FEMALE REPRODUCTION

Functions of the Female Reproductive System1. Produce the egg cell

2. Place to support and nourish dev. human being

Female Functions

Uterus:• Place for dev.

human to grow• Size of a fist

Cervix:• UTERUS meets VAGINA here

Vagina:1. Receives sperm2. Birth canal3. Menstrual flow

exitsUrethra:• Above vagina• Urine exits

Female Functions

Ovaries:1.Produce eggs

(ova)• all eggs when

born

2.Produce estrogen & progesterone• reg. release of

egg

Ovulation:egg is released from ovary

Fallopian Tubes:• Transport egg

from OVARY to UTERUS

What is the menstrual cycle?Monthly series of hormone controlled changes that prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy

• Average cycle is 28-days•Ovulation occurs on 14th day

What happens?Uterine lining thickens due to release of hormones

One of 2 things happens:

1.If egg is fertilized- maintains thickened lining (PREGNANT)2.If egg is NOT fertilized- menstruation occurs

Preventing problems of the Female Reproductive System• Vaginal Irritation:• Redness, itching, or mild pain around opening of

vagina• NO vaginal discharge• DO NOT wear tight jeans, wet clothes, or thong

underwear• Avoid scented soaps, sprays

Preventing problems of the Female Reproductive SystemMenstrual cramps:• OTC, anti-inf. Meds• Exercise & eat right• Reduce caffeine and sugar

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)• Poisoning of the body• Hygiene!

Annual Pelvic ExamIncludes:• Breast exam• Genital exam• Pap Smear• Examines cells of

cervix

Can detect manytypes of cancer

Cervical Cancer:• On the rise due to

STD’sOvarian Cancer:• Mostly in older

womenBreast Cancer:• BSE• Mammogram• Can happen to

ANYONE!

Potential Warning Signs of Breast Cancer

Exit Questions

•What are the functions of the female reproductive system?•What is ovulation•Where are the fallopian tubes

located? What is their function?