This document provides information about female sexual anatomy and the menstrual cycle. It describes the external genitals including the vulva, clitoris, labia, and vaginal opening. It then discusses the internal reproductive organs such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It explains menstruation and how the ovaries and hormones regulate the menstrual cycle. The document also covers menstrual products and potential issues like toxic shock syndrome and premenstrual syndrome.

1. Feminine SEXUAL ANATOMY Reproduction and The Menstrual Cycle

2. Exits and Entrances Common Name Vaginal Opening Pee Hole Butt Hole Genitals, Pussy, Yoni Pubes Mound Pubic Bone Outer Lips Inner Lips Taint Anatomical Name Introitus Urinary Opening (meatus) Anus Vulva Pubic Hair Mons Pubis, Mons Veneris Pubic Symphysis Labia Majora Labia Minora Perineum

3. INTERSEX This term refers to a variety of conditions I which a person is born with sex chromosomes, external genitals, or an internal reproductive system that is not clearly male or female Clitoris may be larger than normal Lack of an external opening Small than normal vagina Surgical procedure are available

4. The Vagina Common Name Vagina, Birth Canal Cherry G-Spot Clit Cervix Os Hood Womb Tubes Ovaries Anatomical Name Vagina Hymen Urethral Sponge Clitoris Cervix Os Hood of Clitoris Uterus Fallopian Tubes Ovaries

5. External Female Anatomy

6. Definitions Introitus- opening to the vagina Meatus- opening to the urethra Anus-opening to the rectum Vulva- protects your sexual organs Pubic Hair- protects, cushions, and prevents irritation during sexual intercourse Mound- skin and fat covering pubic bone to protect and cushion Pubic Bone- joint of the pubic bones

7. Continued…… Labia Majora- protect the inner lips Labia Minora- swell during sexual stimulation Perineum- between vaginal opening and anus; stretches during childbirth Vagina- pathway for menstrual blood and babies Hymen- membrane around vaginal opening Urethral Sponge- erectile tissue for orgasm and pleasure

8. Continued…… Cervix- entrance to uterus from vagina Os- opening to uterus, part of the cervix Clitoris- sexual arousal and orgasm Hood of Clitoris- protects the clitoris Uterus- fetal growth and menstrual blood development Fallopian Tubes- pathway between ovaries and uterus where egg may be fertilized Ovaries- where eggs are matured; site of hormone production (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone)

9. Internal Female Reproductive Organs

10. The Breasts Areola Circle of skin in the middle of the breast surrounding the nipple May vary in color and size Contains the muscles that make the nipple stand out and respond to cold, sexual response, and breast-feeding

11. Continued…. Nipple Center of breast May lie flat, stick out, or go inward (inverted) Contains milk duct openings Responds to sexual excitement, heat, or cold One inverted nipple and one erect nipple

12. Continued….. Sebaceous Glands Bumps on the areola Secrete lubricant that protect the nipple during breast-feeding

13. Continued….. Fat- found throughout the breasts to protect the connective tissue Connective tissue- throughout the breasts hold milk ducts in place, milk glands, and provides support for the breast Mammary glands Made of milk producing sacs and tubes Carry milk to the nipple May produce clear fluid when not breast-feeding

14. Female Breast

15. Menstruation Puberty- the transition from girl to physical maturity Characterized by breast growth, pubic and axillary hair, and a growth spurt Ovulation and menstruation begin toward the end of puberty Menarche- the term for the first period Diet, body fat, and environment play a role Average age is 9-18

16. The Ovaries At birth contain about two million follicles 400,000 present at the time of menarche During the reproductive years 10-20 follicles begin to mature under the influence of hormones, but usually only ONE fully develops…the others are absorbed by the body At ovulation the mature egg is released from the ovary and travels through the fallopian tubes If sperm enters the uterus at this point fertilization could occur

17. Continued…. It takes a fertilized egg 5 -6 days to travel to the uterus If not fertilized it disintegrates or flows out with the vaginal secretion

18. The Cervix Mucous or fluid that is produced by the cervix changes in response to the fluctuation hormones throughout the cycle Sperm can live up to 5 days in fertile-quality cervical fluid After ovulation the vagina usually become drier At ovulation the cervix is usually pulled up higher and the Os is allowed to open slightly

19. Cervix

20. The Uterus Estrogen causes the glands of the uterine lining (endometrium) to grow and thicken and increases the blood supply to these glands. This is the proliferative stage This can last 6 to 20 days Progesterone causes the endometrium to secrete and embryo-nourishing substance in the event the egg become fertilized. This is the secretory phase of the cycle If fertilization did not occur estrogen and progesterone levels drop

21. Continued…. This causes the tiny arteries and veins in the uterus to close off The lining is no longer nourished and begins to slough off and is shed from the uterus and out through the vagina This is the menstrual period or flow This is the bodies way of cleansing itself

23. Menstrual Fluid Most of the uterine lining is shed The bottom 3rd remains to form a new lining Anovulatory cycle- what appears to be a menstrual period without ovulation having occurred Cycle times vary in each woman Length of period vary in each woman Good idea to keep track of periods for fertility awareness

24. Cervical Fluid CF is the fluid produced before ovulation that allows sperm to reach the egg Provides an alkaline medium to protect the sperm The vagina is usually acidic, which is deadly to sperm

25. Menstrual Products Tampons Placed into the vagina with an applicator to absorb menstrual blood internally Pads Places in the crotch of the panties to catch menstrual blood externally Instead Cups Cup shaped device placed high in the vagina to catch blood as it comes out of the uterus, but must be taken out and emptied or replaced Natural Sponges Worn like a tampon and works the same way

26. Examples….

27. TSS Toxic Shock Syndrome Rare but life-threatening Linked to high absorbency tampon use Teenage girls and women under 30 are at a higher risk Warning signs are sudden fever, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, rash Reduce risk by using lower absorbency tampons, switching between pads and tampons, and do not use tampons in between periods

28. PMS

29. PMS Pre-menstrual syndrome/symptoms Many woman experience some or all symptoms, others do not Usually happens a few days before menstruation is due to begin Irritability Cramps Tearfulness Depression Medical help should be sought if symptoms are exaggerated or worse than usual