Female Reproductive System

Female Reproductive System The functions of the female reproductive system are to produce sex hormones and eggs, and provide an environment in which a fertilized egg can develop into a baby

Internal Organ Ovaries Two female reproductive sex glands that house female eggs Produce the female sex hormones: estrogen and progesterone Ovaries release ONE mature egg (ovum) each month. This a process known as ovulation

Female Sex Hormones Responsible for the secondary female sex characteristics Breast Development Hips widen Pubic and underarm hair Formation of mature eggs Menstruation

Internal Organ The Fallopian Tubes Tubes that carry the egg away from the ovaries Tiny hair like structures called cilia line the fallopian tubes and sweep the egg towards the uterus If sperm is present around the egg, it may be fertilized Fertilization occurs when a sperm cell joins with an egg

Internal Organ Uterus A hollow muscular pear-shaped organ (about the size of a fist) which fertilizes eggs for development and growth It has several layers of tissue and a rich supply of blood that protects and nourishes a developing baby. This lining also sheds during the process of menstruation

Internal Organ The Cervix The neck of the uterus The lining of the uterus breaks down and passes through the cervix to the vagina Common site for cancer Dilates when going into labor

Internal Organ Vagina Also known as the birth canal A muscular passageway from the uterus to the outside of the body During child birth, baby exits mother here

External Organ Labia majora the outer folds of skin that are covered with pubic hair Labia minora the inner folds of skin that contain many nerve endings and blood vessels. Located within the labia majora

External Organ Clitoris is a highly sensitive organ It contains many nerve endings and blood vessels, which play a role in female sexual arousal. Just below the clitoris is a small opening that leads to the urethra Below the urethral opening is a separate opening to the vagina

Female Reproductive System Female internal/External reproductive anatomy

Menstrual Cycle The process which an ovary releases a mature ovum that travels to the uterus. If the egg is not fertilized with sperm, the uterine lining is shed and a new cycle begins The average the menstrual cycle lasts 28 days. However, cycles can be shorter or longer depending on the person.

Menstrual Cycle Based on a 28 day Cycle Days 1-5 The uterine lining, blood and tissue, is shed during menstruation Blood and tissue leave the body at this time Maxi pad or tampon is used to absorb blood and tissue

Menstrual Cycle The uterine lining begins to thicken. Days 6-12 The uterine lining begins to thicken. The uterus prepares for ovulation and the possibility that an egg will be fertilized

Menstrual Cycle Ovulation occurs Days 13-14 Ovulation occurs An egg is released into one of the fallopian tubes This is the time when a female is most fertile to become pregnant.

Menstrual Cycle Days 15-20 The egg travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus and the uterine lining continues to thicken and blood supply to it increases

Menstrual Cycle Days 21-28 An unfertilized egg enters the uterus and the uterine lining breaks down. Then the cycle starts over again

Female Discomfort Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Cramps Discomfort experienced before the menstrual cycle Caused by changes in hormone levels before menstruation Cramps Periodic abdominal and pelvic pain during the menstrual period Exercise may help to alleviate menstrual cramps

Care for the Female Reproductive System Involves cleaning the external organs properly Avoiding STI/STD’s and unplanned pregnancy Practicing safe sex Seeking medical treatment for signs of infections (yeast/urinary) or anything that feels or looks out of the ordinary

Care for the Female Reproductive System Pap Smear: a medical procedure in which a sample of cells is taken from the cervix and examined under a microscope to check for cervical cancer Pelvic Exam: an internal exam where a doctor checks the uterus and ovaries.