The Menstrual Cycle
Once upon a time, there was a female reproductive system. Each month, the
(_________________) invited a thick, soft lining made up of tissue and blood to grow
along its walls. The lining contained nutrients that would be needed to nourish a growing
baby if a pregnancy was to occur. Once the lining had grown, it waited for the ovaries to
do their job. You see, the ovaries contained special reproductive cells, each called an
(_________________). Each month, one of these cells would reach maturity and be
released from the (_________________). This month, it was the right ovary that got to
release an ovum. The left one would have to wait until the next month.
The (______________), which wait for the ovaries to release an ovum, waved their
numerous arms. The waving arms grabbed the ovum that was just released and gently
guided it into one of the tubes. After about a day of travel, the ovum began to dissolve.
When it had disappeared, the brain sent a message to the lining of the uterus telling it that
a fertilized ovum wasn’t going to arrive, so it could leave the uterus. Slowly, the lining
passed through the (_________________), into the (_________________), and out of the
female’s body. As soon as the lining was gone, the uterus invited a new lining to start to
grow. This time around, it would be the ovary and fallopian tube on the left that would do
all the work. Then, the process would start all over again.
The process is called (_________________).
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Female Reproductive Health Issues
_____________________________
Definition: an irritation or infection of the external female reproductive system or vulva
Symptoms: itching, burning, discharge, and discomfort while urinating due to bacteria or
fungal infection
Treatment: vary depending on cause, but may use oral medication or lotions/creams
_____________________________
Definition-UTI’s are bacterial infections that occur in the entire pathway of urine. These
infections may occur in the bladder or in the urethra which carries urines out of the body.
They may also occur in the kidneys, which is where urine is created.
Symptoms-Bacteria enter the body, and multiply in these structures causing lots of pain,
discomfort, discomfort while urinating, and urinating more frequently.
Treatment-UTI’s can be prevented by going to the bathroom when needed and not
holding your urine in your bladder, and keeping good hygiene.
____________________________
Definition-infections that occur in the reproductive parts of both males and females that
are caused by having sexual contact with infected people.
Symptoms- vary
Treatment-The degree and treatment of each of the sexually transmitted infections is
different, but may be prevented by abstaining from sexual contact with people.
_____________________________
Definition: is a condition women have when the tissue present in the lining of the uterus
begins to grow in other areas of the female reproductive organs. This growth occurs
mainly in the Fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Symptoms: extreme pain and discomfort in the pelvic region
Treatment: pain medication, hormone therapy, or surgery
_____________________________
Definition: a bacterial infection that is uncommon, but very serious condition involving
the use of tampons for menstruation in females.
Symptoms: fever, head ache, weakness, flu like symptoms commonly due to improper
use of tampons during menstruation. Bacteria form in moist, warm places causing
infection throughout the female reproductive system and body.
Treatment: medication and preventive measures including proper hand washing and
regular changing of tampons
_____________________________
Definition: a condition when cells attack various parts of your body and grow
uncontrollably. This condition affects women in different areas of the reproductive
system most commonly in the ovaries and breasts.
Symptoms: lumps/tumors, swelling, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite
Treatment: radiation therapy, medication, or surgery. Best prevented using self exams.