Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System Puberty in Females Pituitary gland release gonadotropic hormones – LH & FSH Activate the female gonads which.

Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

Puberty in Females•Pituitary gland release gonadotropic hormones – LH & FSH•Activate the female gonads which begins producing the female sex hormones estrogen & progesterone•Secondary sex characteristics begin – this can include budding of breasts, auxillary hair development, leading to menarche around age 13 – usually anovulatory (not ovulating)•Other changes as well

•The female reproductive system is made up of both internal and external organs.

•Unlike the male organs, the females reproductive organs are almost entirely hidden.

EXTERNAL VIEW

INTERNAL VIEW

KEY TERMS – Female Reproductive System

External terms• Vulva – describes all external parts• Labia Majora –outer folds of skin; protect from

harmful bacteria entering vagina• Labia Minora – inner folds - Both become sensitive

during stimulation• Clitoris – located in front of vulva – many blood

vessels & nerve endings; fills with blood during stimulation

• Urethra - connects to bladder -eliminates urine• Vagina – opening to uterus – birth canal• Perineum – field of tissue between vagina & anus• Mons Pubis – pad of tissue covering pubic bone –

some sensitivity – covered w/ pubic hair• Hymen – membrane that sometimes covers vaginal

opening

Internal structures• Vagina –birth canal – about 3-5 inches deep –

nerve endings concentrated near opening; can expand or contract because of the muscles it is made up of

• Cervix – lower end of the uterus – located at top of canal; most STD’s grow in the cervix- no wider than a straw but expands during childbirth

• Uterus – reproductive organ, located top of vagina beyond the cervix – about size of a fist and shaped like an upside down pear – sheds lining monthly as a part of the menstrual cycle; houses fertilized egg during pregnancy. Some of the strongest muscles in the female body are in the Uterus

• Endometrium –lining of uterus – shed during cycle or supports fertilized egg during pregnancy

Internal structures – cont.

• Bartholin glands – located on sides of canal – release lubricant into canal

• Fallopian tubes – egg travels down tube to the uterus – fertilization can take place in lower 1/3 of tube if sperm present; as wide as a piece of spaghetti and 4 inches long

• Fimbriae – fingers of f. tube – move toward gonads as ovulation takes place – scoops up ova

• Ovaries – female gonads – house sex cell until mature in structure called “follicle”– females born with approx 1 million eggs but only 400 go through ovulation; ovaries also produce sex hormones

Hormones

•Estrogen- causes reproductive organs to mature into adult shape & size – growth of auxillary hair & strengthens bones

•w/ progesterone – regulates the menstrual cycle a & preparing uterus for pregnancy

•Ova – female sex cells – begin to mature around age 15 – released monthly during ovulation -

Menstrual Cycle

•Complex combination of hormonal & physical changes

• Involves FSH & LH•Based on a 28 day cycle – can

vary•Factors that can affect MC

include stress, diet, travel, exercise, WT gain/loss, illness

•Refer to MC chart for cycle

Problems of Female Repo. SystemProblem What it is? Symptoms Treatment

CystitisBladder infection

Inflammation of bladder; usually due to bacterial infection

Burning during urination; strong smell; fever or blood in urine

Antibiotics

Vaginitis Vaginal infection by fungus, bacteria, or protozoa; may be from STI

Irritation or itchin around vagina; secretions of unusual color &/or unpleasant odor

Over-the –counter vaginal cream or antibiotic

Problem What it is? Symptoms Treatment

Amenorrhea(Delayed puberty)

Late puberty due to anorexia, endocrine problems, excessive wt. loss, &/or Over exercise

No breast development, &/or no Menstrual periods

Determined by doctor

Menstrual Cramps

Prostaglandins(hormone like substance) produced during menstruation causes cramps

Contractions of uterine muscle, abdominal pain, some nausea/vomit

Over-the-counter meds, warm baths, doctor

PremenstrualSyndrome

PMS

Mental & physical changes related to MC; not completely understood

Irritability, mood swings, depression, abdominal bloating, breast tenderness

doctor

Problem What it is? Symptoms Treatment

Ovarian Cyst Failure of follicle to rupture & release an ova; may also be growths from cancer

Pain in lower abdomen or pelvis for a month or so

Mx by doctor; cysts often go away on own but may need surgery

Cervical Cancer Abnormal division of cells in cervix; can be from STI

Vaginal bleeding, discharge, pelvic pain, may be no symptoms

Surgery, radiation, chemo

Problem What it is? Symptoms Treatment

Toxic Shock Syndrome(TSS)

Poisoning of the body from bacterial toxins; usually related to tampon use

Fever, chills, weakness, rash on palms of hands

Antibiotics & immediate Mx treatment

Endometriosis Growth of tissue from uterine lining outside the uterus

Severe cramping and pain in lower abdomin or pelvis region

MX – hormone therapy or surgery

HEALTHY FRS

•Women should practice good-hygiene, self-exams, regular MX visits•Balanced diet & exercise•Prevent STI’s – •Prevent vaginal irritation=redness, itching, mild pain around vaginal opening; prevent by reg. bathing, loose cotton underclothes, not wearing wet clothes for long periods of time, etc•Relieving menstrual cramps•Preventing infertility

---Annual pelvic exam

• 7 Ways to Stay Healthy1. Exercise regularly & maintain balanced

diet2. Gently wash genital area w/ warm water

& soap daily- do not use hygiene sprays/powders

3. Wipe front to back after urination4. Change sanitary napkins every 4-6 hours5. Avoid wearing tight clothing that can

cause discomfort6. Have annual pelvic exam7. Do monthly SBE

Breast Cancer• Mainly older women but can occur at any age • At risk if it runs in the family but not the only factor• Can be treated effectively if detected early• WAYS TO CHECK

– Mammogram– Self-breast exam- Perform BSE during/after warm bath/shower; & at least

1 week after period- Stand in front of mirror, place 1 hand over head & use

other to examine each breast separately– Use your thumb/index finger to gently squeeze each

nipple looking for unusual discharge– Check each nipple for swelling, dimpling, scaliness– Use 3 fingers to feel each breast for unusual lumps or

thickening under skin. Check under armpits & breast as well