THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Prepares eggs for possible fertilization

Contains structures to enable fertilization to occur and house & nourish a developing baby

FUNCTIONS AND STRUCTURE

Reproductive organs: Ovaries Produce and store Ova-egg cells Fewer than 500 released in a lifetime Average 1 egg about every 28 days

o During Puberty: Hypothalamus stimulates the release of

hormones from the pituitary gland Pituitary gland stimulates cells in ovaries

to produce estrogen and progesterone

FUNCTION & STRUCTURE Estrogen: Causes reproductive system to complete its

development Helps produce secondary sex characteristics Breast enlargement Widening of hips Body hair Reproductive organs mature

Progesterone: Responsible for preparing body for pregnancy

and if it occurs, to maintain body until birth Occurs after ovulation Prepares endometrium for possible pregnancy Inhibits new Ova development

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS Ovulation: Early teen year-immature Ova mature Ovaries begin process of releasing 1 mature ovum(monthly) Ovaries rotate (take turns) release of ovum

Fallopian Tubes: Passage for released ovum(egg) from ovaries Provide a way for egg to travel from ovary to uterus Sperm cell present in fallopian tube may unite with ovum Zygote-cell that results from the union of sperm & ovum

Uterus: (Womb) The size of a pear-increases 20x Houses developing offspring Once formed, zygote leaves fallopian tubes-travels to uterus,

then attaches to the uterus wall Endometrium lines the uterus

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS Cervix: Lower entrance to the uterus Controls the opening of the uterus

Vagina: Birth canal Male sperm enters through the vagina Muscular/elastic passageway Extends from the cervix to the outside of the body

Vulva: External structure Includes the Labia The Labia is folds of skin that cover & protect the

opening to the female reproductive system

MENSTRUATION(MENSTRUAL CYCLE)

Each month the uterus prepares to receive & nourish an embryo

Takes an average of 28 days to complete the cycle

4 stages occur in the uterus each month: Follicular stage: 14 days Ovulation: 3 to 4 days Luteal Phase: 14 days Menstrual Fluid: 2 to 8 day

MENSTRUATION

Endometrium grows thicker to prepare to receive fertilized egg

Last around 14 days

Egg is released into fallopian tubes awaiting fertilization

Egg survives about 48 hours to 72 hours

Male sperm can survive only about 48 hours

Follicular Stage Ovulation

MENSTRUATION

14 days

Endometrium becomes thicker

No fertilized egg present cause the endometrium to break down and is discharged

Lasts 2- 8 days

Result of breakdown

Sanitary pads or tampons are used to absorb the blood flow

Luteal Phase Menstrual Fluid

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE MENSTRUATION

Most females begin menstruation between 10 & 15 years of age

May be irregular at first Hormones control the cycle but poor nutrition, stress,

weight gain also affect it. Problems related to menstruation include: Cramps: Exercise & a heating pad can help-a Dr. may

prescribe medication if needed Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Variety of symptoms Many do not experience this but can cause: nervous

tension, anxiety, mood swings, depression, and fatigue Cause is not completely understood but good nutrition &

regular exercise may reduce the severity of symptoms• Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) Most often occurs between 15-19 years old Rare but fatal condition-Hygiene is a must

CARE OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Good hygiene

Breast self-Examination (monthly)

Mammogram

Pap Test helps determine uterus & cervical cancer

Pelvic exam checks for size, shape, & position of pelvic organs

PROBLEMS THAT CAN CAUSE INFERTILITY

Blocked fallopian tube Leading cause of infertility May result from PID or abdominal surgery Endometriosis 2nd leading cause of infertility Uterine tissue grows outside the uterus Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Infection of fallopian tubes, ovaries, & surrounding areas Ovarian Cysts Small ones can dissolve themselves Larger ones are typically removes surgically Cancer of the Cervix & Uterus (HPV) PAP test Breast Cancer Early detection helps for successful treatment Early sexual activity & family history related to incidence of cervical

cancer PAP test performed every 1-2 years after the age of 18 years old