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Female reproductive system
Currently the Female reproductive system has the following sub pages: Pregnancy & Birth, Female Reproduction Clinical Views, Misc. Female Reproduction Pics, and Female Reproduction in the News. We may want to reduce the number of sub pages by reorganizing this information. If an individual or group wants to take this on let Kevin or Kari know and we can help (e.g. we can delete or rename pages once the information has been moved).
Fallopian Tubes or uterine tubes:
The fallopian tubes extend superiolaterally off the uterus and connects with the ovaries. These tubes have finger like projection's called Fimbrae at the end of the tube near the ovary. These finger like projections help to collect mature eggs released by the ovaries. Fertilization of the egg happens mostly in the first one third of the fallopian tube.
Ovaries:
Women have an ovary on each side of the uterus. Each month the ovaries release an egg which is then fertilized or sloughed off. They also produce estrogen and progesterone which help with reproductive function. Sometimes 2 eggs are released and if fertilized by sperm, non-identical or fraternal twins (could be two boys, two girls, or a boy and a girl) develop in the uterus. Ovarian cysts form when an egg in the ovary begins to mature and grow but is not released. It can cause pain if it twists and infection and possible death if it bursts. Generally the body will reabsorb these eggs, but if it continues to grow it must be surgically drained or removed. Surgery includes removal of the ovary in many cases. Sometimes this ovarian cyst occurs when a woman is pregnant. Other times it can be brought on due to extreme stress or a predisposed genetic condition. If one ovary is removed, there is still a good chance of becoming pregnant and releasing enough estrogen to help regulate body needs.
Mammary Glands:
Mammary glands, which are part of the breasts, are very high modified suderiferous (sweat) glands, which appear in mostly all vertebrates, but are developed in their own ways. The glands are also somewhat different from species to different animals. Each mammal may secrete milk in different ways when they produce it.
Breast-
Mammory glands are composed of glandular tissue and a variable amount of fat. They are also have a complex secretory product called breast milk. Breast milk travels through a passageway called the Lactiferous duct, which travels from the alveoli to the nipple. The nipple is a centrally located projection on the breast comprised partly of erectile tissue. The Areola is the darkened region of the breast that surrounds the nipple. An areola may vary in color depending on whether or not a woman has given birth.
Self screening checks on your own/Signs and symptoms of breast cancer
Information on Breast Reduction
DISEASES OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Breast Cancer
Statistics now show that 1 in every 8 women will have breast cancer. The likelihood of developing breast cancer almost doubles if you have an immediate relative who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
It is important for women to do a self breast exam each month for early detection of possible lumps. However, note that a recent study questions this advice, saying that monthly breast self exams do not reduce cancer deaths and instead lead to more surgeries for noncancerous lumps.
According to the American Cancer Society, any of the following unusual changes in the breast can be a symptom of breast cancer:
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Similarities between male and female reproductive systems Both the male and female have basic similarities and very special differences. They are typically the same in the most of the reproductive organs of sexes from similar embroyonic tissue, meaning, they are homologous. Both systems have gonads that produce tes (either the sperm and egg or ovum) and sex organs. Both systems experience further development of the reproductive organs, which mature and become functional during puberty as a result of the gonads secreting sex hormones. For Example: Penis-Vagina Scrotum-Labia Majora
Differences between male and female reproductive systems The differences between the female and the male reproductive systems are based on the the functions of each individual role relying in the reproduction cycle. A male who is healthy, and sexually mature continuously produces sperm vs a woman's eggs are completely formed during fetal development.
A picture of the egg being fertilized by the sperm in the process of invetro fertilization.
After the first week, your doctor checks your blood estrogen levels and uses ultrasound to see whether eggs are maturing in the follicles. During the second week, your dosage may change based on test results, and you are monitored frequently with transvaginal ultrasound and blood tests. If follicles fully develop, you are given a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection to stimulate the follicles to mature. The mature eggs are collected 34 to 36 hours later by needle aspiration guided by ultrasound. You will usually have pain medicine and sedation for this procedure.
Sperm collection. Sperm are collected by means of masturbation or by taking sperm from a testicle through a small incision. This procedure is performed when a blockage prevents sperm from being ejaculated or when there is a problem with sperm development.
Fertilization and embryo transfer. The eggs and sperm are placed in a glass dish and incubated with careful temperature, atmospheric, and infection control for 48 to 120 hours. About 2 to 5 days after fertilization, the best fertilized eggs are selected. Two to four are placed in the uterus using a thin flexible tube (catheter) that is inserted through the cervix. Those remaining may be frozen (cryopreserved) for future attempts.
Pregnancy and birth. Any embryos that implant in the uterus may then result in pregnancy and birth of one or more infants.
Birth Control
Abstinence - The most effective form of birth control is to simply refrain form participating in sexual intercourse. If you don't have sex, then you won't get pregnant.
Sterilization - A procedure called Tubal Ligation is performed on a woman in order to cut and seal her Fallopian Tubes. The closing of the Fallopian Tubes prevents fertilization from occuring. This may also be referred to as a woman "getting her tubes tied."
Female Condom - A latex pouch worn by women during sex. There is a rounded triangular opening at one end, and a sponge at the other end. The closed end, containing the sponge, should be inserted first, into the vaginal opening. The sponge is already lubricated, which should make insertion easy.
Diaphragm - A very thin, rubber dome that is inserted into the vagina to prevent sperm from leaking through. It holds Spermicide in place over the cervix and should continue to be worn 6-8 hours after intercourse takes place.
IUD - an Intra-Uterine Device is a T-shaped object inserted through the cervix and into the Uterus to prevent unwanted pregnancies. A string is attached and hangs down into the vagina, although it cannot be seen during intercourse. The device changes the lining of the uterus and fallopian tubes and can last up to ten years.
Norplant - a six capsule device that is inserted underneath the skin of the woman's bicep. The tiny capsules prevent ovulation by thickening the mucus of the cervix.
These procedures are done on an outpatient basis and require only a short recovery time. You may have cramping during the procedure. You may be advised to avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day or to be on bed rest for a few days, depending on your condition and your doctor's recommendation.
Childhood During childhood a female's ovaries are inactive, and no follicles develop. The main event that occurs during childhood is artesia, in which some primordial follicles regress or break down. By the time a female child reaches puberty, only about 400,000 primordial follicles remain.
Puberty When a female reaches puberty the hypothalamus releases GnRH which stimulates the anterior pituitary to release FSH (follicle-stimulating, hormone) and LH(lutenizing hormone). The levels of the FSH of LH vary in a cyclical pattern and produce a monthly sequence of events in follicle development called the ovarian cycle. The three phases, ovularian cycle are: the folliclar phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase.
The female reproductive system is designed to carry out several functions. It produces the female egg cells necessary for reproduction, called the ova or ocytes. Females are born with the number of eggs they will have throughout their life. Once sexual maturity is reached and the cycle is average, an egg will mature each month and be released during ovulation. (Occasionally two are released.) The system is designed to transport the ova to the site of fertilization. Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in the uterine tubes. The next step for the fertilized egg is to implant into the walls of the uterus, beginning the initial stages of pregnancy. If fertilization and/or implantation does not take place, the system is designed to menstruate (the monthly shedding of the uterine lining). There can be unusual conditions of implantation such as a tubal pregnancy and even implantation outside of the uterus.
In addition, the female reproductive system produces female sex hormones that maintain the reproductive cycle. During menopause the female reproductive system gradually stops making the female hormones necessary for the reproductive cycle to work. When the body no longer produces these hormones a woman is considered to be menopausal.
Literature on Childbirth
One of the greatest sources of information on the female anatomy and especially childbirth is the literature available today. There are several really great books that can help women understand their options, and find out what's best for their baby. There is the famous What to Expect When You're Expecting, which gives a wonderful overall view of exactly that, what to expect.
One of the most important decisions to make when you're pregnant is what your birth plan will entail. It's important to decide beforehand if you want an epidural, episiotomy, Cesarean delivery, or to be induced, and under what circumstances you will want each of these. There is a somewhat controversial book called Pushed: The Painful Truth about Childbirth and Modern Maternity Care, that addresses each of these issues from a woman's perspective. This is an absolute must-read if you are interested in natural childbirth, breastfeeding, and returning to the more conventional way of giving birth. It takes a sociological as well as a journalistic look at the truth about the technologies we rely on for childbirth, and the risks and benefits of giving birth in such a fast-paced world of medicine.
Every woman should be aware of her options, and be informed enough to make her own decisions when it comes to giving birth. Much of the female anatomy is created just to give birth, and sometimes the conveniences of modern medicine can interfere with this natural process. Every soon-to-be parent should take advantage of the information available, and not go into something as serious as giving birth without making educated decisions. Having female anatomy doesn't do much good if women don't understand it!
WEB SITE LINKS
Video About The Female Reproductive System
Live disection of uterus
Cervicitis website: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/253402-overview
Definitions:
Vagina- The muscular canal extending from the uterus to the exterior of the body. Receives the penis during intercourse. Also where menstruation comes from the uterus and exits the body and the birth canal for baby delivery.
Uterus-The pear-shaped organ in women that holds and nourishes the growing embryo and fetus. It is generally laying over the bladder but can also do a back bend the wrong direction and can prolapse (start to lower and try to leave the body).
Ovaries- The sexual glands of the female which produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone, and in which the ova are developed. Differences include erratic cycles, releasing more than one egg, and ovarian cysts.
Cervix- part of the female reproductive system. The cervix is the narrow opening at the bottom of the uterus. It can get benign cysts or develop cancer.
Vulva- The external female genital organs, including the clitoris, vaginal lips and the opening to the vagina.
Labia-The folds of skin at the opening of the vagina.
Clitoris- A small organ located near the opening of the vagina that is a sensitive site of sexual excitement. The only purpose is sexual pleasure.
