Female Reproductive Anatomy

• The sexual organs of men and women arise from the same structures and fulfill similar functions, despite differences in physical appearance.

Gonads

• Ovaries are female gonads that produce egg cells.
• Testes are male gonads that produce sperm cells.
• Ova and sperm are the basic units of reproduction, and their union facilitates life.

The Biological Female

• The female sexual anatomy is designed for the production and fertilization of the ovum.
• It’s also important for carrying and delivering the offspring.
• Puberty signals the final development of primary and accessory organs that support reproduction.

Female External Genitalia

• Vulva represents the outer part of external genitalia.
• Mons Veneris (pubis) refers to pads of fatty tissue between pubic bone and skin.
• Labia Majora constitutes the outer lips surrounding all the other structures.
• Labia Minora refers to the inner lips surrounding the vestibule.
• Vestibule- area surrounding the urethral opening and vagina.
• Prepuce is the clitoral hood (foreskin covering clitoris).
• Clitoris is the female erogenous organ capable of erection under sexual stimulation.
• Urethra is used for urination.
• Vaginal Opening is also called the "introitus".
• Perineum refers to the area of skin separating genitalia from the anus.

Female Internal Genitalia

• Vagina is a collapsible canal extending from vaginal opening back and upward into body to cervix and uterus.
• Cervix is the small end of the uterus to which the vagina leads.
• Uterus is the womb, an organ within the pelvic zone where the fetus is carried.
• Fallopian Tubes carry egg cells from ovaries to the uterus, as well as where fertilization occurs.
• Ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands located on either side of the uterus.
• Ovaries produce and store eggs (also known as ovum).
• Ovaries make hormones that control the menstrual cycle (Estrogen) and pregnancy (Progesterone).
• One of the ovaries releases an egg during ovulation.
• Becoming pregnant is possible when sperm fertilizes this egg.

Puberty

• The menstrual cycle marks the beginning of puberty in females.
• The first episode of the menstrual cycle occurs between ages 11 to 15, and is referred to as "menarche".
• Bleeding from the female reproductive organs may last within 2 to 6 days following a cycle ranging from 24 to 42 days.
• The overall cycle is governed by the hypothalamus because it monitors hormone levels in the bloodstream.

Menstrual Cycle Phases

• Follicular Phase represents the first half of the menstrual cycle during which the ovaries develop and mature a follicle, the small sac that contains an egg (ovum).
• Proliferative Phase is is characterized by the thickening of the uterine lining, which prepares the uterus for potential implantation of a fertilized egg.
• Luteal Phase is the time between ovulation and before the start of menstruation, during which the body prepares for a possible pregnancy, and progesterone is produced, peaks, and then drops.
• Secretory Phase is when the uterine lining produces chemicals that will help support an early pregnancy or prepare the lining to break down and shed if pregnancy doesn't occur.

Female Hormones

• Estrogens play an important role in sexual and reproductive development.
• Progesterone facilitates the implantation of the fertilized egg.
• Luteinizing Hormone (LH) facilitates ovulation
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) stimulates follicular production.

Problems with Menstruation

• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
• Dysmenorrhea
• Amenorrhea
• Menorrhagia

Female Secondary Sexual Characteristics

• After puberty, widening of hips and pelvis occurs.
• Enlargement of the breasts also occurs.
• Women are generally shorter than men.
• Women have a greater proportion of body weight composed of fat than men.
• A female's two X chromosomes reduces expression of many sex-linked conditions
• Women experience lower mortality rates at every age and longer projected lifespans than men.

The Biological Male

• The male sexual anatomy is designed for the production and delivery of sperm for fertilization of the female’s ovum.
• Puberty signals the final development of primary and accessory organs that support reproduction.

Male External Genitalia

• The penis contains the glans, shaft, and root.
• Scrotum
• Urethral Opening
• Prepuce
• Testes are the organ inside the scrotum which produce androgen, testosterone, and sperm cells.
• Vas deferens is a long muscular tube that transports sperm cells to the urethra.
• The seminal vesicle produces up to 80% of ejaculatory fluid, including fructose, which serves as an energy source for sperm and helps them move.
• The prostate produces the fluid secretions that support and nourish the sperm
• Alkaline secretions counteract the acidic nature of the urethra and vagina.
• The epididymis is a long, coiled tube that rests on the back of each testicle.
• It carries and stores the sperm cells that the testicles create.

Male Hormones

• Androgens are a group of hormones that primarily influence the growth and development of the male reproductive system.
• Testosterone is the major sex hormone in males which is essential to the development of male growth and masculine characteristics, and plays a vital role in sperm production.
• Male secondary sexual characteristics that emerge after puberty include no monthly cycle, elongation of vocal cords, broader shoulders, and a deeper chest cavity. Men are generally taller and greater proportion of body weight composed of water
• Men have proportionately larger heart and lungs, presumably to handle greater blood fluid volume.
• Exposure to greater levels of testosterone in men leads them to have heavier body and facial hair, but also increased frequency and degree of baldness.
• A single X chromosome in men results in sex-linked conditions such as colorblindness and hemophilia.

Reproduction

• Reproduction is a fundamental biological process carried out by different living organisms to produce their young ones or offspring.
• In humans, reproduction plays a significant role in the continuity of species from one generation to another generation.
• Ovulation is the process when a mature ovum is released from the ovary and travels to the fallopian tube for possible fertilization.
• Fertilization involves a sperm cell from a male combining with an egg cell (ovum) from a female to form a zygote.
• Pregnancy is a state in which a fertilized egg (zygote) develops and grows within a woman's uterus/womb.

