1. Female Reproductive System

2. What the Female Reproductive System Does
The function of the female reproductive system is to make eggs and to provide a place to support and nourish a developing human

3. How the Female Reproductive System Works

4. Female Puberty
Girls usually begin the process of puberty between the ages of 9 and 13, slightly earlier than boys
At this time the body releases the female sex hormone estrogen that causes physical changes to occur.
While girls are often fully developed by age 16, some continue to mature physically through age 18.

5. Female Puberty Changes that occur: Hips widen
Growth spurt
Acne may appear
Underarm hair appears
Perspiration increases
Breasts develop
Waistline narrows
Hips widen
Uterus and ovaries enlarge
Pubic hair appears
External genitals enlarge
Ovulation occurs
Menstruation begins
Long bone growth stops

6. Ovary
Female reproductive organs that produce eggs and the female sex hormone estrogen and progesterone
Each ovary is about the size of the top joint of a thumb and contains 1-2 million eggs

7. Estrogen
Female sex hormone that causes sex hormones to mature into adult shape and size
Causes secondary sex characteristics to develop, bones to strengthen, regulate the menstrual cycle, and prepare the body for pregnancy

8. Eggs Sex cells that are produced in the ovaries
Eggs start to develop before the female is born
By the time the female is born, only 700,000 eggs remain from the 1-2 million that were present in the female while in the womb
400,000 eggs will remain by the time a girl reaches puberty
About 400 eggs will mature in a women’s life
Each egg is about .135mm or the size of a very sharp pencil

9. Vagina
Reproductive organ that connects the outside of the women’s body to the uterus
Secretes acid type liquid at certain times of the month that can kill sperm
Elastic like skin that can stretch as needed
Allows menstrual fluid to exit the body and is part of the birth canal

10. Urethra
The long narrow tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body

11. Fallopian Tubes Transports the egg from the ovary to the uterus
The end of the fallopian tube contains fimbria that help to pull the ripened egg out of the ovary and down the tube
This organ is about 4-5 inches long and is lined with cilia that help to sweep the egg down the tube

12. Uterus A pear shaped, muscular cavity about the size of a fist
It is found at the top of the vagina
The uterus is the organ where a fertilized egg is implanted so a baby may develop
The uterus is known as the womb

13. Cervix Where the uterus meets the vagina
At times it gives off substances that kill the sperm and at other times helps the sperm to live easier

14. Ovulation The releasing of the egg from the ovary
Each month in the left or right ovary, an egg ripens and is swept into the fallopian tube where it is capable of being fertilized
It takes about 72 hours for the egg to travel the tube, most sperm have the same lifespan
The egg will only live a few hours in the uterus if not fertilized

15. Bladder
A triangular sac that stores urine before it is excreted out of the body

16. Menstrual Cycle
A monthly series of hormone controlled changes that prepare the body for pregnancy
If the egg is not fertilized, menstruation occurs
The lining of the uterus is shed, about 2-4oz. over 3-7 days
If fertilization occurs, bleeding stops and a mucus plug is formed

17. Premenstrual Syndrome - PMS
Mental and physical changes that occur based upon hormonal shifts
Mood swings, head aches, bloating and breast tenderness are common symptoms

18. Menstrual Cramps
Cramp like pain that is caused by contractions of the uterus

19. Infertility
The inability to reproduce – may be caused by a number of factors from a low sperm count, endometriosis, genetics or STI’s

20. Pelvic Exam
An annual examination by a doctor or gynecologist to detect any problems that a women may be unable to detect with her reproductive system
Women should begin having this exam when they reach 18 or if they become sexually active before

21. Pap Smear
A test that examines the cells of the uterus

22. Breast Exam
A self exam women should perform at the same time each month usually the week following their period to detect any lumps, swelling, pain in the breasts

23. Mammogram An exam that is recommended annually once a woman reaches 40
This test detects cancer

24. Menopause
When a women is no longer able to reproduce and her body goes through a series of changes
Usually happens between the ages of 45 and 60