anatomy of the female reproductive system puberty in females pituitary gland release gonadotropic...
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Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System
Puberty in Females•Pituitary gland release gonadotropic hormones – LH & FSH•Activate the female gonads which begins producing the female sex hormones estrogen & progesterone•Secondary sex characteristics begin – this can include budding of breasts, auxillary hair development, leading to menarche around age 13 – usually anovulatory (not ovulating)•Other changes as well
•The female reproductive system is made up of both internal and external organs.
•Unlike the male organs, the females reproductive organs are almost entirely hidden.
KEY TERMS – Female Reproductive System
External terms• Vulva – describes all external parts• Labia Majora –outer folds of skin; protect from
harmful bacteria entering vagina• Labia Minora – inner folds - Both become sensitive
during stimulation• Clitoris – located in front of vulva – many blood
vessels & nerve endings; fills with blood during stimulation
• Urethra - connects to bladder -eliminates urine• Vagina – opening to uterus – birth canal• Perineum – field of tissue between vagina & anus• Mons Pubis – pad of tissue covering pubic bone –
some sensitivity – covered w/ pubic hair• Hymen – membrane that sometimes covers vaginal
opening
Internal structures• Vagina –birth canal – about 3-5 inches deep –
nerve endings concentrated near opening; can expand or contract because of the muscles it is made up of
• Cervix – lower end of the uterus – located at top of canal; most STD’s grow in the cervix- no wider than a straw but expands during childbirth
• Uterus – reproductive organ, located top of vagina beyond the cervix – about size of a fist and shaped like an upside down pear – sheds lining monthly as a part of the menstrual cycle; houses fertilized egg during pregnancy. Some of the strongest muscles in the female body are in the Uterus
• Endometrium –lining of uterus – shed during cycle or supports fertilized egg during pregnancy
Internal structures – cont.
• Bartholin glands – located on sides of canal – release lubricant into canal
• Fallopian tubes – egg travels down tube to the uterus – fertilization can take place in lower 1/3 of tube if sperm present; as wide as a piece of spaghetti and 4 inches long
• Fimbriae – fingers of f. tube – move toward gonads as ovulation takes place – scoops up ova
• Ovaries – female gonads – house sex cell until mature in structure called “follicle”– females born with approx 1 million eggs but only 400 go through ovulation; ovaries also produce sex hormones
Hormones
•Estrogen- causes reproductive organs to mature into adult shape & size – growth of auxillary hair & strengthens bones
•w/ progesterone – regulates the menstrual cycle a & preparing uterus for pregnancy
•Ova – female sex cells – begin to mature around age 15 – released monthly during ovulation -
Menstrual Cycle
•Complex combination of hormonal & physical changes
• Involves FSH & LH•Based on a 28 day cycle – can
vary•Factors that can affect MC
include stress, diet, travel, exercise, WT gain/loss, illness
•Refer to MC chart for cycle
Problems of Female Repo. SystemProblem What it is? Symptoms Treatment
CystitisBladder infection
Inflammation of bladder; usually due to bacterial infection
Burning during urination; strong smell; fever or blood in urine
Antibiotics
Vaginitis Vaginal infection by fungus, bacteria, or protozoa; may be from STI
Irritation or itchin around vagina; secretions of unusual color &/or unpleasant odor
Over-the –counter vaginal cream or antibiotic
Problem What it is? Symptoms Treatment
Amenorrhea(Delayed puberty)
Late puberty due to anorexia, endocrine problems, excessive wt. loss, &/or Over exercise
No breast development, &/or no Menstrual periods
Determined by doctor
Menstrual Cramps
Prostaglandins(hormone like substance) produced during menstruation causes cramps
Contractions of uterine muscle, abdominal pain, some nausea/vomit
Over-the-counter meds, warm baths, doctor
PremenstrualSyndrome
PMS
Mental & physical changes related to MC; not completely understood
Irritability, mood swings, depression, abdominal bloating, breast tenderness
doctor
Problem What it is? Symptoms Treatment
Ovarian Cyst Failure of follicle to rupture & release an ova; may also be growths from cancer
Pain in lower abdomen or pelvis for a month or so
Mx by doctor; cysts often go away on own but may need surgery
Cervical Cancer Abnormal division of cells in cervix; can be from STI
Vaginal bleeding, discharge, pelvic pain, may be no symptoms
Surgery, radiation, chemo
Problem What it is? Symptoms Treatment
Toxic Shock Syndrome(TSS)
Poisoning of the body from bacterial toxins; usually related to tampon use
Fever, chills, weakness, rash on palms of hands
Antibiotics & immediate Mx treatment
Endometriosis Growth of tissue from uterine lining outside the uterus
Severe cramping and pain in lower abdomin or pelvis region
MX – hormone therapy or surgery
HEALTHY FRS
•Women should practice good-hygiene, self-exams, regular MX visits•Balanced diet & exercise•Prevent STI’s – •Prevent vaginal irritation=redness, itching, mild pain around vaginal opening; prevent by reg. bathing, loose cotton underclothes, not wearing wet clothes for long periods of time, etc•Relieving menstrual cramps•Preventing infertility
---Annual pelvic exam
• 7 Ways to Stay Healthy1. Exercise regularly & maintain balanced
diet2. Gently wash genital area w/ warm water
& soap daily- do not use hygiene sprays/powders
3. Wipe front to back after urination4. Change sanitary napkins every 4-6 hours5. Avoid wearing tight clothing that can
cause discomfort6. Have annual pelvic exam7. Do monthly SBE
Breast Cancer• Mainly older women but can occur at any age • At risk if it runs in the family but not the only factor• Can be treated effectively if detected early• WAYS TO CHECK
– Mammogram– Self-breast exam- Perform BSE during/after warm bath/shower; & at least
1 week after period- Stand in front of mirror, place 1 hand over head & use
other to examine each breast separately– Use your thumb/index finger to gently squeeze each
nipple looking for unusual discharge– Check each nipple for swelling, dimpling, scaliness– Use 3 fingers to feel each breast for unusual lumps or
thickening under skin. Check under armpits & breast as well