Female Reproductive System
Functions
• 1. Produce female sex hormone – estrogen
and progesterone (Estrogen promotes
secondary sex characteristics )
• 2. Storage and production of eggs – female sex
cell
Secondary Sex Characteristics
•
•
•
•
Development of breasts
Broadening of the pelvis
Soft and smooth skin
Deposition of fat in the
thighs and buttocks
• Development of pubic
hair
• Sex drive
• Ovulation
• Menstruation
Some Vocabulary…
• 1. Ovaries – female sex glands that store
reproductive cell- ova (eggs) AND produce
female sex hormones – estrogen and
progesterone.
• 2. Uterus – hollow, muscular, pear-shaped
organ that nourishes and protects fetus
• 3. Fallopian Tubes – pair of tubes with
fingerlike projections that draw in the egg
(ovum)
Female Reproductive System
Female Reproductive System
Fallopian Tubes
Uterus
Cervix
Ovaries
Vagina
Hymen
Female Reproductive System
To put it in perspective…
More Vocab…
5. Cervix – opening of the uterus
6. Vagina – muscular, elastic passageway that
extends from the uterus to the outside of
the body
The Hymen
• Thin membrane that stretches across the
opening of the vagina
• May not be present in some females
• Myth: because a girl does not have a hymen, it
does not mean she is no longer a virgin
Fertilization
• If sperm is present in the fallopian tubes, the
sperm cell and ovum may unite, causing
fertilization.
• This produces a zygote.
• When zygote leaves the fallopian tube, it
enters the uterus and implants itself in the
uterine wall.
• Wall thickens with blood to nourish, remains
until pregnancy.
What is ovulation?
• Ovulation – process of releasing a mature
ovum into the fallopian tube each month.
Ovulation (releasing of Ovum)
Menstruation
• 1. Menstruation is the shedding of the uterine lining
– or endometrium
• 2. When females mature and go through puberty,
the uterus prepares each month for possible
pregnancy by increasing bloodflow to the
endometrium causing the walls to thicken.
• 3. If no fertilization takes place, endometrium
deteriorates and becomes menstrual flow.
Menstruation
• Most females begin their menstrual cycle
between ages of 10-15.
• Hormones control menstrual cycle
• However, stress, illness, low body weight, and
poor nutrition can impact the cycle.
• Menstruation occurs from the onset of
puberty until menopause – end of a females
productive years (usually 45-55 years old)
Menstruation Cycle
• Days 1-4: Lining of the uterus sloughs off and
the dead tissue and blood leave the body
Menstruation Cycle
• Days 5-12: Lining of the uterus repairs itself
and menstrual flow stops
• Days 13-15: Ovulation occurs (release of egg
from ovary) PREGNANCY MOST OFTEN
OCCURS AT THIS TIME!!!
• Days 16-25: The lining of the uterus again
thickens
Menstruation Cycle
• Days 26-28: The lining breaks down and is
about to leave the body.
Reproductive Problems
• 2. HPV – Human Papillomavirus
– Also known as genital warts
– Can lead to Cervical Cancer if not cured!!
• 3. Uterine Cancer – Cancer of Uterus
– most cases are among women who have gone
through menopause
• 4. Ovarian Cysts – Small fluid filled sacs that
develop on Ovaries
– Can rupture causing pain
– Causes: Hormonal Imbalance, Irregular Cycles
Reproductive Problems
• 1. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
• caused by hormonal changes.
• Occurs one to two weeks before
menstruation.
• Symptoms include anxiety, irritability, weight
gain, depression, mood swings, and fatigue
Reproductive Problems
• 2. HPV – Human Papillomavirus
– Also known as genital warts
– Can lead to Cervical Cancer if not cured!!
• 3. Uterine Cancer – Cancer of Uterus
– most cases are among women who have gone
through menopause
• 4. Ovarian Cysts – Small fluid filled sacs that
develop on Ovaries
– Can rupture causing pain
– Causes: Hormonal Imbalance, Irregular Cycles
Problems of the Female
Reproductive System
• Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) - a rare bacteriacaused illness occurring mostly in
menstruating women who use high
absorbency tampons.
Breast Cancer
A disease in which malignant tumors
grow in breast tissue.
Risk factors for breast cancer
– Being older than 50
– Family history of breast
cancer
– Starting menstruation
before age 12
– Having no pregnancies
– Having a first child born
after age 30
– Beginning menopause
after age 50
– Being obese
– High percentage of body
fat
– High fat diet
– Having cancer in one
breast
Maintaining Health
• Bathe Regularly – shower daily, change
tampons every few hours during menstrual
period
• Regular Checkups – Will include a test known
as a Pap smear (detect cancerous cells on
cervix) Also, a mammogram to test for breast
cancer
• Practice Abstinence – refraining from sexual
activity until marriage.
Maintaining Health
• Perform Self Exam –
– Massage each breast in a circular fashion
– Check for lumps or abnormalities
– See a doctor if you detect anything!
Breast Self-Exam