1. Female Reproductive System

2. Functions
1. Produce female sex hormone – estrogen and progesterone (Estrogen promotes secondary sex characteristics )
2. Storage and production of eggs – female sex cell

3. Secondary Sex Characteristics
Development of breasts
Broadening of the pelvis
Soft and smooth skin
Deposition of fat in the thighs and buttocks
Development of pubic hair
Sex drive
Ovulation
Menstruation

4. Some Vocabulary…
1. Ovaries – female sex glands that store reproductive cell- ova (eggs) AND produce female sex hormones – estrogen and progesterone.
2. Uterus – hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ that nourishes and protects fetus
3. Fallopian Tubes – pair of tubes with fingerlike projections that draw in the egg (ovum)

5. Female Reproductive System

6. Female Reproductive System
Fallopian Tubes
Uterus
Cervix
Ovaries
Vagina
Hymen

7. Female Reproductive System

8. To put it in perspective…

9. More Vocab… Cervix – opening of the uterus
6. Vagina – muscular, elastic passageway that extends from the uterus to the outside of the body

10. The Hymen
Thin membrane that stretches across the opening of the vagina
May not be present in some females
Myth: because a girl does not have a hymen, it does not mean she is no longer a virgin

11. Fertilization
If sperm is present in the fallopian tubes, the sperm cell and ovum may unite, causing fertilization.
This produces a zygote.
When zygote leaves the fallopian tube, it enters the uterus and implants itself in the uterine wall.
Wall thickens with blood to nourish, remains until pregnancy.

12. What is ovulation?
Ovulation – process of releasing a mature ovum into the fallopian tube each month.

13. Ovulation (releasing of Ovum)

14. Menstruation
1. Menstruation is the shedding of the uterine lining – or endometrium
2. When females mature and go through puberty, the uterus prepares each month for possible pregnancy by increasing bloodflow to the endometrium causing the walls to thicken.
3. If no fertilization takes place, endometrium deteriorates and becomes menstrual flow.

15. Menstruation
Most females begin their menstrual cycle between ages of
Hormones control menstrual cycle
However, stress, illness, low body weight, and poor nutrition can impact the cycle.
Menstruation occurs from the onset of puberty until menopause – end of a females productive years (usually years old)

16. Menstruation Cycle
Days 1-4: Lining of the uterus sloughs off and the dead tissue and blood leave the body

17. Menstruation Cycle
Days 5-12: Lining of the uterus repairs itself and menstrual flow stops
Days 13-15: Ovulation occurs (release of egg from ovary) PREGNANCY MOST OFTEN OCCURS AT THIS TIME!!!
Days 16-25: The lining of the uterus again thickens

18. Menstruation Cycle
Days 26-28: The lining breaks down and is about to leave the body.

19. Reproductive Problems
2. HPV – Human Papillomavirus
Also known as genital warts
Can lead to Cervical Cancer if not cured!!
3. Uterine Cancer – Cancer of Uterus
most cases are among women who have gone through menopause
4. Ovarian Cysts – Small fluid filled sacs that develop on Ovaries
Can rupture causing pain
Causes: Hormonal Imbalance, Irregular Cycles

20. Reproductive Problems
1. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
caused by hormonal changes.
Occurs one to two weeks before menstruation.
Symptoms include anxiety, irritability, weight gain, depression, mood swings, and fatigue

21. Reproductive Problems
2. HPV – Human Papillomavirus
Also known as genital warts
Can lead to Cervical Cancer if not cured!!
3. Uterine Cancer – Cancer of Uterus
most cases are among women who have gone through menopause
4. Ovarian Cysts – Small fluid filled sacs that develop on Ovaries
Can rupture causing pain
Causes: Hormonal Imbalance, Irregular Cycles

22. Problems of the Female Reproductive System
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) - a rare bacteria-caused illness occurring mostly in menstruating women who use high absorbency tampons.

23. Breast Cancer
A disease in which malignant tumors grow in breast tissue.
Risk factors for breast cancer
Being older than 50
Family history of breast cancer
Starting menstruation before age 12
Having no pregnancies
Having a first child born after age 30
Beginning menopause after age 50
Being obese
High percentage of body fat
High fat diet
Having cancer in one breast

24. Maintaining Health
Bathe Regularly – shower daily, change tampons every few hours during menstrual period
Regular Checkups – Will include a test known as a Pap smear (detect cancerous cells on cervix) Also, a mammogram to test for breast cancer
Practice Abstinence – refraining from sexual activity until marriage.

25. Maintaining Health Perform Self Exam –
Massage each breast in a circular fashion
Check for lumps or abnormalities
See a doctor if you detect anything!

26. Breast Self-Exam