1. Human Sexuality Sexual Anatomy
Nur 150
Human Sexuality
Sexual Anatomy

2. Female Sexual Anatomy and Physiology

3. Betty Dodson

4. Increases sexual comfort
Genital Self-Exam
Increases sexual comfort
Monitor for changes related to health concerns

5. Routine self-examination is an aspect of preventive health care.

6. The Vulva
External female genitalia
Mons veneris: “mound of Venus” Roman goddess of love and beauty
Labia majora & minora

7. The Vulva
The structures and variations of the vulva: (a) external structures and (b-d) different shapes and colors.

8. Only function = sexual arousal
The Clitoris
Analogous to penis
Only function = sexual arousal
Clitoral stimulation most common way women achieve orgasm
Consider female genital mutilation

9. The Underlying Structures of the Vulva

10. Vestibule (inside the labia minora)
The Vulva
Vestibule (inside the labia minora)
Urethral opening
Vaginal introitus (opening)
Hymen
Perineum
Episiotomy

11. Underlying Structures
Vestibular bulbs
Bartholin’s glands
Pelvic floor muscles
Kegel exercises: conscious, voluntary engagement of muscles increases health, strength, blood flow and pleasure
During arousal and orgasm these muscles involuntarily contract

12. Kegel excercise

13. Underlying Structures
The underlying muscles of the vulva. These muscles can be strengthened using the Kegel exercises described in the text.

14. Internal Structures: Vagina
3 layers: mucous, muscle, fibrous
Arousal and vaginal lubrication or transudation
Lubrication changes vaginal ph and increases pleasure
Increased blood flow causes swelling of labia and vaginal opening, which acts like brake pads gripping penis upon insertion
Clitoral glans pulls back towards pubic bone, retracting under its hood (protecting itself against direct stimulation)
Grafenberg (G) spot: anterior wall of vagina, a system of ducts and glands that surround the urethra
Secretions & chemical balance: body naturally creates a healthy balance

15. Internal Female Sexual Anatomy

16. Internal Structures Cervix Uterus Fallopian tubes Ovaries
3 layers and fundus (top)
Perimetrium
Myometrium
Endometrium-nourishes zygote (united sperm and egg)
Fallopian tubes
Fimbriae: fingerlike ends of the fallopian tubes where the released ovum enters
Ovaries
About the size and shape of an almond
Up to 472,000 immature ova at birth
400 mature in lifetime
Ovulation = release of ovum

17. Myths and negative attitudes Menarche (initial onset)
Menstruation
Myths and negative attitudes
Menarche (initial onset)
Age 11-15
Related to heredity, health, altitude
Average female: if years old, for 5 days every 28 days, then average woman spends 7 years of her life menstruating

18. Menstrual Physiology
Flow lasts from 2 to 6 days
Volume varies from 6 to 8 ounces
Duration varies 24 to 42 days
Menstrual synchrony with moon phases and other close women

19. Hypothalamus releases GnRH that stimulates pituitary
The Menstrual Cycle
Hypothalamus releases GnRH that stimulates pituitary
Pituitary produces
Follicle Stimulating Hormone
Lutenizing Hormone
Negative feedback mechanism

20. Three Phases of The Menstrual Cycle
Shedding of endometrium
Proliferative
Thickening of endometrium, follicle maturation & ovulation
Secretory
Corpus luteum development, futher thickening of endometrium

21. Menstrual Cycle Problems
Premenstrual syndrome
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Dysmenorrhea = painful menses
Amenorrhea = no menses
Self-help for menstrual symptoms
exerise
Nutrition- cutting back sugar, caffeine, and nicotine
Orgasm can relieve cramps
Toxic shock syndrome

22. Terms Related to Menopause
Climacteric
Physiological changes during transition period of fertility to infertility
Peri-menopause
Time before menopause when estrogen is decreasing
Menopause
Permanent cessation of menstruation

23. Symptoms vary from mild to strong Amenorrhea, then menopause
Menopausal Symptoms
Symptoms vary from mild to strong
Amenorrhea, then menopause
Hot flashes or warm spells
Dysregulation of body temp
Night sweats, interrupted sleep
Headaches, poor concentration
Depression, anxiety

24. Hormone Therapy
Benefits and problems from hormone therapy.

25. Gynecological Health Concerns
Urinary tract infections
Vaginal infections
Pap smear screens for cervical cancer
Hysterectomy or oophorectomy
Most frequently performed U.S. operation
More frequently performed on low income, less educated women who perhaps had less preventative heacare
Non-surgical options

26. The Breast
Secondary sex characteristics
Mammary glands produce milk
Areola is darker area
Nipple is in center of areola & has openings for milk
Depression, anxiety

27. Breast size and shape vary from woman to woman.

28. Breast size and shape vary from woman to woman.

29. Breast size and shape vary from woman to woman.

30. Cross-Section of Breast
Cross-section front and side views of the female breast.

31. Breast Health Breast Lumps Breast cancer Cysts (fluid-filled sacs)
Fibroadenomas (solid, round, benign tumors)
Malignant tumor
Breast cancer
Treatments
Risk factors
Reconstructive breast surgery
Benefits of early detection & treatment

32. FGM

33. Hymen

35. Hymen Variations

36. Clitoris

38. Figure 4.2: The underlying structures of the vulva.
Fig. 4-2, p. 82

39. Hymen

40. Figure 4. 3: The underlying muscles of the vulva
Figure 4.3: The underlying muscles of the vulva. These muscles can be strengthened by using the Kegel exercises described in the Your Sexual Health box.
Fig. 4-3, p. 85

41. The speculum opens the walls of the vaginal canal.

42. Table 4-2, p. 103

43. Table 4-3, p. 106