1. Female Reproduction
Ova- Female reproduction cells stored in the ovaries
Estrogen (Hormone)- Organs mature, pubic and armpit
hair, regulates release of eggs
Menstruation- The process of shredding the lining of the uterus
Menstrual Period- The time from the beginning of menstruation period to the onset of the next. Usually 28 days
Ovulation- Ovaries begin the process of releasing one mature ovum each month
Zygote- The cell that results from the union of sperm and ovum
Fetus- Last 7 months of development
Placenta- Organ that nourishes fetus

2. Internal Organs
Vagina- Very muscular/elastic tube-like passageway that extends from the uterus to the outside of the body.
Ovaries- Female sex glands
Function: House the ova and produce female hormones estrogen and progesterone
Cervix- Neck of uterus dilates during birth to allow passage of baby
Uterus- Strong elastic muscle about the size of a fist
Function: Hold and nourish developing embryo and fetus
Fallopian Tubes- Located on each side of the uterus, and are lined w/ cilia (tiny hair-like projections) where fertilization usually occurs

3. External Organs
Mons Pubis- Rounded fatty pad of tissue, covered w/ pubic hair
Labia Majora- Outer fold of tissue on either side of vaginal opening
Labia Minora- Inner fold of tissue that extends forward forming a hood-like covering over the clitoris
Clitoris- Small knob of tissue in front of the vaginal opening
Function: sexual arousal

5. Female Concerns
Infertility- Inability for a female to become pregnant
Problems that can cause infertility:
Blocked fallopian tubes- Causes are pelvic inflammatory disease or abdominal surgery. ***Leading cause of infertility***
Pelvic InflammatoryDisease- Infection of the fallopian tubes
Endometriosis- Uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, often appearing on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the abdominal cavity
Problems related to menstruation:
Menstrual cramps- Cramps in abdominal occur during menstrual period

6. Concerns continued…
Types of cramps:
Dysmenorrhea- Painful contractions lasting 1-2 days
Amenorrhea- Lack of menstruation by age of 16 or stopping of cycle for 3 or more months
(PMS) Premenstrual Syndrome- Symptoms are: nervous tension, anxiety, irritability, bloating, wt gain, depression, mood swings
(TSS) Toxic Shock Syndrome- Caused by using tampons during period
~Bacteria produce a toxic poison that affects liver and the immune system
Symptoms: vomiting, dizziness, rash, kidney and liver damage, diarrhea
Yeast Infection- Fungus, thick white discharge, foul odor, and severe itching
Sterility- Untreated STD, blockage of tubes, fertilization can not occur

7. Concerns continued…
Breast Cancer- Change in breast or nipple, lump or swelling in breast or armpit
~4000 women and 400 men will die this yr of breast cancer
Mammogram- Test for breast cancer
Cervical Cancer- Causes can include many sexual partners, early sexual activity, effects women between Caused by HPV
Pap Smear- Test to detect for abnormal cells in cervix
Trichomoniasis- A vaginal infection that can lead to urethra and bladder infections
Vaginitis- Most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age
Symptoms: Discharge, odor, itching, pain
Ovarian Cysts- Fluid-filled sacs on the ovary. Small non-cancerous, usually disappear on their own. Larger cysts may need surgery

9. Preventing Problems
1. Prevent STDs
2. Prevent vaginal irritation: redness, itching, and mild pain
3. Avoid wearing. tight clothing
4. Relieving menstrual cramps- taking warm baths, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, reducing caffeine and sugar intake
5. Preventing infertility can be caused endometriosis and STDs