1. Female Reproductive System
Several Functions
Produces Female sex hormones
Stores Ova (Ovum) which is the female reproductive cells
Nourishes and protects fertilized ovum (egg) from pregnancy to birth
Females enter puberty 9-12 years of age
Hormonal changes, hair growth, hips widen, breast development, and acne is possible

2. Female Reproductive Organs
Vagina
Sperm enters through vagina and acts as the birth canal
Muscular, elastic passage way
Extends from uterus to outside of the body
Ova – Egg
Stored in ovaries
At birth 400,000 immature ova are in ovaries

3. Female Reproductive System
Ovaries – Female Sex Glands
House of ova
Produce female sex hormone
Located on each side of lower abdominal cavity
Ovulation
After ova mature ovaries release one mature ovum each month
Usually one ovary releases a mature ovum one month and the other the next
Fallopian Tubes – A tube that transports ova to the uterus.

4. Female Reproductive System
Uterus – A hollow muscular organ located in the pelvic cavity of female in which the fertilized egg implants and develops.
Cervix – A narrow outer end of the uterus.
Labia (Vulva) – Any of four folds of tissue of the female external genitalia.
Clitoris – A small elongated highly sensitive erectile organ.
Hymen – Membrane covering the opening of the female system

6. Menstruation Menstruation
If ovum does not become fertilized menstruation occurs
The lining of the uterus breaks down into blood, tissue and fluids
It will pass through the CERVIX (neck of uterus) and out the vagina
The flow usually lasts about 5-7 days
After the flow ends the entire cycle begins again
The lining of the uterus thickens again to receive a fertilized egg

7. Menstrual cycle is the time from the beginning of one period to the onset of the next
This is usually 28 days
Most females begin between years of age
May be irregular at first
*Poor nutrition, stress, illness can all influence regularity

8. Problems of Female System
Menstrual cramps
Occur in beginning of menstrual period
Heating pad or light exercise will help
Dysmenorrhea – severe or persistent cramping
Amenorrhea – Abnormal menstruation.

9. PMS (PRE - MENSTRUAL SYNDROME)
Physical & emotional discomfort that occurs before a menstrual period starts
SYMPTOMS: Usually appear 1- 2 weeks before Menstruation
Mood changes
Muscle cramps in stomach and back
Breast tenderness
Nausea
Headaches
Fatigue
Bloated feeling
Weight gain
Inability to sleep / concentrate
Depression

10. MENSTRUAL CYCLE Toxic Shock Syndrome – TSS
An acute infection characterized by sudden high fever, a sunburn like rash, vomiting, and diarrhea, followed in severe cases by shock, that is caused by a toxin-producing strain of the common bacterium.
NEVER – leave a tampon in more than hours
1 in 100, 000 Women in the U.S. get TSS
5% of these cases cause Death people a year die.

11. Female Reproductive System
Terms
Tubal Ligation – A method of female sterilization in which the fallopian tubes are surgically tied.
Menopause – The period marked by the natural and permanent cessation of menstruation, occurring usually between the ages of 45 and 55.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – Inflammation of the female genital tract.
Endometriosis – A condition, usually resulting in pain and dysmenorrhea, that is characterized by the abnormal occurrence of functional endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
Ovarian Cysts – fluid-filled sacs on the ovary. Small noncancerous cysts will disappear but larger cysts may require surgery
Cervical, uterine and ovarian cancer – May be caused by early sexual activity and STDs like Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

12. Care of Female Reproductive System
Bathe regularly
During menstruation, change tampons or sanitary pads every few hours
Practice Abstinence
Regular breast self-exam