1. Links from
Female Reproductive System – Menstrual Cycle, External View
Male Reproductive System

2. Female Sex Organs: Female gonads are the ovaries
All embryos appear as female at first. Genetic and hormonal signals trigger the development of male organs in those embryos destined to be male.
Sex organs serve a reproductive purpose, but they perform other functions also: giving pleasure, attracting sex partners, and bonding in relationships.

3. Vulva
The external female genitals are known collectively as the vulva. It includes:
Mons pubis
Clitoris
Clitoral Hood (or Prepuce)
Labia Majora
Labia Minora
Urethral Opening
Anus

4. Vulva (cont)
mons pubis is a pad of fatty tissue that covers the area of the pubic bone.
clitoris is the center of sexual arousal in the female.
labia majora (outer lips) are two folds of spongy flesh extending from the mons pubis and enclosing the other external genitals.
labia minora (inner lips) are smooth, hairless folds within the labia majora that meet above the clitoris.

7. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
aka Female Circumcision
What is it?
Types
Areas where it is practiced
Consequences

8. What is FGM?
“the partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for cultural or other nontherapeutic reasons.”
-WHO
Cultural, religious and social factors
No health benefits
Mostly on girls between infancy and age 15

9. Types of FGM Type I Type II
excision of the prepuce, with or without excision of part or all of the clitoris
Type II
excision of the clitoris with partial or total excision of the labia minora

10. Types of FGM (cont) Type III Type IV
Aka infibulation; the most extreme
excision of part or all of the external genitalia and stitching/narrowing of the vaginal opening
Type IV
pricking, piercing or incising of the clitoris and/or labia; stretching of the clitoris and/or labia; cauterization by burning of the clitoris and surrounding tissue

11. Consequences Severe bleeding Problems urinating Infections Infertility
Complications in childbirth
Increased risk of newborn deaths
Need for surgery

12. Where is FGM practiced?
Africa
Asia
Middle East

13. Internal Organs The internal female sexual structures and
reproductive organs include:
Vagina
Uterus
Cervix
Ovaries
Fallopian tubes

15. The Vagina
A flexible muscular organ, approximately 3-4 inches long (in unaroused state) that has the vaginal opening at one end and the cervix at the other.
Purpose of the vagina:
Menstruation
Childbirth
Intercourse

16. The Vagina (cont) Introitus or Vaginal Os Hymen
The opening of the vagina
Hymen
a thin, perforated membrane, that covers the introitus prior to first intercourse or other intrusion.
a Greek word meaning "virginal membrane" or "thin skin".

17. Cervix Located between the vagina and the uterus Cervical Os
Opening to the vagina
Allows menstrual blood to flow out of the uterus into the vagina

18. Uterus Also known as the womb
A pear-shaped organ located between the bladder and the lower intestine
Consists of three parts
Body of the uterus (about the size of a fist in a non-pregnant female)
Cervix
Fundus
Endometrium
Lining of the uterus
is built up and then shed and expelled through the cervical os (opening) during menstruation.

19. Ovaries Egg-producing organs
Eggs are the gametes (or reproductive cells)
Hold between 150,000 and 500,000 follicles (sacks)
Found on each side of the uterus

20. Fallopian Tube Also known as the Uterine Tube
Two leading off each side of the uterus
Site of fertilization

21. Female Sexual Physiology
During puberty hormones trigger the completion of oogenesis, the production of oocytes, commonly called eggs or ova.
Follicles
Sac in which eggs are carried. Found inside the ovaries.

22. Female Sexual Physiology
At birth
150, ,000 follicles.
each containing an immature ova (egg)
By beginning of reproductive life
Diminishes to 34,000 follicles
During active childbearing years (ages 13 – 50)
follicles undergo maturation
Mature follicle (graffian follicle)

23. The Menstrual Cycle Follicular (Proliferative) phase
Days 1 through 6
Beginning of menstrual flow to end of blood flow
Days 7 – 13 endometrium thickens
Luteal (Secretory) phase
aka premenstrual phase
Days 15 to 28
The endometrium thickens to prepare the egg for implantation
These two phases are separated by:
Ovulation
Day 14

24. Ovulation
The process in the menstrual cycle by which a mature ovarian follicle ruptures and releases an ovum (also known as an egg or an oocyte)
The released egg, unless fertilized, only lasts 12 to 24 hours.

26. The Menstrual Cycle

27. Menstrual Cycle Order of the Menstrual Cycle:
Menstrual → Proliferative → Secretory
The menstrual cycle is divided into 3 phases.
1. Menstruation
2. Proliferative Phase: Endometrial tissue builds up during this phase
3. Secretory Phase: Produces nutrients to sustain an embryo

28. Follicular (Proliferative) Phase
Menstrual Phases
Typical No. of Days
Hormonal Actions
Follicular (Proliferative)
Phase
Cycle Days 1 through 6
Beginning of menstruation to end
of blood flow
Estrogen and progesterone start
out at their lowest levels
FSH levels rise to stimulate
maturity of follicles. Ovaries start
producing estrogen and levels
rise, while progesterone levels
remain low.
Cycle Days 7 -13: The
endometrium (the inner lining of
the uterus) thickens to prepare for
the egg implantation
Ovulation
Cycle Day 14
Surge in LH. Largest follicle
bursts and releases egg into
fallopian
Luteal (Secretory)
Cycle Days 15 – 28
Depends on whether fertilization
occurs or not.

29. Corpus Luteum A mound of yellow tissue
Develops as a result of the ruptured follicle
During pregnancy, it serves to produce estrogen and progesterone

31. If fertilization occurs,
Fertilized egg is implanted in the wall of the uterus. Corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone for several months and will remain in ovary until the end of pregnancy.
If fertilization does NOT occur:
Corpus luteum becomes smaller. Progesterone levels drop. Uterine lining sloughs off and menstruation begins.

32. Hormones
Hormones are chemical substances that serve as messengers, traveling through the bloodstream.

33. Hormones Pituitary Hormones Ovarian Hormones (aka sex hormones)
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Ovarian Hormones (aka sex hormones)
Estrogen
Progesterone

34. The egg, unless fertilized, only survives 12-24 hours.
The Path of the Egg
Reaches uterus about 2-4 days after ovulation
Released from follicle
Swept into fallopian tube
Moves slowly toward uterus
Reaches uterus in about 4 days
Moves slowly toward uterus
Swept into fallopian tube
Released from follicle
The egg, unless fertilized, only survives hours.

35. PMS
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms related to the menstrual cycle

36. PMS Physical and emotional disorder Caused by hormonal changes
Widely recognized as a medical condition
85% of menstruating women have at least one symptom
5-10% debilitating symptoms
Symptoms present two weeks before menstruation

37. Remedies: Dietary Recommendations
Low fat
High fiber
3 meals a day and 3 snacks containing starchy foods
Drink plenty of water
Avoid caffeine
Low salt
High calcium

38. Menstrual Conditions Two types Amenorrhea Dysmenorrhea Primary
failure to start having a period by the age of 16
Secondary
temporary or permanent ending of periods in a woman who has menstruated normally in the past

39. Menstrual Disorders (Cont)
Dysmenorrhea - Painful menstrual periods (aka cramps)
Primary
no physical abnormality and usually begins within three years after you begin menstruating
Secondary
involves an underlying physical cause, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids