Female Reproductive System

Functions 1. Produce sex hormones – examples: estrogen and progesterone 2. Produce eggs- also known as ova; reproductive cell 3. Provide a nourishing environment in which a fertilized egg can develop into a baby

Ovaries – the reproductive glands in which eggs are produced, are about the size of an almond *when a girl is born, each ovary contains hundreds of thousands of immature eggs. *eggs mature when a girl reaches puberty *then ovaries release one ripened egg each month – called ovulation * the egg released is no larger than a period at the end of a sentence

Fallopian Tubes – passageways that carry eggs away from the ovaries * when ovaries release a mature egg, fingerlike ends of the fallopian tube draws the egg into the opening * tiny hairs in the fallopian tubes help the egg move * this is where an egg is fertilized by a sperm

Uterus – a hollow, muscular pear-shaped organ, where the fertilized egg will develop and grow * several different layers of tissue and a rich supply of blood to protect and nourish the developing fetus * cervix – narrow base of the uterus, expands to let the baby pass through

Vagina – or birth canal, muscular passage leading from the uterus to the outside of the body * where sperm enters the female body * walls are very elastic – allows for dramatic expansion during childbirth

Menstrual Cycle – process during which an egg matures, is released, and the uterus prepares to receive it * each menstrual cycle lasts approx. 28 days * controlled by the endocrine system (hormones) * may be irregular at times, especially during puberty * except during pregnancy, menstrual cycles occur every month until the age of 45 to 55 menopause – ovaries slow down hormone production and no longer release mature eggs

Stages of menstrual cycle See diagram on p. 472 a menstrual period lasts for 3-5 days about 2 oz. of blood/fluid is lost during menstruation some women experience cramps or other discomfort PMS – premenstrual syndrome – marked by nervous tension, mood swings, headaches, bloating, and irritability menstrual period also affected by: intake of sugar/caffeine, stress, travel, excessive weight loss/gain

Toxic Shock Syndrome – rare but serious medical condition * usually found in menstruating wome who use tampons * symptoms: sudden high fever, dizziness, rash, vomiting, diarrhea Vaginitis: a vaginal infection or irritation, thick discharge, odor, itching, burning sensation during urination * treatment: medication by doctor

Breast Cancer – cancer of the breast * 2 nd leading form of cancer in women * mammogram – x-ray of the breast, helps detect cancer

Cervical Cancer – cancer of the cervix * can be found by a pap test – a medical procedure in which a sample of cells is taken from the cervix and examined under a microscope for signs of cancer * HPV (human papilloma virus) – a common viral STI that may lead to cervical cancer, a vaccine is available to help prevent it

Ovarian cysts – growths on the ovary * small cysts are common and often go away on their own * large cysts may be painful and have to be surgically removed

Endometriosis – tissue from the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus into the pelvic cavity * very painful, can lead to infertility, treatment is hormones or surgery Infertility/Sterility – unable to have children * causes can be blocked fallopian tubes and problems with ovulation

Keeping Healthy Cleanliness Sexual Abstinence Prompt treatment of infections Self-exams Medical check-ups