Fallopian tubes or uterine tubes- two thin tubes that extend from each side of the uterus, toward the ovaries, as a passageway for eggs and sperm. Even with one removed there can be a pregnancy and there is generally enough estrogen to not need HRT.
Ovum- a mature egg cell released during ovulation from an ovary.
Menstruation-a monthly process (except during pregnancy) that involves a discharge of bloody fluid from the uterus through the vagina. There are women that still menstruate during pregnancy and lactation.
The picture below is a representation of the female reproductive system
Notice the white egg or ovum on the right ovary getting ready to be released.
Notice the white egg or ovum on the right ovary getting ready to be released.
The female reproductive system is comprised of the vagina, cervix, uterus, uterine (fallopian) tubes and ovaries.
Reproduction:
In the reproductive process, two kinds of sex cells or gametes are involved. The male sperm, and the female egg or ovum. These two cells meet in the female's reproductive system to create a new individual. The egg is fertilized in the uterine tube and implanted in the uterus. Both the male and female reproductive systems are essential for reproduction. The female needs a male to fertilize her egg, even though she is the one who carries the offspring through pregnancy and childbirth.
Vagina:
The vaginal wall is a thick, fibromusclar tube that forms the inferior- most region of the female-reproductive tract and measures about 4 inches in length in an adult female. It connects the uterus with the outside of the body anteromedially, and thus functions as a entry point for the penis during sexual intercourse. It is also the exit canal for blood discharge during menstruation and the baby during a vaginal childbirth. It's tube like structure helps connect the internal reproductive organs to the external genitalia.
Cervix:
The cervix is situated between the vagina and the uterus. It mucous membranes helps to either allow for the passage of sperm or the obstruction of sperm. The sperm must pass through the cervix to reach an unfertilized egg. When a baby is born it must pass through the cervix as it exits the uterus and enters the vagina. Cervical cancer is the greatest cancer concern for woman. Yearly pap smear cultures can monitor and detect abnormalities. It is common to have cervical cysts that cause no difficulties to cause concern. They can be monitored for changes and enlargement.
Uterus:
This muscular organ is made up of three layers from deep to superficial: endometrium, myometrium, perimetrium. The Endometrium can be further divided into Stratum Basalis and Stratum Functionalis which is the growth filled with blood and sluffed out on the next menstartion. A fertilized egg implants itself into the wall of the endometrium where it will develop throughout the pregnancy. Its also made up of 2 main parts. The Fundus which it the dome top of the uterus and the Body which is inferior to the fundus and superior to the cervix.
Vagina:
The vaginal wall is a thick, fibromusclar tube that forms the inferior- most region of the female-reproductive tract and measures about 4 inches in length in an adult female. It connects the uterus with the outside of the body anteromedially, and thus functions as a entry point for the penis during sexual intercourse. It is also the exit canal for blood discharge during menstruation and the baby during a vaginal childbirth. It's tube like structure helps connect the internal reproductive organs to the external genitalia.
Cervix:
The cervix is situated between the vagina and the uterus. It mucous membranes helps to either allow for the passage of sperm or the obstruction of sperm. The sperm must pass through the cervix to reach an unfertilized egg. When a baby is born it must pass through the cervix as it exits the uterus and enters the vagina. Cervical cancer is the greatest cancer concern for woman. Yearly pap smear cultures can monitor and detect abnormalities. It is common to have cervical cysts that cause no difficulties to cause concern. They can be monitored for changes and enlargement.
Uterus:
This muscular organ is made up of three layers from deep to superficial: endometrium, myometrium, perimetrium. The Endometrium can be further divided into Stratum Basalis and Stratum Functionalis which is the growth filled with blood and sluffed out on the next menstartion. A fertilized egg implants itself into the wall of the endometrium where it will develop throughout the pregnancy. Its also made up of 2 main parts. The Fundus which it the dome top of the uterus and the Body which is inferior to the fundus and superior to the cervix.
Fallopian Tubes or uterine tubes:
The fallopian tubes extend superiolaterally off the uterus and connects with the ovaries. These tubes have finger like projection's called Fimbrae at the end of the tube near the ovary. These finger like projections help to collect mature eggs released by the ovaries. Fertilization of the egg happens mostly in the first one third of the fallopian tube.
Ovaries:
Women have an ovary on each side of the uterus. Each month the ovaries release an egg which is then fertilized or sloughed off. They also produce estrogen and progesterone which help with reproductive function. Sometimes 2 eggs are released and if fertilized by sperm, non-identical or fraternal twins (could be two boys, two girls, or a boy and a girl) develop in the uterus. Ovarian cysts form when an egg in the ovary begins to mature and grow but is not released. It can cause pain if it twists and infection and possible death if it bursts. Generally the body will reabsorb these eggs, but if it continues to grow it must be surgically drained or removed. Surgery includes removal of the ovary in many cases. Sometimes this ovarian cyst occurs when a woman is pregnant. Other times it can be brought on due to extreme stress or a predisposed genetic condition. If one ovary is removed, there is still a good chance of becoming pregnant and releasing enough estrogen to help regulate body needs.
Mammary Glands:
Mammary glands, which are part of the breasts, are very high modified suderiferous (sweat) glands, which appear in mostly all vertebrates, but are developed in their own ways. The glands are also somewhat different from species to different animals. Each mammal may secrete milk in different ways when they produce it.
All of these organs are major and critical parts of the female reproductive system. They are housed internally within the body. These organs work together to help the ovaries release the egg follicle which is then either implanted in the uterus or is sloughed out. Humans are the only mammal to have enlarged breasts when they are not lactating. This is due to the large content of fat (adipose tissue) contained in a breast surrounding the mammary gland.
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Breast-
Mammory glands are composed of glandular tissue and a variable amount of fat. They are also have a complex secretory product called breast milk. Breast milk travels through a passageway called the Lactiferous duct, which travels from the alveoli to the nipple. The nipple is a centrally located projection on the breast comprised partly of erectile tissue. The Areola is the darkened region of the breast that surrounds the nipple. An areola may vary in color depending on whether or not a woman has given birth.
Self screening checks on your own/Signs and symptoms of breast cancer
Information on Breast Reduction
DISEASES OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Breast Cancer
Statistics now show that 1 in every 8 women will have breast cancer. The likelihood of developing breast cancer almost doubles if you have an immediate relative who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
It is important for women to do a self breast exam each month for early detection of possible lumps. However, note that a recent study questions this advice, saying that monthly breast self exams do not reduce cancer deaths and instead lead to more surgeries for noncancerous lumps.
According to the American Cancer Society, any of the following unusual changes in the breast can be a symptom of breast cancer:
- swelling of all or part of the breast
- skin irritation or dimpling
- breast pain
- nipple pain or the nipple turning inward
- redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
- a nipple discharge other than breast milk
- a lump in the underarm area
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Cervical Cancer
Cervical Cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the female reproductive system. It is estimated that over 12,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and approximately 4000 women die from this disease. Risk factors include age, HIV infection and previous HPV (human papaloma virus) infection.
A very effective method of detecting cervical cancer in it's early stage is by having a Pap Smear. If cancerous cells are detected, surgery is used to remove the diseased cells.
Cervicitis, otherwise known as vaginitis, is an inflammation of the uterine cervix. There are two types of cervicitis: noninfectious cervicitis and infectious cervicitis. Noninfectious cervicitis is caused by local trauma, radiation, or malignancy. However, infectious cervicitis is much more common and is caused by a sexually transmitted disease, specifically gonorrhea, chalmydia, or trichomoniasis. Injuries or irritation, infection of herpes virus, and genital warts may also cause a person to develop cervicitis.
The first symptom of cervicitis is a more pronounced vaginal discharge following a woman's menstrual period. Other symptoms include; itching, pain during intercourse, bleeding, and burning feeling during urination. If this infection gets into a woman's system it may cause symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and fever. If a woman is found to have cervicitis, antibiotics are prescribed. However, depending on the cause, antiviral agents may also be given. Finally, if none of these antibiotics are effective, cyrosurgery or laser treatment can be done. Limiting the amount of sexual partners and getting treated for vaginal infections before they spread to the cervix are easy ways to prevent cervicitis.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic means out of place. In ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg has implanted somewhere outside the uterus. About 95% of the time it implants in the fallopian tube, the site of fertilization. In this case, it is often referred to as
'tubal pregnancy." The egg can settle in other areas of the body, such as the abdomen or cervix. So far there is no way to save a baby or the uterine tube if a baby implants there. The baby is only viable for eight weeks. After that it grows too large to fit in the uterine tube and causes extreme pain and will need to be surgically removed.
An ectopic pregnancy outside of the uterine tube is also possible. There are documented cases of babies attaching to the outside of the uterus or the intestines and with a c-section, the mother and baby are fine.Ectopic pregnancy can be difficult to diagnose because the first symptoms are that of normal pregnancy. These include missed periods, breast tenderness, and nausea. Some signs that a pregnancy is ectopic are extreme pain in the abdomen or vaginal bleeding. Endometriosis can sometimes result in ectopic pregnancy or scar tissue build up from an operation that blocks the egg from moving completely into the uterus.
Ovarian Cysts
There are several types of ovarian cysts that can occur. The most common is a Functional Cyst, and there are two further subcategories. The first is a Follicle cyst, which happens when the the sac holding the egg does not break open to release the egg, and the fluid filled sac continues to grow. This type of cyst will often resolve itself in a few months. The second is a Corpus Luteum cyst, occurring when the sac does not dissolve after releasing the egg, but rather seals off and fills with fluid. They can grow up to 4 inches, but will usually resolve in a few weeks.
The other less common type of ovarian cysts are: Endometriomas These cysts form in women who have endometriosis (EN-doh-MEE-tree-OH-suhss). This problem occurs when tissue that looks and acts like the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. The tissue may attach to the ovary and form a growth. These cysts can be painful during sex and during your period. Cystadenomas These cysts form from cells on the outer surface of the ovary. They are often filled with a watery fluid or thick, sticky gel. They can become large and cause pain. Dermoid These cysts contain many types of cells. They may be filled with hair, teeth, and other tissues that become part of the cyst. They can become large and cause pain. Polycystic These cysts are caused when eggs mature within the sacs but are not released. The cycle then repeats. The sacs continue to grow and many cysts form
Cervical Cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the female reproductive system. It is estimated that over 12,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and approximately 4000 women die from this disease. Risk factors include age, HIV infection and previous HPV (human papaloma virus) infection.
A very effective method of detecting cervical cancer in it's early stage is by having a Pap Smear. If cancerous cells are detected, surgery is used to remove the diseased cells.
The picture below is a representation if the female reproductive structure (cervical cancer is shown on the right photo.
Cervicitis
Cervicitis, otherwise known as vaginitis, is an inflammation of the uterine cervix. There are two types of cervicitis: noninfectious cervicitis and infectious cervicitis. Noninfectious cervicitis is caused by local trauma, radiation, or malignancy. However, infectious cervicitis is much more common and is caused by a sexually transmitted disease, specifically gonorrhea, chalmydia, or trichomoniasis. Injuries or irritation, infection of herpes virus, and genital warts may also cause a person to develop cervicitis. The first symptom of cervicitis is a more pronounced vaginal discharge following a woman's menstrual period. Other symptoms include; itching, pain during intercourse, bleeding, and burning feeling during urination. If this infection gets into a woman's system it may cause symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and fever. If a woman is found to have cervicitis, antibiotics are prescribed. However, depending on the cause, antiviral agents may also be given. Finally, if none of these antibiotics are effective, cyrosurgery or laser treatment can be done. Limiting the amount of sexual partners and getting treated for vaginal infections before they spread to the cervix are easy ways to prevent cervicitis.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic means out of place. In ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg has implanted somewhere outside the uterus. About 95% of the time it implants in the fallopian tube, the site of fertilization. In this case, it is often referred to as
'tubal pregnancy." The egg can settle in other areas of the body, such as the abdomen or cervix. So far there is no way to save a baby or the uterine tube if a baby implants there. The baby is only viable for eight weeks. After that it grows too large to fit in the uterine tube and causes extreme pain and will need to be surgically removed.
An ectopic pregnancy outside of the uterine tube is also possible. There are documented cases of babies attaching to the outside of the uterus or the intestines and with a c-section, the mother and baby are fine.Ectopic pregnancy can be difficult to diagnose because the first symptoms are that of normal pregnancy. These include missed periods, breast tenderness, and nausea. Some signs that a pregnancy is ectopic are extreme pain in the abdomen or vaginal bleeding. Endometriosis can sometimes result in ectopic pregnancy or scar tissue build up from an operation that blocks the egg from moving completely into the uterus.
Ovarian Cysts
There are several types of ovarian cysts that can occur. The most common is a Functional Cyst, and there are two further subcategories. The first is a Follicle cyst, which happens when the the sac holding the egg does not break open to release the egg, and the fluid filled sac continues to grow. This type of cyst will often resolve itself in a few months. The second is a Corpus Luteum cyst, occurring when the sac does not dissolve after releasing the egg, but rather seals off and fills with fluid. They can grow up to 4 inches, but will usually resolve in a few weeks.
The other less common type of ovarian cysts are:
 |
Female Reproductive System
Vagina *Rugae *Vaginal orifice Fallopian (uterine) tubes Ovary Uterus *Perimetrium, Myometrium, Endometrium *Fundus *Body *Cervix *External os Vulva *Clitoris *Labia minoria & majora *Mons pubis Perineium Breast *Mammary glands *Lactiferous duct *Nipple *Areola male and female reproductive systems
Invitro Fertilization
During in vitro fertilization (IVF), eggs and sperm are brought together in a laboratory glass dish to allow the sperm to fertilize an egg. With IVF, you can use any combination of your own eggs and sperm and donor eggs and sperm. Ovulation and egg retrieval. To prepare for an assisted reproductive procedure using your own eggs, you will require hormone treatment to control your egg production (ovulation). This is done to prevent unpredictable ovulation, which would make it necessary to cancel that in vitro attempt. This is generally done using one of two similar types of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue ). The following are two examples of how ovulation can be controlled: - You first receive about 10 days of nasal or injected GnRH agonist that "shuts down" your pituitry. Next, you get daily ovary-stimulating hormone injections and are closely monitored for 2 weeks before egg retrieval. At home, you or your partner injects you with gonadotropin or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to make your ovaries produce multiple eggs (superovulation).
- You start treatment with FSH injections and then add the GnRH antagonist injection after about 5 days, which stops the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) within an hour or two.
A picture of the egg being fertilized by the sperm in the process of invetro fertilization.
After the first week, your doctor checks your blood estrogen levels and uses ultrasound to see whether eggs are maturing in the follicles. During the second week, your dosage may change based on test results, and you are monitored frequently with transvaginal ultrasound and blood tests. If follicles fully develop, you are given a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection to stimulate the follicles to mature. The mature eggs are collected 34 to 36 hours later by needle aspiration guided by ultrasound. You will usually have pain medicine and sedation for this procedure.
Sperm collection. Sperm are collected by means of masturbation or by taking sperm from a testicle through a small incision. This procedure is performed when a blockage prevents sperm from being ejaculated or when there is a problem with sperm development.
Fertilization and embryo transfer. The eggs and sperm are placed in a glass dish and incubated with careful temperature, atmospheric, and infection control for 48 to 120 hours. About 2 to 5 days after fertilization, the best fertilized eggs are selected. Two to four are placed in the uterus using a thin flexible tube (catheter) that is inserted through the cervix. Those remaining may be frozen (cryopreserved) for future attempts.
Pregnancy and birth. Any embryos that implant in the uterus may then result in pregnancy and birth of one or more infants.
Birth Control
Abstinence - The most effective form of birth control is to simply refrain form participating in sexual intercourse. If you don't have sex, then you won't get pregnant.
Sterilization - A procedure called Tubal Ligation is performed on a woman in order to cut and seal her Fallopian Tubes. The closing of the Fallopian Tubes prevents fertilization from occuring. This may also be referred to as a woman "getting her tubes tied."
Female Condom - A latex pouch worn by women during sex. There is a rounded triangular opening at one end, and a sponge at the other end. The closed end, containing the sponge, should be inserted first, into the vaginal opening. The sponge is already lubricated, which should make insertion easy.
Diaphragm - A very thin, rubber dome that is inserted into the vagina to prevent sperm from leaking through. It holds Spermicide in place over the cervix and should continue to be worn 6-8 hours after intercourse takes place.
IUD - an Intra-Uterine Device is a T-shaped object inserted through the cervix and into the Uterus to prevent unwanted pregnancies. A string is attached and hangs down into the vagina, although it cannot be seen during intercourse. The device changes the lining of the uterus and fallopian tubes and can last up to ten years.
Norplant - a six capsule device that is inserted underneath the skin of the woman's bicep. The tiny capsules prevent ovulation by thickening the mucus of the cervix.
What To Expect After Treatment
Overall, in vitro fertilization (IVF)-related injections, monitoring, and procedures are emotionally and physically demanding of the female partner. Superovulation with hormones requires regular blood tests, daily injections (some of which are quite painful), frequent monitoring by your doctor, and harvesting of eggs.These procedures are done on an outpatient basis and require only a short recovery time. You may have cramping during the procedure. You may be advised to avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day or to be on bed rest for a few days, depending on your condition and your doctor's recommendation.
Childhood During childhood a female's ovaries are inactive, and no follicles develop. The main event that occurs during childhood is artesia, in which some primordial follicles regress or break down. By the time a female child reaches puberty, only about 400,000 primordial follicles remain.
Puberty When a female reaches puberty the hypothalamus releases GnRH which stimulates the anterior pituitary to release FSH (follicle-stimulating, hormone) and LH(lutenizing hormone). The levels of the FSH of LH vary in a cyclical pattern and produce a monthly sequence of events in follicle development called the ovarian cycle. The three phases, ovularian cycle are: the folliclar phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase.
The female reproductive system is designed to carry out several functions. It produces the female egg cells necessary for reproduction, called the ova or ocytes. Females are born with the number of eggs they will have throughout their life. Once sexual maturity is reached and the cycle is average, an egg will mature each month and be released during ovulation. (Occasionally two are released.) The system is designed to transport the ova to the site of fertilization. Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in the uterine tubes. The next step for the fertilized egg is to implant into the walls of the uterus, beginning the initial stages of pregnancy. If fertilization and/or implantation does not take place, the system is designed to menstruate (the monthly shedding of the uterine lining). There can be unusual conditions of implantation such as a tubal pregnancy and even implantation outside of the uterus.
In addition, the female reproductive system produces female sex hormones that maintain the reproductive cycle. During menopause the female reproductive system gradually stops making the female hormones necessary for the reproductive cycle to work. When the body no longer produces these hormones a woman is considered to be menopausal.
Literature on Childbirth
One of the greatest sources of information on the female anatomy and especially childbirth is the literature available today. There are several really great books that can help women understand their options, and find out what's best for their baby. There is the famous What to Expect When You're Expecting, which gives a wonderful overall view of exactly that, what to expect.
One of the most important decisions to make when you're pregnant is what your birth plan will entail. It's important to decide beforehand if you want an epidural, episiotomy, Cesarean delivery, or to be induced, and under what circumstances you will want each of these. There is a somewhat controversial book called Pushed: The Painful Truth about Childbirth and Modern Maternity Care, that addresses each of these issues from a woman's perspective. This is an absolute must-read if you are interested in natural childbirth, breastfeeding, and returning to the more conventional way of giving birth. It takes a sociological as well as a journalistic look at the truth about the technologies we rely on for childbirth, and the risks and benefits of giving birth in such a fast-paced world of medicine.
