Introduction to Sex Education

The Female Reproductive System Human Sexuality Unit Lesson 1

Puberty Stage of growth and development when both the male and female body become capable of producing offspring

Puberty in Females Estrogen Secondary sex characteristics Hormone produced by the ovaries Stimulates development of secondary sex characteristics Affects menstrual cycle Secondary sex characteristics Physical and emotional changes

Physical Changes of Puberty Occur between 8-15 years Maturing process affected by Heredity Diet Health habits Health status

Female Secondary Sex Characteristics Increase in height Widening of the hips Softer and smoother skin Increase in breast size Growth of pubic and underarm hair Enlargement of external genitals Formation of mature ova Beginning of menstruation

Female Reproductive System Organs in female involved in producing offspring External = vulva Mons veneris Labia majora and labia minora Clitoris Hymen

Vulva Mons veneris Labia majora Labia minora Fatty tissue covering/protecting pubic bone and internal reproductive organs Labia majora Heavy folds of skin surrounding opening of vagina Labia minora Two smaller folds of skin located within the labia majora

Vulva Clitoris Small, highly sensitive structure above the opening of urethra Hymen Thin membrane – stretches across opening of vagina

Internal Female Reproductive Organs Ovaries Fallopian tubes Uterus Cervix Vagina

Internal Reproductive Organs Ovaries Female reproductive glands Produce ova and estrogen Born with 200,000-400,000 immature ova About 375 will mature and be released Developing ova are enclosed in a small, hollow ball called a follicle Each month, an ovum matures and is released from follicle

Internal Reproductive Organs Ovulation Release of mature ovum from one of the two ovaries Fallopian tubes 4-inch tube connecting the ovaries and uterus Females have two During menstrual cycle, a mature ovum travels through to uterus Fertilization usually occurs here

Internal Reproductive Organs Uterus Muscular organ – receives and supports a fertilized egg during pregnancy Contracts during childbirth Cervix Lowest part of the uterus Connects uterus to vagina Tiny hole

Internal Reproductive Organs Vagina Muscular tube – connects uterus to outside of body Female organ for sexual intercourse, birth canal in childbirth, and passageway for menstrual flow

Menstrual Cycle Monthly series of changes in female Involves ovulation, changes in uterine lining, and menstruation Menstruation Period when unfertilized egg and lining of the uterus leave the body in a menstrual flow Described as “period”

Menstrual Cycle Cycle occurs over 28 days – will vary from each female Average menstrual flow is 5 days

The Menstrual Cycle Days 1-5 Days 6-12 Days 13-14 Days 15-20 Menstrual flow leaves the body Consists of 2 ounces of blood and uterine lining New ova is maturing in ovary Days 6-12 Uterine lining begins to thicken Preparing for possibility of ovum being fertilized Days 13-14 Ovulation occurs Ovum is released into Fallopian tube Days 15-20 Secretion of progesterone (hormone that changes lining of uterus) Days 21-28 If ovum is not fertilized, secretion of progesterone stops Cells in uterus lining die Unfertilized ovum disintegrates or leaves through menstrual flow

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Physical and emotional symptoms affecting females 7-10 days prior to menstruation Symptoms: Weight gain Bloating Swollen breasts Headaches Backache Mood swings Cravings Anxiety Depression

PMS Preventing/reducing symptoms Avoid caffeine/salt Moderate exercise Warm baths Medications

Protecting Reproductive Health Choose habits to prevent or lessen menstrual cramps Perform monthly breast self-exams Regular medical checkups Watch for signs of infection Choose safe sexual habits