1. The Female Reproductive system
Prepares eggs for possible fertilization
Contains structures to enable fertilization to occur and house & nourish a developing baby

2. 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
During Puberty:
Hypothalamus stimulates the release of hormones from the pituitary gland
Pituitary gland stimulates cells in ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

8. 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

9. Menstruation
Follicular Stage
Ovulation
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

10. Menstruation Luteal Phase Menstrual Fluid 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

11. 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 years old
Rare but fatal condition-Hygiene is a must

12. 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

13. 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