eyes

Problems Related to Infertility Endometriosis – chronic disease occurs when tissue that lines the uterus migrates and grows in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and pelvic cavity.

Infertility Cont…. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease(PID) Infection of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and surrounding areas of pelvis usually caused by STD’s. Can damage reproductive system

STD’s MOST COMMON CAUSES OF INFERTILITY AND OTHER DISORDERS OF THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM!!!!!

More Repro Disorders Vaginitis Ovarian Cysts Most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. Discharge, odor, pain, itching, or burning Fluid filled sacs on the ovaries. Usually go away or have to have surgery

Yeast Infection An infection of the vagina caused by changes in the amounts of bacteria and fungi that normally live in the vagina Itching as well as discharge Usually brought on by hormone changes, certain medicines, and tight clothing Treated with medicine

Cervical, Uterine, and Ovarian Cancer Caused by early sexual activity and STD’s such as (HPV) Regular checkups and pelvic exams are early detectors for treatment.

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