1. Female Reproductive System

2. Functions 1. Produce female sex hormone – estrogen and progesterone 2. Storage and production of eggs – female sex cell

3. Some Vocabulary… 1. Ovaries – female sex glands that store ova (eggs) and produce female sex hormone. 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)

4. Female Reproductive System

6. To put it in perspective…

7. More Vocab… 5.Cervix – opening of the uterus 6. Vagina – muscular, elastic passageway that extends from the uterus to the outside of the body

8. 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

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

10. Ovulation (releasing of Ovum)

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. 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.

13. Menstruation Most females begin their menstrual cycle between ages of 10-15. 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 45-55 years old)

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

15. 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

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

17. 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.

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

19. Breast Self-Exam

20. Reproductive Problems 1. Menstrual Cramps – occur at beginning of cycle. Light exercise or heating pad my relieve some pain. If pain is severe, doctor may prescribe medication 2. 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. Cervical and ovarian cancer – early sexual activity and certain STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) can increase the risk of these cancers. Get regular exams!