Female Anatomy

Vulva

Vulva

Vulva

Vulva

Vulva

Female Genital Exam Use a hand mirror to look at your genitals Identify the various parts Look for any unusual bumps or coloring Think about your feelings regarding your genital anatomy. Do it on a regular basis

Vulva External genitals Mon veneris Labia majora and minora Clitoris

Clitoris

Clitoris Homologus to penis Same # of nerve endings as the head of penis Only purpose is sexual arousal Most common method of self stimulation & orgasm

Underlying structures

Clitoris photo

Underlying structures Vestibular bulbs Bartholin’s glans

Pelvic floor muscles

Kegel Exercises Urinary control after childbirth Increases genital sensitivity Increases sensation during intercourse Technique of doing exercises

Internal structures (summary) Vagina Vasocongestion = lubrication Grafenberg (G) spot Cervix Uterus Ovaries

Vagina, Uterus, Ovaries

Uterus & Ovaries

Vagina Vaginal opening has highest concentration of vaginal musculature Inner 2/3 = fewest nerve endings Changes during intercourse Orgasmic platform

Vaginal lubrication The first sign of sexual arousal Occurs within 10 – 30 seconds after effective physical or psychological stimulation Seeps through the vaginal walls as vasocongestion occurs.

Other vaginal lubrication Saliva Water-based lubricant Lubricated condoms Not Vaseline

Chronic vaginitis Due to Birth control pills Antibiotic medication

Bartholin’s glands Located on either side of the vaginal opening Produces fluid Function unknown Possibly to lubricate entrance to vagina

Hymen Use is largely unknown Types Imperforate hymen

Grafenberg (G) spot Location Female counterpart to male prostate gland http://mama.indstate.edu/users/nizrael/grafenberg.html Female counterpart to male prostate gland Female ejaculation

Cervix Cervical cancer - increases risk due to Genital warts Having several male sexual partners First intercourse at an early age Cigarette smoke

Uterus Endometrioses Cells from uterine lining implant in abdominal cavity

Ovaries 40,000 to 400,000 innature ova at birth 300 - 450 mature in a woman’s lifetime Ovaries are endocrine glands Produce sex hormones Estrogen and progesterone

Fallopian tubes

After release from ovary, eggs viable for 24-48 hours for fertilization

Breasts

Breasts Size Preoccupation with size Fatty tissue determines size Unrelated to milk or sensitivity Preoccupation with size Surgical alternatives Enlargement http://www.plasticsurgerypa.com/pgallery/benlargement.html Reduction http://www.plasticsurgerypa.com/pgallery/breduction.html Lift http://www.plasticsurgerypa.com/pgallery/blift.html

Silicon Gel Breast Implants

Breast exams Self-exam = good Mammogram = better MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) = Best

Mammogram

Menstruation Menarche Menstrual synchrony Onset = 11 - 15 years Women living together develop similar cycles

Menstrual synchrony Synchronized menstration Apparently based on the sense of smell

Menopause Permanent cessation of menstruation Hormone replacement therapy Benefits Protects against Osteoporoses Cardiovascular disease Loss of vaginal lubrication KY Risks May increase estrogen dependent breast cancer Endometrial cancer