Every woman should be aware of her options, and be informed enough to make her own decisions when it comes to giving birth. Much of the female anatomy is created just to give birth, and sometimes the conveniences of modern medicine can interfere with this natural process. Every soon-to-be parent should take advantage of the information available, and not go into something as serious as giving birth without making educated decisions. Having female anatomy doesn't do much good if women don't understand it!
WEB SITE LINKS
Video About The Female Reproductive System
Live disection of uterus
Cervicitis website: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/253402-overview
Definitions:
Vagina- The muscular canal extending from the uterus to the exterior of the body. Receives the penis during intercourse. Also where menstruation comes from the uterus and exits the body and the birth canal for baby delivery.
Uterus-The pear-shaped organ in women that holds and nourishes the growing embryo and fetus. It is generally laying over the bladder but can also do a back bend the wrong direction and can prolapse (start to lower and try to leave the body).
Ovaries- The sexual glands of the female which produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone, and in which the ova are developed. Differences include erratic cycles, releasing more than one egg, and ovarian cysts.
Cervix- part of the female reproductive system. The cervix is the narrow opening at the bottom of the uterus. It can get benign cysts or develop cancer.
Vulva- The external female genital organs, including the clitoris, vaginal lips and the opening to the vagina.
Labia-The folds of skin at the opening of the vagina.
Clitoris- A small organ located near the opening of the vagina that is a sensitive site of sexual excitement. The only purpose is sexual pleasure.
Fallopian tubes or uterine tubes- two thin tubes that extend from each side of the uterus, toward the ovaries, as a passageway for eggs and sperm. Even with one removed there can be a pregnancy and there is generally enough estrogen to not need HRT.
Ovum- a mature egg cell released during ovulation from an ovary.
Menstruation-a monthly process (except during pregnancy) that involves a discharge of bloody fluid from the uterus through the vagina. There are women that still menstruate during pregnancy and lactation.
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Review Questions about the Female reproductive system |
1. The most anteriorly placed structure in the female perineum is the
a. Vaginal Orifice
b. Cervix
c. Labia Minora
d. Mons Pubis - correct
2. The paramesonephric ducts in the embryo form which of the following?
a. Uterine tubes and uterus - correct
b. Ovary
c. Ductus Deferens
d. Seminal Vesicle
3. The female homologue to the penis is the
a. Labia Majora
b. Labia Minora
*c. Clitoris
d. Vagina
4. Which statement is true about the uterus?
*a. The endometrium basal layer is shed each month during menses
b. The myometrium has several layers of skeletal muscle
c. The cervix projects into the vagina
d. The roung ligament is peritoneum that drapes
5. What does the ovary cortex house?
*a. Ovarian Follicles
b. Vagina
c. Labia Majora
d. Uterus
6. What is not part of the female reproductive system?
a. Uterus
b. Mons Pubis
c. Seminiferous Tubules - correct
d. Ovaries
7. What are the three distinct phases of endometrium development that occur during the uterine cycle?
a Menstrual Phase - correct
b.Secretory Phase - correct
c. Lactiferous Phase
d. Proliferative Phase - correct
8. Which structure contains a primary oocyte, and several layers of follicle cells?
*a. primordial follicle
b. primary follicle
c. secondary follicle
d. vesicular follicle
9. What form of female birth control is prove to be most effective?
a. IUD
b. Progesterone patches
c. Oral birth control
d. Spermicidal foams
10. In a Tubal or Etopic pregnancy, the embryo is only viable no later than?
a. 4 weeks
b. 6 weeks
c. 8 weeks
d. 10 weeks
11. All of the following involve the ovarian cycle, except
a. Primary Follicle
b. Secondary Follicle
c. Third Follicle
d. Vesicular Follicle
12. The most anteriorly placed structure in the female perineum is the?
a. vaginal orifice
b. cervix
c. labia minora
d. mons pubis
13. The paramesonephric ducts in the embryo form which of the following?
a. uterine tubes and uterus
b. ovary
c. ductus deferens
d. seminal vesicle
14. The uterus is composed of three tunics. What are they going from superficial to deep?
a. endometrium, myometrium, perimetrium
b. myometrium, perimetrium, endometrium
*c. perimetrium, myometrium, endometrium
d. perimetrium, endometrium, myometrium
15. What is the term used for the external female genetilia?
*a. vulva - correct
b.perineum
c.mons pubis
d. mammary glands
16.Definition of menopause: When a woman does not have monthly menstral cycles for 1 year and is not pregnant.
17.Definition of an ectopic pregnancy: Implantation of a fetus outside of the uterus.
18. What is endometriosis? Occurs when part of the endometrium is displaced onto the external surface of organs of the pelvis and the abdominal cavity. This can be fixed with a surgical removal of the eptic endometrium.
