FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN 1.Physical and emotional changes during puberty 2.The functions of the female reproductive organs 3.Concerns of reproductive health 4.Ways to protect reproduction health

PUBERTY IN FEMALES Puberty = the stage of growth and development when both the male and female body become capable of producing offspring. Physical changes that occur during puberty become noticeable between ages What to know about puberty in females: When a female is around 8 years old, the pituitary gland increases its production of a hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH causes ovaries to secrete estrogen Estrogen is a hormone produced by the ovaries that stimulates the development of female secondary sex characteristics and affects the menstrual cycle. Secondary sex characteristics = physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty (widening of the hips, growth of pubic & underarm hair, increase in breast size, beginning of menstruation)

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS The external female reproductive organs are called the VULVA The vulva consists Mons veneris Labia majora Labia minora Clitoris  Hymen The internal female reproductive organs consist of: Ovaries Fallopian tubes (also known as oviduct) Uterus Vagina

EXTERNAL FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS Mons Veneris = the fatty tissue that covers the front of the pubic bone and serves as a protective cushion for the internal reproductive organs Labia Majora = the heavy folds of skin that surround the opening of the vagina During puberty, hair begins to cover both the mons veneris and the labia majora Labia minora = two smaller folds of skin located within the labia majora (the clitoris and the openings of the urethra and the vagina are located within the labia minora) Clitoris = a small structure located above the opening of the urethra Hymen = thin membrane that stretches across the opening of the vagina

INTERNAL FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS Ovaries = reproductive glands that produce ova and estrogen. A female is born with between 200,000 to 400,000 immature ova in her ovaries. About 375 of these ova will mature and be released in a female’s lifetime. During puberty, the ova begin to develop. Each developing ovum is enclosed in a small, hallow ball called a follicle. Each month during a regular menstrual cycle, an ovum matures and is released from its follicle. Ovulation = is the release of a mature ovum from one of the two ovaries

INTERNAL REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS When an ovum is released from an ovary, it enters one of the Fallopian tubes. Fallopian tube (oviduct) = a tube through which an ovum moves from an ovary to the uterus. If fertilization occurs, it usually occurs in a Fallopian tube. Uterus = a muscular organ that receives and supports the fertilized ovum during pregnancy and contracts during childbirth to help with delivery. The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus that connects to the vagina Vagina = muscular tube that connects the uterus to the outside of the body.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH How can menstrual cramps be reduced? Warm bath, moderate exercise, reducing the amount of caffeine and sodium in diet Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) = a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that affect a female a week to ten days prior to menstruation Symptoms may include weight gain, mild to severe menstrual cramps (contractions of the uterus), bloating, swollen breasts, headache, backache, cravings Amenorrhea = the absence of menstruation What causes a missed menstrual cycle? Underdeveloped female reproductive organs, stress, pregnancy, eating disorders, drastic weight loss, over training

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH What does a pelvic examination include? An examination of the internal female reproductive organs A pap smear = a screening test in which cells are scraped from cervix and examined to detect cervical cancer This is a regular examination that should begin once a female’s parents or guardian and physician decide she should start to have them, a female reaches the age of 18, or a female becomes sexually active. What is toxic shock syndrome (TSS)? A severe illness that results when vaginal bacteria secrete toxin that gets into the bloodstream 1-2 per 100,000 women ages Most cases occur in females who are using tampons. Tampons should be changed every 4-6 hours and a pad should be worn at night.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH Infertility = a condition of the reproductive system that impairs the ability of a female to become pregnant. Conception depends on many factors = production of healthy ovum, unblocked fallopian tubes that allow the sperm to reach the ovum *** Infertility is NOT the same as sterility Sterility = the inability to conceive under any circumstances The most common female factor in infertility is associated with ovulation.

HOW TO PROTECT FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH Practice abstinence from sex prevents teen pregnancy and infection with STI Make a note of any questions you have – ask your parents and/or physician Practice good menstrual hygiene habits – change pad or tampon every 4-6 hours. Wear a pad at night to reduce TSS Choose habits that prevent or lessen menstrual cramps – exercise regularly, reduce caffeine and salt in your diet Keep a calendar to record information about your menstrual cycle – keep track of the number of days in each cycle, keep track of number of days you menstruate, know the date of your last period Perform monthly breast self-examinations – perform exam each month after your menstrual flow stops Have regular medical checkups Seek medical attention when you show signs of infection

THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE Menstrual cycle = the monthly series of changes that involves ovulation, changes in the uterine lining, and menstruation The menstrual cycle usually occurs over 28 days. Which means a female will have her period every 28 days. However, many teens have irregular cycles and the length may vary. Menstruation = the period in the menstrual cycle in which the unfertilized egg and the lining of the uterus leave the body Females often describe menstruation as their “period” Usually lasts about 5 days (this may vary)

THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE Days 1-5 = Menstruation occurs. At the same time, a new ovum is maturing in the ovary. Days 6-12 = The uterine lining (endometrium) begins to thicken. The uterus prepares for ovulation and the possibility that an ovum will be fertilized. Days = Ovulation occurs. A follicle in an ovary bursts, and an ovum is released into one of the fallopian tubes. Days = The corpus luteum secretes hormones to support pregnancy. The corpus luteum is a temporary gland that secretes progesterone Progesterone is a hormone that changes the lining of the uterus. As the uterine lining changes, it prepares to support a fertilized ovum. If an ovum is fertilized, the corpus luteum continues to secrete progesterone throughout pregnancy. Days = The corpus luteum disintegrates if an ovum is not fertilized. Progesterone is no longer secreted. The cells in the lining of the uterus die without progesterone. The unfertilized ovum disintegrates. The menstrual cycle begins again with menstruation.

FERTILIZATION

REVIEW: What is puberty? The stage of growth and development when both the male and female body become capable of producing offspring. During what age range do most females reach puberty? Physical changes usually occur between 8 and 15 List the secondary sex characteristics for females? Widening hips, growth of pubic and underarm hair, increase in breast size, formation of mature ova, and onset of menstruation What are the internal female reproduction organs? Ovaries, Fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina

REVIEW: What are the names of the external female reproductive organs? The vulva is the external reproductive organ. It consists of the mons veneris, the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and hymen Where does fertilization usually occur? in a Fallopian tube What is another name for the Fallopian Tube? oviduct Which reproductive organs produce ova and estrogen? ovaries What is ovulation? the release of a mature ovum from one of the two ovaries

REVIEW What days does ovulation usually occur on? days What structure connects the uterus to the vagina? the cervix What are three functions of the vagina? birth canal, sexual intercourse, and the passageway for menstrual flow What path does the ovum take once released from the ovary? it enters one of the Fallopian tubes and moves into the uterus What is PMS? a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that affect a female a week to ten days prior to menstruation

REVIEW What is the name of the temporary gland that secretes progesterone to supports a pregnancy? Corpus luteum How often do women have their period? every 28 days