Ova- Female reproduction cells stored in the ovaries Estrogen (Hormone)- Organs mature, develops pubic and armpit hair, regulates release of eggs Menstruation- The process of shedding the lining of the uterus (endometrium –uterine lining) Occurs monthly Ovulation- Ovaries begin the process of releasing one mature ovum each month Zygote- The cell that results from the union of sperm and ovum Fetus- Last 7 months of development Placenta- Organ that nourishes fetus

Internal Organs Vagina- Very muscular/elastic tube-like passageway that extends from the uterus to the outside of the body. Ovaries- Female sex glands Function: House the ova and produce female hormones estrogen and progesterone Cervix- Neck of uterus dilates during birth to allow passage of baby Uterus- Strong elastic muscle about the size of a fist Function: Hold and nourish developing embryo and fetus; fertilized egg implants itself here Lining of the uterus is called endometrium Fallopian Tubes- Located on each side of the uterus, and are lined w/ cilia (tiny hair-like projections) fertilization occurs here. Fertilized egg travels down these tubes and implants in the uterus

External Organs Mons Pubis- Rounded fatty pad of tissue, covered w/ pubic hair Labia Majora- Outer fold of tissue on either side of vaginal opening Labia Minora- Inner fold of tissue that extends forward forming a hood-like covering over the clitoris

Female Concerns Infertility- Inability for a female to become pregnant Problems that can cause infertility: Blocked fallopian tubes- Causes are pelvic inflammatory disease or abdominal surgery. ***Leading cause of infertility*** Endometriosis- Uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, often appearing on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the abdominal cavity Problems related to menstruation: Menstrual cramps- Cramps in abdominal occur during menstrual period

Concerns continued… Vaginitis- Most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age Symptoms: Discharge, odor, itching, pain. Amenorrhea- Lack of menstruation by age of 16 or stopping of cycle for 3 or more months (PMS) Premenstrual Syndrome- Symptoms are: nervous tension, anxiety, irritability, bloating, weight gain, depression, mood swings (TSS) Toxic Shock Syndrome- Staph Infection ~Bacteria produce a toxic poison that affects liver and the immune system Symptoms: vomiting, dizziness, rash, kidney and liver damage, Yeast Infection- Fungus, discharge, foul odor, and severe itching. Effects Vulva and Vaginal Opening

Concerns continued… Breast Cancer- Change in breast or nipple, lump or swelling in breast or armpit ~4000 women and 400 men will die this yr of breast cancer Mammogram- X-ray exam of the breasts used to detect and evaluate changes Cervical Cancer- Causes can include many sexual partners, early sexual activity, effects women between 20-30. Caused by HPV Pap Smear- Test to detect for abnormal cells in cervix Ovarian Cysts- Fluid-filled sacs on the ovary. Small non-cancerous, usually disappear on their own. Larger cysts may need surgery

Female Athlete Triad Menstrual disturbances Bone loss A syndrome of three interrelated conditions that exist on a continuum of severity including Energy deficiency with or without disordered eating, menstrual disturbances/amenorrhea, bone loss/osteoporosis Energy deficiency with or without disordered eating imbalance between amount of energy consumed and amount of energy expended during exercise or activity Primary cause of triad is energy deficiency Menstrual disturbances Amenorrhea (no menstrual period for 3 months or more) Athletes who have irregular cycles are also susceptible to the effects of the triad Bone loss Higher risk for low bone mass leading to weakening bones called osteoporosis Increase risk of fractures

Preventing Problems 1. Prevent STDs 2. Prevent vaginal irritation: redness, itching, and mild pain. Avoid wearing. tight clothing 3. Relieving menstrual cramps- taking warm baths, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, reducing caffeine and sugar intake