Ovulation

• Ovulation is when a woman's body releases an egg from one of her ovaries.
• It usually happens in the middle of her menstrual cycle and the timing of ovulation varies among individuals but typically occurs around the middle of the cycle.
• If sperm meets the egg and fertilizes it, it can lead to pregnancy.
• If not, the body prepares to shed the uterine lining, resulting in menstruation, and the cycle repeats.
• In order for pregnancy to occur, the sperm needs to combine with an egg.
• Pregnancy officially starts when a fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus.
• Pregnancy starts depending on the development of the fertilized egg but typically happens 2 – 3 weeks after sexual intercourse

Contraception Methods

• Male Condom involves being rolled over the penis; it is 80-85 % effective.
• Benefits include it being a low cost, easily accessible method that reduces risk of STDs/STIs.
• It is instructed to not use with oil-based lubricants such as creams and lotions.
• Implantable Hormone involves the continuous release of hormones; effectiveness is not known.
• Benefits include it providing continuous birth control for five years. The implant of the capsule is needed in the patient’s upper arm, and is to be done by the doctor.
• Calendar Method involves the woman predicting the day of ovulation by keeping a calendar of each menstrual cycle
• It allows the woman to keep track of "safe" days for sex although it’s theoretical effectiveness is 85%, but is about 60% in reality.
• It provides no cost birth control and is under the control of the woman.
• The woman must keep track with the help of the calendar.
• Sterilization, Vasectomy for males ,and tubal ligation for females prevents the passageway for the sperm or egg from being surgically tied.
• Theoretically 100% except in rare cases.
• Highly effective, permanent, and one time expense.
• Birth Control Pills contain synthetic estrogen, which Alters the natural ovulation cycle.
• It has a theoretical effectiveness of 99–100% although some women have been conceived on the "pill".
• This is a low cost, easily available, and controlled by the woman.
• Contraceptive injection involves it being given in the first days of the menstruation and and then every 2-3months but effectiveness is not known.
• Withdrawal the penis from the vagina is a way to prevent pregnancy.
• Prevents the semen from going into the vagina and is theoretically 85% effective, but in reality, about 70%.
• No cost, under the control of the man and the woman involved.
• Having an Intrauterine Device (IUD) Is a T-shaped implant meant to prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing the eggs, and is 95-98% effective.

Early Pregnancy Complications

• Obstructed Labor due to failure of the fetus to descend through the birth canal, because there is an impossible barrier (obstruction) preventing its descent.
• Obsteric Fistula can occur when there is an abnormal opening/hole between a woman's genital tract and her urinary tract or rectum, mostly because the body is not yet fully developed during the birth process.
• Additional complications include excessive vomiting, severe anemia, hypertension, convulsions, premature and low birth weight babies, prolonged labor, difficulty in breast feeding, infection and maternal mortality/death.

Health, Hygiene and Sexual Health

• Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being; not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
• Hygiene refers to behaviors that can improve cleanliness and lead to good health, such as frequent hand washing and bathing properly.
• Sexual health is a key part of our identity as human beings together with the fundamental human rights to privacy, a family life, and living free from discrimination.
• Reproductive Health focuses on all aspects of human reproduction.
• It implies that people are able to have a satisfying and safe sex life, the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to do so.

Oily Hair and Hygiene

• During puberty, the sebaceous glands produce extra oil, which can make hair look too shiny, oily, and greasy.
• Washing hair everyday can help control oily hair.
• Scrubbing too hard is ineffectual and can irritate your scalp and damage hair.
• When styling hair, attention should be paid to the products being used, because some products can make hair too oily.

Sweat, Body Odor and Hygiene

• Puberty activates the sweat glands.
• Secreted chemicals into the sweat have a stronger smell.
• Bathing regularly is the best way to keep clean.
• Clothing made of cotton effectively absorbs sweat, and clothes should be cleaned regularly.
• Deodorants controls odor while antiperspirants reduce or stop perspiration.

Body Hair, Hair Removal and Hygiene

• Around puberty, terminal hair starts to grow in the armpits and pubic region.
• Terminal hair provides cushioning and protection.
• Body hair has been stigmatized in some cultures so people choose to remove it.
• Before deciding to remove body hair, research of the options and discussing with parents or older siblings should be done.

Dental Hygiene

• The most important part of tooth care happens at home, and brushing and flossing along with regular checkups can prevent gum disease.
• Brushing effectively avoids cavities and gum disease.
• Brushing stimulates the gums, which helps to fortify teeth, prevent gum disease.

Self Breast Exams

• Involve use of the right hand to examine left breast, then vice versa, in order to feel for any lumps, thick spots or other changes.
• Pressure should be applied using the pads of the middle fingers on every part of one breast.
• Breasts should be felt in circular motion.
• Your areola should be then checked for discharge squeezing of the nipple.

Genital Care for Women

• Gently separate the outer "lips" and bathe the inner skin with plain water, using only the hands.
• Pat the outer skin dry.
• Avoid the use of a hair dryer.
• Wash the area using plain, lukewarm (not hot) water.
• Washing with harsh chemicals, too often, or rubbing too hard when drying can all irritate the skin.
• Soaps, shower gels, and some cleansers can also make problems worse.

Genital Care for Men

• Wash the external genitalia at least daily with soap and water, as you wash the rest of the body.
• Boys who are not circumcised should pull back the foreskin and gently wash underneath with clean water.
• Be aware of any abnormal fluids coming from the penis, and do not confuse this with the presence of normal fluids.