Chapter 4 Female Sexual Anatomy and Physiology

Genital Self-Exam Increases sexual comfort Monitor for changes related to health concerns

The Vulva The structures and variations of the vulva: (a) external structures and (b-d) different shapes and colors.

Myths and negative attitudes Menarche (MEH-nar-kee) Menstruation Myths and negative attitudes Menarche (MEH-nar-kee) Initial onset Age 11-15 Related to heredity, health, altitude (earlier in lower altitudes)

Menstrual Cycle Problems Premenstrual syndrome Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder 5% of women Symptoms bad; disrupt woman’s functioning Dysmenorrhea (dis-meh-nuh-REE-uh) painful menses Amenorrhea = no menses Either at puberty or due to low fat

Continued… Self-help for menstrual symptoms Toxic shock syndrome Exercise Sex Diet Toxic shock syndrome Fever, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, dizziness Diva Cup or pads

Terms Related to Menopause Climacteric (kli-MAK-tuh-rik) Physiological changes during transition period of fertility to infertility, slowing estrogen production Around 40 years old Peri-menopause Time before menopause Irregular Menopause Permanent cessation of menstruation

Menopausal Symptoms Symptoms vary from mild to strong Hot flashes or warm spells Night sweats, interrupted sleep Headaches, poor concentration Depression, anxiety Can take hormones, review page 97

Gynecological Health Concerns Urinary tract infections bacterial enters vagina Wipe front to back Vaginal infections Review page 99 for prevention tips Diet, good hygiene, lubrication

Pap smear screens for cervical cancer Few cells removed with brush Not painful, few nerves on cervix Hysterectomy Surgical removal of uterus Most frequently performed U.S. operation More frequently performed on low income, less educated women Non-surgical options Oophorectomy (oh-uh-fuh-REK-tuh-mee) Surgical removal of the ovaries, (or also uterus) 40% cancer of survival for 5 years because hard to detect

The Breast Secondary sex characteristics Mammary glands produce milk Areola is darker area Nipple is in center of areola & has openings for milk Depression, anxiety due to social factors

Breast Health Breast cancer Treatments Risk factors Mastectomy, chemo, hormone, radiation Risk factors African Americans tend to have more-advanced breast cancer prior to detection Lower income, lack of health-care Page 106, Chart Reconstructive breast surgery