Chapter 4 Female Sexual Anatomy and Physiology

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Chapter 4Female Sexual Anatomy and Physiology
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External Female Genital Structures

• Vulva
• encompasses all external female genitalia

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The Vulva-External Structures

• Shaft length of clitoris between glans and body
• Glans head of clitoris contains many nerve
  endings
• Highly sensitive

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Incidence and Distribution of Female Genital
Mutilation Worldwide

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Please visit the links provided below to learn
more about FGM. Female Circumcision Issues Page
- http//www.eskimo.com/7egburlin/female.html Pa
t Schroeder's House bill to prohibit female
genital mutilation. Female Genital Mutilation
Network and Message Board - http//www.fgm.org/ Of
fering educational materials, speakers, general
information. The FGM Research -
http//www.fgmnetwork.org/index.html Attempts to
present the practice from a variety of
perspectives and serve as a networking resource
for organizations doing work related to FGM.
Forward - http//www.forward.dircon.co.uk/Found
ation for Women's Health Research and Development
campaigns against female genital mutilation and
other harmful practices to women and children.
UNICEF - www.chebucto.ns.ca/ay813/Profile.html
UNICEF and the Medicalization of Female Genital
Mutilation - offers documentation of FGM
performed by trained health professionals.
Tostan - http//www.tostan.org/ Providing
educational programs dedicated to ending female
genital mutilation.
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The Vulva-External Structures

• Vestibule inside labia minora
• Urethral Opening-urine passes out here
• Perineum - area of smooth skin between vaginal
  opening and anus

• Introitus-opening of vagina
• hymen-fold of tissue that partially covers
  introitus

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Underlying Structures

• Structures beneath hair, skin and fatty pads
• Pelvic floor muscles

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Pelvic Floor Exercises Kegels
Locate pelvic floor muscles
Squeeze pelvic floor muscles as tightly
as possible for a few seconds (maximum of 10
seconds)
Repeat, as recommended by physician
Relax completely for at least 10 seconds
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Internal Structures - Vagina

• Vagina canal that opens between labia minora
  and extends into body

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• Lubrication unique feature of vagina
• Lubrication results from vasocongestion
  engorgement of blood in pelvic area
• Serves 2 functions
• Enhances possibility of conception by
• alkalinizing normally acidic vaginal chemical
  balance
• sperm travel better in alkaline environment
• Lubrication can increase sexual enjoyment for a
  variety of reasons, including facilitating entry
  and thrusting of penis

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Internal Structures-Cervix

• Cervix located at back of vagina
• Os is the opening in center of cervix

Os
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Internal Structures-Uterus

• Uterus
• Hollow, thick, pear-shaped organ

• Various positions of the uterus in the pelvic
  cavity
• (a) retroflexed
• (b) midline
• (c) anteflexed

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• Walls of Uterus have 3 layers
• Perimetrium-external thin membrane layer
• Myometrium-middle layer
• Endometrium-thick inner lining of uterus

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Internal Structures-Fallopian Tubes

• 4 in. tubes extend from uterus toward ovaries
• Outside end of each tube shaped like funnel with
  fimbrae that hover over ovary

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Internal Structures - Ovaries

• Ovaries 2 almond-shaped female gonads at end of
  fallopian tubes
• Endocrine glands that produce 2 classes of
  hormones
• Estrogens
• Progesterones

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Menstruation (Period)

• Menarche-first menstrual bleeding
• Typical onset 11-15
• Typical cessation
• At menopause, around 45-55

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The Breast

• Breasts - secondary sex characteristics
• Physical characteristics besides genitals that
  distinguish males from females
• In physically mature women, breasts internally
  composed of fatty tissue and mammary (milk)
  glands
• Areola darker area of the external breast
• Nipple in center of areola

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Breast Self-Exam

• Box on page 111
• HOW TO EXAMINE YOUR BREASTS

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The Breast To A, B,C or DD?

• Variation in breast size due to
• Considerable variation in size and shape of the
  breast from woman to woman

• amount of fatty tissue around glands

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Pre-Menopause

• irregular periods
• achy joints
• hot flashes
• temporary and minor decrease in the ability to
• concentrate or recall
• changes in sexual desire
• extreme sweating
• headaches
• frequent urination
• early wakening
• vaginal dryness
• mood changes
• insomnia
• night sweats

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Pre-Menopause

• irregular periods
• achy joints
• hot flashes
• temporary and minor decrease in the ability to
• concentrate or recall
• changes in sexual desire
• extreme sweating
• headaches
• frequent urination
• early wakening
• vaginal dryness
• mood changes
• insomnia
• night sweats

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Menopause

• Permanent cessation of menstruation
• Around age 50
• but between 30s and 60s
• Ovaries stop production of mature ova
• Ovarian estrogen output slows

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• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
• PROS
• Testosterone
• Soy protein may reduce intensity of hot flashes
  and night sweats
• CONS
• Estrogen only treatment
• Risk for ovarian and breast cancer
• May increase cardiovascular disease

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the end.