1. Female Reproductive System

2. Functions and Structure
Stores female reproductive cells: Ovum or Ova (egg)
Nourishes and protects each fertilized ovum
beginning of pregnancy to birth

3. Female Reproductive Organs

4. Ovaries
The female sex glands that house the ova and produce female sex hormones
Almond shaped/located on each side of lower abdomen
At birth a female has 400,000
immature ova

5. Female Sex Hormones Estrogen and Progesterone Present in the ovaries
At puberty secondary sex characteristics develop
Development of breasts
Increased percentage of adipose tissue

6. Fallopian Tubes
Pair of muscular tubes which carries the egg to the uterus
4 inches long and ½ inch in diameter
Fimbriae – (finger like projection) draws the egg into the fallopian tube
How the egg gets to the uterus
Cilia (tiny hair like structures)
Muscular contractions of fallopian tube

7. Uterus Muscular pear-shaped organ about the size of your fist
The lining has several layers
Rich supply of capillaries
Estrogen causes lining of the uterus to thicken with blood vessels.
Ovulation causes the rise in estrogen levels.

8. Fertilization
If occurs: the zygote (fertilized egg) attaches to the wall of the uterus.
The lining of the uterus continues to thicken.
If fertilization does not occur: the egg (ovum) disintegrates and the lining of the uterus breaks apart and passes through the cervix and vagina. (Menstruation)

9. Cervix
Neck of the uterus
Will open or dilate during delivery

10. Vagina
Muscular, elastic passageway that extends from the uterus to the outside of the body.
Also called the birth canal
3½ inches long

11. Ovulation The process of releasing one mature ovum each month
Each ovary switches off releasing an ovum each month.
Early teen years
Hormones cause immature ova to mature

12. Menstruation
Lining of uterus breaks down into blood, tissue, and fluids
Usually lasts about 3-5 days
Menstrual Cycle – time from the beginning of one menstrual period to the onset of the next
lasts 28 days
Is regulated by endocrine hormones

14. Problems of Reproductive System

15. Menstruation Problems
Menstrual Cramps
Abdominal cramps
Light exercise or heating pad may help relieve cramps
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Several Days to weeks before period
Nervous tension, anxiety, irritability, bloating, weight gain, depression, mood swings, and fatigue – Hormone imbalance
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
Risk to all women using tampons
Rare but could be fatal
Bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, that causes an infection
Signs: aching muscles, bloodshot eyes, soar throat, high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting and a rash

16. Infertility Inability for a woman to become pregnant Causes:
Blocked Fallopian Tube (leading cause)
Endometriosis – uterine tissue grows outside uterus
Found on Ovaries, fallopian tubes, and abdominal cavity
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Infection of fallopian tubes, ovaries, other surrounding areas in pelvis
Usually caused by STI’s

17. Other Disorders Ovarian Cysts Cancers Fluid-filled sac on ovary
Small usually dissolve on own
Cancers
Breast
Cervix, uterus and ovaries are common sites
Pap test: cells taken from cervix to detect cervical cancer