Female Reproductive System Several Functions Produces Female sex

Female Reproductive System • Several Functions – Produces Female sex hormones – Stores Ova (Ovum) which is the female reproductive cells – Nourishes and protects fertilized ovum (egg) from pregnancy to birth • Females enter puberty 9 -12 years of age – Hormonal changes, hair growth, hips widen, breast development, and acne is possible

Female Reproductive Organs • Vagina – Sperm enters through vagina and acts as the birth canal – Muscular, elastic passage way – Extends from uterus to outside of the body • Ova – Egg – Stored in ovaries – At birth 400, 000 immature ova are in ovaries

• Ovaries – Female Sex Glands – House of ova – Produce female sex hormone – Located on each side of lower abdominal cavity • Ovulation – After ova mature ovaries release one mature ovum each month – Usually one ovary releases a mature ovum one month and the other the next • Fallopian Tubes – A tube that transports ova to the uterus.

• Uterus – A hollow muscular organ located in the pelvic cavity of female in which the fertilized egg implants and develops. • Cervix – A narrow outer end of the uterus. • Labia (Vulva) – Any of four folds of tissue of the female external genitalia. • Clitoris – A small elongated highly sensitive erectile organ. • Hymen – Membrane covering the opening of the female system

Menstruation • Menstruation – If ovum does not become fertilized menstruation occurs – The lining of the uterus breaks down into blood, tissue and fluids – It will pass through the CERVIX (neck of uterus) and out the vagina – The flow usually lasts about 5 -7 days – After the flow ends the entire cycle begins again – The lining of the uterus thickens again to receive a fertilized egg

• Menstrual cycle is the time from the beginning of one period to the onset of the next – This is usually 28 days – Most females begin between 10 -15 years of age – May be irregular at first *Poor nutrition, stress, illness can all influence regularity

Problems of Female System • Menstrual cramps – Occur in beginning of menstrual period – Heating pad or light exercise will help – Dysmenorrhea – severe or persistent cramping – Amenorrhea – Abnormal menstruation.

PMS (PRE - MENSTRUAL SYNDROME) • Physical & emotional discomfort that occurs before a menstrual period starts • SYMPTOMS: Usually appear 1 - 2 weeks before Menstruation – Mood changes – Muscle cramps in stomach and back – Breast tenderness – Nausea – Headaches – Fatigue – Bloated feeling – Weight gain – Inability to sleep / concentrate – Depression

MENSTRUAL CYCLE • Toxic Shock Syndrome – TSS – An acute infection characterized by sudden high fever, a sunburn like rash, vomiting, and diarrhea, followed in severe cases by shock, that is caused by a toxin-producing strain of the common bacterium. – NEVER – leave a tampon in more than 6 - 8 hours – 1 in 100, 000 Women in the U. S. get TSS – 5% of these cases cause Death - 650 people a year die.

• • • Tubal Ligation – A method of female sterilization in which the fallopian tubes are surgically tied. Menopause – The period marked by the natural and permanent cessation of menstruation, occurring usually between the ages of 45 and 55. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – Inflammation of the female genital tract. Endometriosis – A condition, usually resulting in pain and dysmenorrhea, that is characterized by the abnormal occurrence of functional endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Ovarian Cysts – fluid-filled sacs on the ovary. Small noncancerous cysts will disappear but larger cysts may require surgery Cervical, uterine and ovarian cancer – May be caused by early sexual activity and STDs like Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

• Bathe regularly • During menstruation, change tampons or sanitary pads every few hours • Practice Abstinence • Regular breast self-exam