Unit 15-- Female reproductive system

Vulva

external genitalia

1. mons pubis

2. labia majora

3. labia minora

4. vestibule

Mons pubis

skin over symphysis pubis

Labia majora

thick folds of skin, connective tissue, and adipose tissue

Labia minora

pair of thin folds

internal to labia majora

form clitoris

Vestibule

are covered by labia minora

contains urinary and vaginal openings

Greater vestibular (Bartholin) gland

deep in labia majora

each side of vaginal opening

secrete mucus to lubricate vulva and vagina

secretions increase during sexual stimulation

Ovaries

primary sex organ

functions:

produce/release eggs

secrete hormones impacting puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy

Fallopian (uterine) tube

uterus to abdominal cavity (near an ovary)

function: allow for sperm and eggs to mean and fertilize

Uterus

thick walled muscular organ

functions:

cradle/nourish fetus

produce woman’s menstrual cycle

three segments:

1. fundus (curved upper region b/w fallopian tubes)

2. body (midportion)

3. cervix (projects into vagina)

Internal os

opening from lumen

External os

opening into vagina

layers of the uterus

Perimetrium (thin— connective)

Myometrium (thick— smooth)

Endometrium (sheds during menstruation)

Vagina

birth canal

fibromuscular tube

connects vulva with uterus

functions:

discharge menstrual fluid

receive penis/semen

deliver baby

Ovarian Hormones

estrogen and progesterone

Estrogens

produced in ovarian follicles

functions:

convert girls into sexually mature women (thelarche, pubarche, and menarche)

regulate menstrual cycle

involved in pregnancy

Progesterone

produced in ovary’s corpus luteum and adrenal glands

functions:

prepare lining of uterus for implantation

inhibit lactation during pregnancy

produce bleeding if pregnancy does not occur

Menstrual cycle

avg 28 days

start is menstruation (bleeding) for 3-5 days

oocyte is released (around day 14)— ovulation

lining of uterus hypertrophies, ovarian follicle becomes secretory gland (day 26) and forms inactive scar— corpus luteum

arteries of uterus contract, leading to ischemia (necrosis) and start of menstruation

Bacterial vaginosis

common cause of vaginitis

abnormal discharge— fishlike odor

lab examination (vaginal swab)

antibiotics

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)

toxins in bloodstream from superabsorbent tampon (not changed frequently)

Volvovaginal candidiasis

“yeast infection”

genital itching/burning with “cottage cheese” discharge

overgrowth of yeast fungus (Candida)

can ocur after taking antibiotics

Vulvovaginitis

vaginal inflammation

allergic/irritative agents found in vaginal hygiene products, spermicides, detergents, and underwear

Vulvodynia

severe pain around vaginal opening

pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)

vulva swollen

Ovarian cyst

fluid filled sacs usually formed during ovulation

benign/asymptomatic— unless rupture/bleed/ovary becomes twisted

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

multiple cysts in both ovaries

repeated cycle prevents eggs from maturing/being released

ovulation does not occur/progesterone not released

cycle: irregular or absent

Salpingitis

inflammation of uterine tubes and apart of PID

low abdominal pain

fever

vaginal discharge

Primary amenorrhea

when a girl has not menstruated by 16 yrs

causes: malnutrition (massive weight loss), dieting, bulimia or anorexia nervosa, extreme exercise, extreme obesity, and chronic illness

Secondary amenorrhea

woman who has normal menstruation misses 3+ periods in a row (not pregnant or in menopause)

causes: PCOS, excessive weight loss, low BF%, or excessive exercise, certain drugs

Primary dysmenorrhea/premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

pain before menstruation

Secondary dysmenorrhea

pain associated w/disorders in genital tract/endometriosis

Menopause

no menstruation for a year and not pregnant

estrogen/progesterone levels decline around age 40

menopause occurs mostly b/w 45-55

uterus, vagina, and breasts atrophy

Endometriosis

impacts 1 in 10

endometrium implants on the outside of the uterus on the fallopian tubes

produces extreme pain

Retroversion

uterus is tipped backwards

caused by: lax pelvic muscles and ligaments, pelvic adhesions, or pelvic inflammatory disease

Uterine fibroids

noncancerous growths during childbearing years

¾ women

menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, polymenorrhea, lower back pain, and pelvic pain

Ovarian cancer

2nd most common gynecologic cancer

surgically remove tumor/chemo

Endometrial cancer

4th most common in women

6-70 yrs

frequent vaginal bleeding after menopause

Cervical cancer

50% of cases ages 35-55

precancerous stage abnormal cells are found in cervix

HPV can cause it

Vaginal cancers

uncommon

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding

no cause found for excessive bleeding

Endometrial polyps

benigns extensions of endometrium causing heavy/irregular bleeding