Links from 10.6.14 Female Reproductive System – Menstrual Cycle, External View http://kidshealth.org/parent/interactive/frs_it.html Male Reproductive System http://kidshealth.org/teen/interactive/mrs_it.html  

Female Sex Organs: Female gonads are the ovaries All embryos appear as female at first. Genetic and hormonal signals trigger the development of male organs in those embryos destined to be male. Sex organs serve a reproductive purpose, but they perform other functions also: giving pleasure, attracting sex partners, and bonding in relationships.

Vulva The external female genitals are known collectively as the vulva. It includes: Mons pubis Clitoris Clitoral Hood (or Prepuce) Labia Majora Labia Minora Urethral Opening Anus

Vulva (cont) mons pubis is a pad of fatty tissue that covers the area of the pubic bone. clitoris is the center of sexual arousal in the female. labia majora (outer lips) are two folds of spongy flesh extending from the mons pubis and enclosing the other external genitals. labia minora (inner lips) are smooth, hairless folds within the labia majora that meet above the clitoris.

http://kidshealth.org/teen/interactive/female_it.html

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) aka Female Circumcision What is it? Types Areas where it is practiced Consequences

What is FGM? “the partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for cultural or other nontherapeutic reasons.” -WHO Cultural, religious and social factors No health benefits Mostly on girls between infancy and age 15

Types of FGM Type I Type II excision of the prepuce, with or without excision of part or all of the clitoris Type II excision of the clitoris with partial or total excision of the labia minora

Types of FGM (cont) Type III Type IV Aka infibulation; the most extreme excision of part or all of the external genitalia and stitching/narrowing of the vaginal opening Type IV pricking, piercing or incising of the clitoris and/or labia; stretching of the clitoris and/or labia; cauterization by burning of the clitoris and surrounding tissue

Consequences Severe bleeding Problems urinating Infections Infertility Complications in childbirth Increased risk of newborn deaths Need for surgery

Where is FGM practiced? Africa Asia Middle East

Internal Organs The internal female sexual structures and reproductive organs include: Vagina Uterus Cervix Ovaries Fallopian tubes

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The Vagina A flexible muscular organ, approximately 3-4 inches long (in unaroused state) that has the vaginal opening at one end and the cervix at the other. Purpose of the vagina: Menstruation Childbirth Intercourse

The Vagina (cont) Introitus or Vaginal Os Hymen The opening of the vagina Hymen a thin, perforated membrane, that covers the introitus prior to first intercourse or other intrusion. a Greek word meaning "virginal membrane" or "thin skin".

Cervix Located between the vagina and the uterus Cervical Os Opening to the vagina Allows menstrual blood to flow out of the uterus into the vagina

Uterus Also known as the womb A pear-shaped organ located between the bladder and the lower intestine Consists of three parts Body of the uterus (about the size of a fist in a non-pregnant female) Cervix Fundus Endometrium Lining of the uterus is built up and then shed and expelled through the cervical os (opening) during menstruation.

Ovaries Egg-producing organs Eggs are the gametes (or reproductive cells) Hold between 150,000 and 500,000 follicles (sacks) Found on each side of the uterus

Fallopian Tube Also known as the Uterine Tube Two leading off each side of the uterus Site of fertilization

Female Sexual Physiology During puberty hormones trigger the completion of oogenesis, the production of oocytes, commonly called eggs or ova. Follicles Sac in which eggs are carried. Found inside the ovaries.

Female Sexual Physiology At birth 150,000 - 500,000 follicles. each containing an immature ova (egg) By beginning of reproductive life Diminishes to 34,000 follicles During active childbearing years (ages 13 – 50) 300 - 400.follicles undergo maturation Mature follicle (graffian follicle)

The Menstrual Cycle Follicular (Proliferative) phase Days 1 through 6 Beginning of menstrual flow to end of blood flow Days 7 – 13 endometrium thickens Luteal (Secretory) phase aka premenstrual phase Days 15 to 28 The endometrium thickens to prepare the egg for implantation These two phases are separated by: Ovulation Day 14

Ovulation The process in the menstrual cycle by which a mature ovarian follicle ruptures and releases an ovum (also known as an egg or an oocyte) The released egg, unless fertilized, only lasts 12 to 24 hours.

http://kidshealth.org/teen/interactive/female_it.html

The Menstrual Cycle http://kidshealth.org/teen/interactive/female_it.html

Menstrual Cycle Order of the Menstrual Cycle: Menstrual → Proliferative → Secretory The menstrual cycle is divided into 3 phases. 1. Menstruation 2. Proliferative Phase: Endometrial tissue builds up during this phase 3. Secretory Phase: Produces nutrients to sustain an embryo

Follicular (Proliferative) Phase Menstrual Phases Typical No. of Days Hormonal Actions Follicular (Proliferative) Phase Cycle Days 1 through 6 Beginning of menstruation to end of blood flow Estrogen and progesterone start out at their lowest levels FSH levels rise to stimulate maturity of follicles. Ovaries start producing estrogen and levels rise, while progesterone levels remain low. Cycle Days 7 -13: The endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) thickens to prepare for the egg implantation Ovulation Cycle Day 14 Surge in LH. Largest follicle bursts and releases egg into fallopian Luteal (Secretory) Cycle Days 15 – 28 Depends on whether fertilization occurs or not.

Corpus Luteum A mound of yellow tissue Develops as a result of the ruptured follicle During pregnancy, it serves to produce estrogen and progesterone

If fertilization occurs, Fertilized egg is implanted in the wall of the uterus. Corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone for several months and will remain in ovary until the end of pregnancy. If fertilization does NOT occur: Corpus luteum becomes smaller. Progesterone levels drop. Uterine lining sloughs off and menstruation begins.

Hormones Hormones are chemical substances that serve as messengers, traveling through the bloodstream.

Hormones Pituitary Hormones Ovarian Hormones (aka sex hormones) Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Ovarian Hormones (aka sex hormones) Estrogen Progesterone

The egg, unless fertilized, only survives 12-24 hours. The Path of the Egg Reaches uterus about 2-4 days after ovulation Released from follicle Swept into fallopian tube Moves slowly toward uterus Reaches uterus in about 4 days Moves slowly toward uterus Swept into fallopian tube Released from follicle The egg, unless fertilized, only survives 12-24 hours.

PMS Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms related to the menstrual cycle

PMS Physical and emotional disorder Caused by hormonal changes Widely recognized as a medical condition 85% of menstruating women have at least one symptom 5-10% debilitating symptoms Symptoms present two weeks before menstruation

Remedies: Dietary Recommendations Low fat High fiber 3 meals a day and 3 snacks containing starchy foods Drink plenty of water Avoid caffeine Low salt High calcium

Menstrual Conditions Two types Amenorrhea Dysmenorrhea Primary failure to start having a period by the age of 16 Secondary temporary or permanent ending of periods in a woman who has menstruated normally in the past

Menstrual Disorders (Cont) Dysmenorrhea - Painful menstrual periods (aka cramps) Primary no physical abnormality and usually begins within three years after you begin menstruating Secondary involves an underlying physical cause, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids