1. Introduction to Sex Education

2. The Female Reproductive System
Human Sexuality Unit
Lesson 1

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

4. 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

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

6. 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

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

8. 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

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

11. Internal Female Reproductive Organs
Ovaries
Fallopian tubes
Uterus
Cervix
Vagina

12. Internal Reproductive Organs
Ovaries
Female reproductive glands
Produce ova and estrogen
Born with 200, ,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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

17. 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”

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

19. 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

20. 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

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

22. 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