19. Describe the Perineum The perineum is a diamond shaped area between the thighs that is circumscribed anteriorly by the pubic symphysis, laterally by the ischial tuberosities, and posteriorly by the coccyx.
20.Definition of uterine prolapse: Weakness in the pelvic floor muscles, where the uterus protrudes through the vagina.
21. There are 3 parts of the uterus. Which of the following are NOT one of these parts?
*a. uterine sphincter - correct
b. fundus
c. body
d. isthmus
a. Vaginal Orifice
b. Cervix
c. Labia Minora
d. Mons Pubis - correct
2. The paramesonephric ducts in the embryo form which of the following?
a. Uterine tubes and uterus - correct
b. Ovary
c. Ductus Deferens
d. Seminal Vesicle
3. The female homologue to the penis is the
a. Labia Majora
b. Labia Minora
*c. Clitoris
d. Vagina
4. Which statement is true about the uterus?
*a. The endometrium basal layer is shed each month during menses
b. The myometrium has several layers of skeletal muscle
c. The cervix projects into the vagina
d. The roung ligament is peritoneum that drapes
5. What does the ovary cortex house?
*a. Ovarian Follicles
b. Vagina
c. Labia Majora
d. Uterus
6. What is not part of the female reproductive system?
a. Uterus
b. Mons Pubis
c. Seminiferous Tubules - correct
d. Ovaries
7. What are the three distinct phases of endometrium development that occur during the uterine cycle?
a Menstrual Phase - correct
b.Secretory Phase - correct
c. Lactiferous Phase
d. Proliferative Phase - correct
8. Which structure contains a primary oocyte, and several layers of follicle cells?
*a. primordial follicle
b. primary follicle
c. secondary follicle
d. vesicular follicle
9. What form of female birth control is prove to be most effective?
a. IUD
b. Progesterone patches
c. Oral birth control
d. Spermicidal foams
10. In a Tubal or Etopic pregnancy, the embryo is only viable no later than?
a. 4 weeks
b. 6 weeks
c. 8 weeks
d. 10 weeks
11. All of the following involve the ovarian cycle, except
a. Primary Follicle
b. Secondary Follicle
c. Third Follicle
d. Vesicular Follicle
12. The most anteriorly placed structure in the female perineum is the?
a. vaginal orifice
b. cervix
c. labia minora
d. mons pubis
13. The paramesonephric ducts in the embryo form which of the following?
a. uterine tubes and uterus
b. ovary
c. ductus deferens
d. seminal vesicle
14. The uterus is composed of three tunics. What are they going from superficial to deep?
a. endometrium, myometrium, perimetrium
b. myometrium, perimetrium, endometrium
*c. perimetrium, myometrium, endometrium
d. perimetrium, endometrium, myometrium
15. What is the term used for the external female genetilia?
*a. vulva - correct
b.perineum
c.mons pubis
d. mammary glands
16.Definition of menopause: When a woman does not have monthly menstral cycles for 1 year and is not pregnant.
17.Definition of an ectopic pregnancy: Implantation of a fetus outside of the uterus.
18. What is endometriosis? Occurs when part of the endometrium is displaced onto the external surface of organs of the pelvis and the abdominal cavity. This can be fixed with a surgical removal of the eptic endometrium.
19. Describe the Perineum The perineum is a diamond shaped area between the thighs that is circumscribed anteriorly by the pubic symphysis, laterally by the ischial tuberosities, and posteriorly by the coccyx.
20.Definition of uterine prolapse: Weakness in the pelvic floor muscles, where the uterus protrudes through the vagina.
21. There are 3 parts of the uterus. Which of the following are NOT one of these parts?
*a. uterine sphincter - correct
b. fundus
c. body
d. isthmus
This page was originally created by the cranium crushers and edited by the Go Go Girls!
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Latest page update: made by flattail
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| ShylohJacobs | hcg | 0 | Jan 27 2011, 11:07 AM EST by ShylohJacobs | ||
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Thread started: Jan 27 2011, 11:07 AM EST
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Thank you for this article, I have been debating on getting an hcg injection and wanted to do some research. At the same time you just helped me write my mid-term paper! Thank you again it has been a real help! http://hcginjectionkit.com
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| hveshdon | Hcg shots | 0 | Dec 17 2010, 3:32 PM EST by hveshdon | ||
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Thread started: Dec 17 2010, 3:32 PM EST
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I have heard that the hcg shots work well, but it seems odd to me that they also help with weight loss. I guess you would have to talk to a doctor before taking, so you would be covered on that level.
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| TNT_Tru | Female Fertility Drugs | 4 | Apr 26 2009, 7:40 PM EDT by Madds09 | ||
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Thread started: Apr 24 2009, 4:11 PM EDT
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Always check the side effects of ANY infertility medication because some can cause major mood swings and changes in voice and for some can have a profound effect on your actions. Talk with you doctor about these side effects
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