Female Reproductive System

Adnexa

Region of the true pelvis posterior to the broad ligaments

Endometrium

Innermost layer of the uterine wall

Follicles

Ovarian encasement containing an immature ovum. Site of Ova maturation.

Menarche

Onset of menstruation

Myometrium

Muscle layer that forms the bulk of the uterus, enlargement of uterus & muscle contractions while birth from this layer.

Ovulation

Occurs when the ovarian follicle bursts & releases the mature ovum. 14 days after follicle's formation

Why is the Female Reproductive System more complex then the male reproductive system?

females have to bear fetus during fetal period of development in the body, modifications & adaptions to bear fetus

Main Role of the female reproductive system

Is to produce eggs & allow the process of fertilization & development to take place within their body

Internal parts

Are functional parts of the female reproductive. 2 internal parts Uterus & Ovaries

Uterus (Also known as womb)

Is the major reproductive organ for females. It hosts developing fetus, produces secretions of the female reproductive and allow passage of sperm to the fallopian tubes where sperm can fertilize w/ eggs.

Ovaries

Small paired organs located near the pelvic cavity of females. Produce the female egg cell.

External Parts

Are accessory parts of the female reproductive system. They help in the process of fertilization, & parturition etc. Includes Vulva, Labia & Clitoris

Function of Female reproductive System

Mainly concerned w/ production of eggs & bearing fetus throughout developmental phase. The ovaries produce eggs. Which are fertilized by sperms &a zygote is formed.

Development of Zygote to human baby takes place in the

Female reproductive system

What happens during the Menstrual Cycle?

Females of a reproductive age experience cycles of hormonal activity that repeat at about 1 month intervals with every cycle, a women’s body prepares for potential pregnancy. whether or not that is a women’s intention.

Menstruation

Refers to periodic shedding of the uterine lining. (Menstru means monthly)

Average Menstrual Cycle takes

28 days and occurs in 3 phases

The 3 Menstrual Phases

Follicular Phase, Ovulatory phase (ovulation) and the Luteal phase

Follicle Ultrasound

A follicle will grow when close to ovulation looks like chocolate chip cookies

Female Reproductive Components

Internal Parts: uterus & ovaries External parts: vulva, labia & clitoris

Uterus

Major female reproductive organ, one end called cervix opens into vagina & the other end is connected to the fallopian tubes, development of the fetus occurs here.

Ovaries

2 in number, egg producing female reproductive organ oval in shape one on each side located in the ovarian fossa of corresponding side of pelvis

Vulva

External genitalia organ of females contains opening of the vagina

Labia

Structures of skin & adipose tissue that extends on both ends of the vulva

Clitoris

Button like portion near the labia minora, erects on sexual arousement

Female Reproductive System Function

Receive the sperms from male reproductive system, bear the developing fetus throughout developmental the gestation.

Uterus Ultrasound

Use a E9 Transvaginal probe (only used for Transvaginal & transrectual)

Endometrium thickens

Uterus is ready for period

Endometrium

Inner most layer lining the uterine cavity. Glands & blood vessel prepare it for potential pregnancy. Sheds during menstruation if pregnancy doesn’t occur.

Myometrium

Thick, muscular middle layer, contracts during child birth & other uterine activites contains blood vessels, nerves & connective tissue.

Perimetrium

Outer serous layer covering the top of the uterus & attaches to surrounding structures

Dysmenorrhea

Severe menstrual cramping (most common problem)

Other Common Uterus Disorders

Endometriosis & Uterine Fibroid Tumors

Endometriosis

Uterus is lined w/ endometrial tissue. Occurs when endometrial tissue is growing outside the uterus causing scar tissue to develop around the organs inside the abdomen.

(PID) Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

The uterus is infected, after the original infection spreads from the vagina. This can cause Abscesses, which are pus-filled sacs, to grow in the pelvis & may cause vaginal discharge.

Sexually transmitted diseases is a common cause of

Uterine problems

When closer to menopause

It’s harder to tell when the period will start. Time between periods can become shorter or longer then usual. When it does start, bleeding may be very heavy & last for several weeks.

(DUB) Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding

Often affect women over 45. Usually caused by an imbalance in the chemicals in the body (hormones) that controls menstrual cycle.

Younger women may also have heavy bleeding

Usually it is b/c of a irregular period.

