The Female Reproductive System The female reproductive system has four main functions. The female reproductive system has four main functions. Produces estrogen and progesterone, which is necessary for sexual development and reproduction. Produces estrogen and progesterone, which is necessary for sexual development and reproduction. Stores and releases reproductive cells called eggs. Stores and releases reproductive cells called eggs. Allows for fertilization to take place. Allows for fertilization to take place. Nourishes and protects the developing child. Nourishes and protects the developing child.

Female Reproductive System Ovaries-two female reproductive glands, releases eggs. Ovaries-two female reproductive glands, releases eggs. Fallopian tubes-lead from ovaries to the uterus. Fertilization of the egg takes place here. Fallopian tubes-lead from ovaries to the uterus. Fertilization of the egg takes place here. Uterus-pear-shaped organ in which a developing child is nourished. Uterus-pear-shaped organ in which a developing child is nourished.

Female Reproductive System Cervix-the opening at the bottom of the uterus. Cervix-the opening at the bottom of the uterus. Vagina-muscular passageway that leads from the uterus to the outside of the body. Vagina-muscular passageway that leads from the uterus to the outside of the body. Menstrual flow leaves the body through the vagina. Menstrual flow leaves the body through the vagina. A baby is pushed out of its mother’s body through the vagina. A baby is pushed out of its mother’s body through the vagina.

Female Reproductive System Labia-the folds of skin that cover the opening of the vagina. Labia-the folds of skin that cover the opening of the vagina.

Menstrual Cycle Ovulation-process by which the ovaries release a single mature egg, starts at puberty. Ovulation-process by which the ovaries release a single mature egg, starts at puberty. Menstruation-the flow of the uterine lining material from the body. Menstruation-the flow of the uterine lining material from the body. Usually starts between ages Usually starts between ages When pregnant, lining is not shed so no menstruation. When pregnant, lining is not shed so no menstruation.

Menstrual Cycle Occurs approximately every 28 days, but can vary. Occurs approximately every 28 days, but can vary. Last for about 5 days, but can vary. Last for about 5 days, but can vary. Teen’s cycle can change. Teen’s cycle can change.

Fertilization Sperm enters the vagina, travels through the uterus to the fallopian tubes where fertilization takes place. Sperm enters the vagina, travels through the uterus to the fallopian tubes where fertilization takes place. Fertilization-union of the sperm and egg. Fertilization-union of the sperm and egg. After egg is fertilized the egg moves to the uterus, implants on the wall, grows and develops. After egg is fertilized the egg moves to the uterus, implants on the wall, grows and develops.

Female Health Concerns Vaginitis-inflammation, pain, itching and discharge. Vaginitis-inflammation, pain, itching and discharge. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)-physical and emotional discomfort. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)-physical and emotional discomfort. Headache Headache Fatigue Fatigue Irritability Irritability Acne Acne Abdominal cramps Abdominal cramps

Female Health Concerns Toxic shock syndrome-bacterial infection Toxic shock syndrome-bacterial infection Half of all cases are linked to tampon use. Half of all cases are linked to tampon use. Symptoms Symptoms Fever Fever Vomit Vomit Rash Rash Diarrhea Diarrhea Fainting Fainting

Female Health Concerns Men can get toxic shock syndrome following Men can get toxic shock syndrome following Burns Burns Boils Boils Insect bits Insect bits Infections after surgery Infections after surgery

Female Health Concerns Cancer Cancer Breast cancer Breast cancer Ovarian cancer Ovarian cancer Uterine cancer Uterine cancer Cervical cancer Cervical cancer

Female Health Concerns Infertility-the inability to have children. Infertility-the inability to have children.

Caring for the female reproductive system. Shower daily, particularly during menstruation. Shower daily, particularly during menstruation. Yearly appointments with your gynecologist. Yearly appointments with your gynecologist. Perform breast examinations every month. Perform breast examinations every month. Keep a record of menstrual cycle. Keep a record of menstrual cycle.