The Menstrual Cycle A womans monthly reproductive cycle

The Menstrual Cycle A woman’s monthly reproductive cycle that involves ovulation, changes in the uterine lining, and menstruation When the reproductive organs are mature-usually about 12

Terminology Endometrium- A thick spongy tissue that lines the uterine wall and provides the fertilized egg with nourishment during the early stages of development Menstruation-when an unfertilized egg & the lining of the uterus leave the body /the shedding of the uterine lining, when the egg is not fertilized Ovulation- when an egg is released from an ovary /it than travels down the fallopian tube to the uterus FSH-Follicle Stimulating Hormone-stimulates the growth of the ovarian follicle & production of estrogen/ Pituitary Gland Progesterone-is a hormone that changes the lining of the uterus/ Prepares the lining for support of a fertilized ovum (egg), peaks @ the Corpus Luteum stage.

Menstrual Cycle Days 1 -13 - a new egg is maturing Day 14 – ovulation-a new egg is released into the fallopian tubes Days 15 -20 - the egg travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus Days 21 -28 - After seven days, if the egg is not fertilized menstruation begins

Concerns about Menstruation • PMS-Premenstrual syndrome-physical & emotional symptoms 2 weeks before menstruation • Toxic shock syndrome-a bacterial infection from tampon misuse during menstruationrash, chills, fever , drop in blood pressure, kidney , liver damage

Other concerns & disorders • Ovarian cyst-a fluid filled sac on the ovary • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)-bacterial infection of the fallopian tubes & other reproduction organscan scar & cause infertility • Endometriosis- when the endometrium grows outside the uterus-blocks the tubes /surgery

Birth control-Hormonal • • • The patch-99% Oral contraceptive-99% Injection-99% IUD-Progestin release-99% Vaginal Ring-99% All are based on preventing the release of an egg from the ovaries into the uterus, interferes with natural cycle, Healthcare professional needed.

Birth Control- Nonhormonal • • Male condom-97% Female condom-95% IUD-99% Spermicides- 94% Diaphragm-94% vaginal barrier Cervical cap-91%vagial barrier Designed as a barrier against sperm or by interfering with its movement- They do not interfere with natural cycle, no healthcare professional is needed, perhaps last two

Birth Control-Con’t • • • Sponge Morning After Pill Surgical Sterilization Vasectomy-male Tubal Ligation-female The last 3 are permanent procedures, under certain conditions the bottom 2 may be corrected

Menstrual cycle • Menopause-the time in life when a woman stops menstruating-45 -55 years old, ovaries stop the production of estrogen • Hysterectomy-removal of all reproductive organs “Menopause is easy- after you stop laying eggs, they eat you. ”