Female Reproductive System

Protects sexual organs, urethra, vestibule, vagina

• Protect external reproductive organs - Contain sweat & oil- secreting glands

Protect clitoris and vagina

Produce fluid (mucus) secretion

Sensitive to stimulation & can become erect

Contains oil- secreting glands (sebaceous) Release substances for sexual attraction (pheromones)

Vulva Labia majora Labia minora Bartholin’s glands Clitoris Mons pubis

Organ of sexual intercourse Passageway for baby to the outside world

Place for development & nourishment of baby Menstrual blood exists body

Produces eggs & hormones

Tunnel for egg cells to travel from ovaries to uterus Place of Conception

Preparation for implantation, maintenance of pregnancy (if occurs), menstruation

1) Follicular phase (1-13) Increase in FSH & LH = growth of follicles (surface of ovary) Ovulation (14) Enzymes in mature follicle break down wall b/w follicle & egg, egg is released 2) Luteal phase (15-28) Follicle become corpus luteum increase progesterone & estrogen

1) Menstruation (1-3) Low levels Estrogen & progesterone Endometrium is shed 2) Proliferation (3-13) Rise in Estrogen, thickening of endometrium 3) Ovulation (14) LH released egg from ovary Travels Fallopian tube 4) Secretory/Luteal (15-28) Rise in estrogen & progesterone Thickening of endometrium (prepare for implantation) - Vascular & Glandular Negative feedback from P & E to stop LH & FSH No fertilization: cycle repeats Fertilization: negative feedback during pregnancy (prevents ovulation)

Causes: Untreated STDs Insertion of IUD Symptoms: • Abdominal pain • unusual discharge or bleeding • Painful urination

Causes: Unknown Retrograde menstruation Symptoms: Painful period Excessive bleeding Pain related to intercourse

Causes: Unknown Excess androgens Excess insulin Symptoms: Irregular menstrual cycle Excess facial hair Acne Weight gain