The Female Body

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The Female Body

• the plumbing

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Uterus

• The uterus (womb) is the muscular organ that
  holds a baby while it grows. When a woman is not
  pregnant it is about 7.5 cm long.

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Bladder

• The organ where urine is stored.

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Urethra

• The tube that urine leaves the body through.

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Vagina

• The vagina is the passage that goes from the
  uterus to the outside of the body. It is about 9
  cm long.

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Fallopian Tubes

• These tubes carry ova from the ovary to the
  uterus. They are about 10 cm long and about as
  wide as a needle.

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Ovaries

• Ova are held in the ovaries and the two female
  hormones (estrogen and progesterone) are made in
  the ovaries. During puberty, the two ovaries
  grow to about the size of unshelled almonds.

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Vulva

• The vulva is another word for a womans pubic
  area. It refers to the reproductive organs
  outside her body. They include
• clitoris
• labia (major and minor)
• mon veneris
• vaginal opening
• anus (some include this in the vulva)

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Clitoris

• A female sex organ that is extremely sensitive to
  sexual sensations. The clitoris becomes engorged
  and erect in response to sexual stimulation. A
  clitoridectomy is the surgical removal of the
  clitoris. This is practiced in some parts of the
  world as a woman enters womanhood. Its removal
  represents an attempt to keep a woman faithful to
  her husband.

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Labia

• The labia are two folds of skin that cover the
  clitoris, urethra, and vaginal opening. The two
  folds are named labia minora and labia majora.
  The labia serve to shield the inner portion of
  the genitals.

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Vaginal Opening

• The vaginal opening is the entry point to the
  vagina. A baby passes through the vaginal
  opening. The mans penis enters the vaginal
  opening during coitus. The hymen is a fold of
  tissue across the vaginal opening that is usually
  present at birth. Its presence has been falsely
  determined as proof of virginity. However some
  women are born without any or a full hymen.
  Hymen may also be torn or removed from strenuous
  exercise or activity.

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Anus

• The anus is the opening in both males and females
  where feces leaves the body. It truly is not
  part of the vulva or genitals. It is however
  identified and sometimes classified with the
  female genitals.

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A Pelvic Examination

• It is suggested that woman have a pelvic
  examination yearly once they reach their late
  teens or if they become sexually active.

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Menstruation
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What is menstruation?

• The cyclical bleeding that stems from the
  shedding of the uterine lining.
• Although the menstrual cycle averages about 28
  days, it varies among woman.

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Four phases of the menstrual cycle

• Proliferative
• Ovulatory
• Secretory
• Menstrual

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Proliferative Phase

• This phase begins with the end of menstruation.
  It lasts about 9-10 days. The ovaries prepare
  for ovulation. The endometrium (uterine lining)
  develops or proliferates.

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Ovulatory Phase

• Estrogen level reaches peak releasing an egg from
  the ovary. It travels down the fallopian tube to
  the uterus. The time that the egg travels
  through the fallopian tube is most fertile time.

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Secretory Phase

• During this phase the uterine lining thickens and
  the uterus prepares to care for a baby if
  implantation occurs. Large amounts of hormones
  are released following ovulation. Blood supply
  thickens. If the egg is not fertilized, the
  brain signals to shutdown hormone levels. This
  phase is approximately 14 days.

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Menstrual Phase

• The menstrual phase is the fourth and final phase
  of the menstrual cycle. The uterine lining and
  blood is released from the uterus through the
  cervix and vagina.

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Menopause
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What is menopause?

• The cessation (end) of menstruation. The gradual
  decline in the reproductive capacity of the
  ovaries. This is process that does not happen
  overnight, it is a gradual process.

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When does menopause occur?

• Generally occurs between ages of 35-60. However
  at least one 61 year old woman became pregnant.

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Symptoms Related to Menopause

• headaches
• join pain
• dizziness
• hot flashes
• tingling in hands or feet
• cold sweats
• these are normal as a result of the changing
  hormone levels

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Questions About Menstruation
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Can you still do things you usually do? What
about bathing and sports?

• A girl who is menstruating does not have to act
  any differently than she usually does! She can
  exercise, bathe, shower, dance normally. She can
  swim if she uses a tampon. Bathing and showering
  should continue to keep clean and feel fresh
  during menstruation.

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What do you do about cramps?

• Most girls feel a little uncomfortable at some
  point while menstruating. It is possible to have
  cramps, feel bloated and puffy, a bit moody,
  tender breasts, or feel a little down. Here are
  some things you can do
• exercise
• take a hot bath or shower
• put a hot water bottle or heating pad on your
  abdomen
• take a pain reliever or Midol

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Questions about your breasts?
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How long does it take for breasts to fully
develop?

• It is different for every girl. There is no link
  to what size your breasts will be and when they
  start to develop. Growth can start as early as
  eight years old and last until eighteen.

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What if one breast is bigger than the other?

• Often women have a breast that is slightly larger
  than the other is. It usually isnt very
  noticeable. Sometimes one breast will grow more
  quickly than the other. Often breasts will even
  out by the end of puberty. Sometimes they dont.
  Either is normal.

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Is there any way to make breasts grow bigger?

• There are no exercises or creams to make breasts
  grow larger. All sizes of breasts are normal.

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Why do you have to wear a bra?

• Most women find it more comfortable to wear a
  bra. A bra provides support for your shoulders
  and back. Most women especially feel it is
  important to have the support of a bra during
  exercise.