Women may go several months w/o a period,

But the lining of the uterus continues to build up when the body finally sheds the uterine lining, heavy bleeding could occur. Blood tests can be ordered.

To rule out Endometrial Hyperplasia

Depending on blood tests results, medical history & age the doctor may recommend that you have a biopsy.

Endometrial Hyperplasia

Is when the lining of the uterus becomes too thick due to imbalance of the hormones estrogen & progesterone. Can sometimes lead to Endometrial Cancer.

(PID) Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Effects.

Could loose an ovary or fallopian tube over it. Atopic pregnancy could happen. Ovary 2-3cm Uterus 8cm

Atopic Pregnancy

Egg/ baby stuck in the fallopian tube

Endometrial cancer

Also called “cancer of the uterus” or “uterine cancer” is a growth of abnormal cells in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) usually occurs in women older than 50. Cured when found early. Mostly found in early stages before it has spread outside the uterus.

Endometrial Cancer Symptoms

After 50, bleeding or vaginal discharge not related to your period, pain during sex, pelvic pain

Uterus and Endometriosis on Ultrasound

Uterus sometimes flips itself, sometimes cervix is on the opposite end. On ultrasound endometrium is thicken & lights up

Uterine Fibroids

Non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus. A lot of women have it at some point in their life. May have even had them and never knew it. Often doesn’t cause any pain or symptoms.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids Include

Heavy bleeding, painful periods, bleeding between periods, pressure, pain or fullness in your lower stomach, enlarged abdomen or uterus, constipation, needing to pee often or trouble emptying your bladder, Pain during sex & Miscarriages or infertility.

Leiomyomas (Fibroid)

Are non cancerous growths that develop in the uterus also known as Uterine Fibroids

Anatomy of the Ovaries

Oval shaped & about the size of a large grape. Located on opposite ends of the pelvic wall on either side of the uterus. Are each attached to the fimbria.

Fimbria

Tissue that connects the ovaries to the fallopian tube

Ovary description

Ductless reproductive gland where female reproductive cells are produced. females have a pair held together by a membrane beside the uterus on each side of the lower abdomen.

An Ovary is needed reproduction since it is responsible for

Producing the female reproductive cells or ova.

During Ovulation a follicle expels an

Egg under the stimulation of gonadotropic hormones released by the pituitary gland, the luteinizing hormone & the follicle stimulating hormone.

Follicle

Small cavity in the ovary

Diseases associated w/ ovaries

Ovarian cancer(most deadly), Ovarian Cysts, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (Bigger ovary w/ lots of cysts)

Ovarian Cancer

Extremely serious, but rare disease. Symptoms usually dont become apparent until the cancer has progressed into later stages.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

Persistent abdominal pain, indigestion, bloating, abnormal uterine bleeding & pain during sexual intercourse. Are all a common problem. Great majority of cases they won’t indicate cancer, listen to your body and talk with your doctor.

Ovarian Cysts

Fluid filled sacs that affect women of all ages, mostly. Women of child bearing age. Very common and can range from the size of a pea to a grape fruit. Majority are harmless, though larger then 5cm in diameter may need to be surgically removed. Large ones can twist the ovary & distrupt blood supply

Causes of Ovarian Cysts

Variety of reasons, could simply be part of normal menstration

Functional Cysts

Part of normal menstration, may experience no symptoms and cysts will go away after a few cycles.

Ovarian Follicle

Fluid filled pockets of tissue that can develop on your ovaries. Known as benign ovarian cysts or functional cysts. Occur in women of reproductive age as a result of ovulation, rare for pubescent girls to develop them, post menopausal women don’t get them at all.

Any cyst that occurs after menopause

Should be evaluated

Follicular cysts

Painless, harmless, not cancerous, often resolve on their own within a few cycles. May notice you have one.

Ring of Fire

Dominant ovary of that month

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Is a hormonal disorder, excess male hormones, cysts on ovaries, insulin resistance which causes high blood pressure. It causes a range of symptoms. Symptoms may start when you first get your period or sometimes they don’t begin until your early to mid 20’s.

PCOS symptoms include

Irregular periods (may have your period less then once a month ( less then 8 a year) or not at all), may also have heavy bleeding, weight gain (some women with PCOS are thin), excess hair growth on face, chest, back, stomach, or upper arms & inner thighs, acne, oily skin, patches of dark skin called (Acanthosis nigricans) on neck, arms, breast or thighs, thinning hair, difficulty concieving.