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Female Reproductive System. Functions. 1. Produce female sex hormone – estrogen and progesterone 2. Storage and production of eggs – female sex cell. Some Vocabulary…. 1. Ovaries – female sex glands that store ova (eggs) and produce female sex hormone.
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Functions • 1. Produce female sex hormone – estrogen and progesterone • 2. Storage and production of eggs – female sex cell
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)
More Vocab… • Cervix – opening of the uterus 6. Vagina – muscular, elastic passageway that extends from the uterus to the outside of the body
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
What is ovulation? • Ovulation – process of releasing a mature ovum into the fallopian tube each month.
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.
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.
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)
Menstruation Cycle • Days 1-4: Lining of the uterus sloughs off and the dead tissue and blood leave the body
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
Menstruation Cycle • Days 26-28: The lining breaks down and is about to leave the body.
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.
Maintaining Health • Perform Self Exam – • Massage each breast in a circular fashion • Check for lumps or abnormalities • See a doctor if you detect anything!
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
Cervical and ovarian cancer – early sexual activity and certain STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) can increase the risk of these cancers. Get regular exams!
