The Female Body “the plumbing”

Uterus The uterus (womb) is the muscular organ that holds a baby while it grows. When a woman is not pregnant it is about 7.5 cm long.

Bladder The organ where urine is stored.

Urethra The tube that urine leaves the body through.

Vagina The vagina is the passage that goes from the uterus to the outside of the body. It is about 9 cm long.

Fallopian Tubes These tubes carry ova from the ovary to the uterus. They are about 10 cm long and about as wide as a needle.

Ovaries Ova are held in the ovaries and the two female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) are made in the ovaries. During puberty, the two ovaries grow to about the size of unshelled almonds.

Vulva The vulva is another word for a woman’s pubic area. It refers to the reproductive organs outside her body. They include: clitoris labia (major and minor) mon veneris vaginal opening anus (some include this in the vulva)

Clitoris A female sex organ that is extremely sensitive to sexual sensations. The clitoris becomes engorged and erect in response to sexual stimulation. A clitoridectomy is the surgical removal of the clitoris. This is practiced in some parts of the world as a woman enters womanhood. Its removal represents an attempt to keep a woman faithful to her husband.

Labia The labia are two folds of skin that cover the clitoris, urethra, and vaginal opening. The two folds are named labia minora and labia majora. The labia serve to shield the inner portion of the genitals.

Vaginal Opening The vaginal opening is the entry point to the vagina. A baby passes through the vaginal opening. The man’s penis enters the vaginal opening during coitus. The hymen is a fold of tissue across the vaginal opening that is usually present at birth. Its presence has been falsely determined as proof of virginity. However some women are born without any or a full hymen. Hymen may also be torn or removed from strenuous exercise or activity.

Anus The anus is the opening in both males and females where feces leaves the body. It truly is not part of the vulva or genitals. It is however identified and sometimes classified with the female genitals.

A Pelvic Examination It is suggested that woman have a pelvic examination yearly once they reach their late teens or if they become sexually active.

Menstruation

What is menstruation? The cyclical bleeding that stems from the shedding of the uterine lining. Although the menstrual cycle averages about 28 days, it varies among woman.

Four phases of the menstrual cycle Proliferative Ovulatory Secretory Menstrual

Proliferative Phase This phase begins with the end of menstruation. It lasts about 9-10 days. The ovaries prepare for ovulation. The endometrium (uterine lining) develops or proliferates.

Ovulatory Phase Estrogen level reaches peak releasing an egg from the ovary. It travels down the fallopian tube to the uterus. The time that the egg travels through the fallopian tube is most fertile time.

Secretory Phase During this phase the uterine lining thickens and the uterus prepares to care for a baby if implantation occurs. Large amounts of hormones are released following ovulation. Blood supply thickens. If the egg is not fertilized, the brain signals to shutdown hormone levels. This phase is approximately 14 days.

Menstrual Phase The menstrual phase is the fourth and final phase of the menstrual cycle. The uterine lining and blood is released from the uterus through the cervix and vagina.

Menopause

What is menopause? The cessation (end) of menstruation. The gradual decline in the reproductive capacity of the ovaries. This is process that does not happen overnight, it is a gradual process.

When does menopause occur? Generally occurs between ages of 35-60. However at least one 61 year old woman became pregnant.

Symptoms Related to Menopause headaches join pain dizziness hot flashes tingling in hands or feet cold sweats *these are normal as a result of the changing hormone levels

Questions About Menstruation

Can you still do things you usually do? What about bathing and sports? A girl who is menstruating does not have to act any differently than she usually does! She can exercise, bathe, shower, dance normally. She can swim if she uses a tampon. Bathing and showering should continue to keep clean and feel fresh during menstruation.

What do you do about cramps? Most girls feel a little uncomfortable at some point while menstruating. It is possible to have cramps, feel bloated and puffy, a bit moody, tender breasts, or feel a little down. Here are some things you can do: exercise take a hot bath or shower put a hot water bottle or heating pad on your abdomen take a pain reliever or Midol

Questions about your breasts?

How long does it take for breasts to fully develop? It is different for every girl. There is no link to what size your breasts will be and when they start to develop. Growth can start as early as eight years old and last until eighteen.

What if one breast is bigger than the other? Often women have a breast that is slightly larger than the other is. It usually isn’t very noticeable. Sometimes one breast will grow more quickly than the other. Often breasts will even out by the end of puberty. Sometimes they don’t. Either is normal.

Is there any way to make breasts grow bigger? There are no exercises or creams to make breasts grow larger. All sizes of breasts are normal.

Why do you have to wear a bra? Most women find it more comfortable to wear a bra. A bra provides support for your shoulders and back. Most women especially feel it is important to have the support of a bra during exercise.