1. The Female Reproductive System
Unlike other body systems, the reproductive system
is different for males and females
In this lesson, you will learn to
identify the parts of the female reproductive system.
describe the functioning of the female reproductive system.
identify problems of the female reproductive system.
recognize the importance of early detection in the treatment of conditions of the female reproductive system.
describe ways to keep your reproductive system healthy.

2. Reproductive System
The body system containing the organs that make possible the production of offspring

3. The Female Reproductive System
Three Functions of the Female Reproductive System
Create offspring
Store egg cells
Give birth
to allow fertilization
to occur
to nourish and protect
the fertilized egg

4. Female Reproductive Organs
Internal
External – Vulva
ovaries
fallopian tubes
fimbriae
uterus (womb)
cervix
vagina
mons pubis
labia majora (outer lips)
labia minora (inner lips)
vaginal opening
hymen – thin membrane partially covering the opening of vagina
clitoris
Vulva
the external part of the female reproductive organs …….
external genitalia

5. Female Reproductive Organs
ovaries
female sex glands
two rounded organs, one on either side of the uterus
contains the ova, eggs, and hormones that cause the egg to mature
estrogen
progesterone
ova (ovum)
egg, female sex cells
a female is born with hundreds of thousands of immature ova in her ovaries
from puberty to menopause hormones cause ova mature
a few hundred will mature during reproductive years
Female Reproductive Organs

6. Female Reproductive Organs
fallopian tubes
tubes that carry eggs, ova, from ovaries to uterus
fimbriae
finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tubes that reach out and “grab” the egg as it leaves the ovary
Female Reproductive Organs

7. Female Reproductive Organs
uterus (womb)
pear shaped hollow muscular
organ that receives, holds, and
nourishes the fertilized ovum during
pregnancy
with thick muscular walls
which are
the thick muscular walls
are highly elastic and can stretch many times its normal size
Female Reproductive Organs
Endometrium
the uterine lining … bloody tissue lining
thickens to prepare for the attachment
of the embryo
is shed during monthly menstrual period
if pregnancy does not occur

8. Female Reproductive Organs
cervix
the neck of the uterus, (lower portion)
protrudes into the top of the vagina
the passageway between the uterus and the vagina
site of glands that secret mucus to lubricate the vagina

9. Female Reproductive Organs
vagina
an elastic, muscular tube that is a passage way between the uterus and the outside of the body, (vulva)
also called the birth canal
the female organ for intercourse
repository for semen when a male ejaculates with the penis inside the vagina during intercourse
It is possible for the sperm to enter the reproductive system if the male ejaculates near the vagina
3 to 4 inches long
capable to stretch for birth of baby
Female Reproductive Organs
Vulva
the external part of the female reproductive organs …….
external genitalia

10. ovulation when a mature ovum,(egg) is released from the ovaries
it travels along the fallopian tubes to the uterus
usually once a month … from one ovary
an ovum can live about a day in a fallopian tube
ova (ovum)
egg, female sex cells
a female is born with hundreds of thousands of immature ova in her ovaries
from puberty to menopause hormones cause ova mature
a few hundred will mature during reproductive years
IF A SPREM IS PRESENT AND ONE SUCCESSFULLY PENETRATES THE OVUM
Fertilization
union of a sperm and an egg to form a single cell – PREGNANCY

11. Female Reproductive Organs
Fimbriae
Fimbriae
Ova
(inside)
Ovary

12. Menstruation The menstrual period
the process of shedding the uterine lining (discharging blood and tissue out of the female body)
Occurs only when an ovum is not fertilized
Page 38 in Human Sexuality Book

13. menstrual cycle the time from one menstruation to another
first day of period to first day of next period
usually 28 days
starts at puberty and continues until menopause
due to increase levels of hormones
purpose is to prepare the body for fertilization … get ready to have a baby

14. 4 stages of the cycle Days 1-8 menstruation … menstrual period
about 5-7 days average … not always
Days 9-13 … days before release egg
hormones cause an egg to mature in one ovary
body is preparing for egg
Day 14 … ovulation … egg is released into one fallopian tube
14 days before menstrual period
4. Days … days after egg is released – egg travel through the fallopian tube to the uterus waiting to be fertilized
IF EGG NOT FERTILIZED CYCLE BEGINS AGAIN

15. 2. body is preparing for egg 3. ovulation egg travel through the 14
1. menstruation
2. body is preparing for egg
3. ovulation
egg travel through the
fallopian tube to the uterus
waiting to be fertilized
IF EGG NOT FERTILIZED CYCLE BEGINS AGAIN

16. THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
the average length of the menstrual cycle is 28 days, however ……
it is normal for the cycle to be longer or shorter
Blood passing out of the body is about 3-10 table spoons
This is blood the body does not need so it does not make the women ill or weak
the most likely time to get pregnant is around ovulation time
ovulation occurs on or about 14 days before your period starts regardless of the length of your cycle
to count the days of the menstrual cycle:
day 1 – first day of menstrual period
last day of cycle – day before your period starts again
Menstruation continues until menopause

17. Cramps … uterus is contracting mood swings or sadness … hormones
Menstrual Problems
A variety of menstrual problems can affect girls. Some of the more common conditions are:
Cramps … uterus is contracting
mood swings or sadness … hormones
Less often ……
painful periods
very heavy periods with excess bleeding.
missed or infrequent periods, even though she's been menstruating for a while and isn't pregnant.

18. Problems of the Female Reproductive System
Infertility:
This is the inability to get pregnant. It may be due to blocked fallopian tubes, a failure to produce eggs, endometriosis, or and STD left untreated.
Ovarian cysts:
These are growths on the ovary. Symptoms of ovarian cysts include a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen and abdominal pain, swelling, and bloating.
Infections - Vaginitis – inflammation of vaginal tissue, Yeast infections
symptoms inflammation of vaginal tissue, discharge, burning,
itching, and painful urination
Toxic shock syndrome - Associated with tampon use and some contraceptive
devises
symptoms include: fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, rash
Cancer – Breast – Cervical
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
These are diseases spread through sexual contact.
Infertility:
This is the inability to get pregnant. It may be due to blocked fallopian tubes or a failure to produce eggs.
Ovarian cysts:
These are growths on the ovary. Symptoms of ovarian cysts include a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen and abdominal pain, swelling, and bloating.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs):
These are diseases spread through sexual contact.

19. Gynecologist GYN
a physician who specializes in caring for the female reproductive system
women should start to see a gynecologist by about age 18 or when they begin to be sexually active

20. Caring for The Female Reproductive System
Practice abstinence from sex - this can prevent infections with HIV and other STDs
Bathe or shower daily - keep the external reproductive organs clean especially during menstruation.
Sanitary pads and tampons should be changed often - every four hours.
Perform self breast examinations - a way to check your own breast for lumps or tenderness.
Have regular medical checkups – Pap Test - a physician can answer any question she has. Gynecologist.
Get medical attention for signs of infection - lumps, sores, rashes, or a discharge that require medical attention.

21. What happens if an egg is not fertilized?
It is eliminated from the body through menstruation ... Woman has her period
What happens if it is fertilized?
An egg that is fertilized moves down into uterus and implants in the endometrium and develops into a baby….. No period

22. What are the three most important functions of the female reproductive system?
to store eggs
to allow fertilization to occur
to nourish and protect the fertilized egg until it is ready to live outside the female’s body