Our Female Bodies

By Ali Rossini

Sexual and Reproductive Organs

• The appearance, shape and size of genitals vary from person to person.

• The Vulva includes the mons pubis, labia majora, clitoris, and the external openings of the urethra and vagina

• People often confuse the Vulva with the vagina.

• The clitoris is similar in origin and function to the penis.

The Vulva

Internal Organs

• The non pregnant uterus is about the size of a plum. It is located between the bladder and the rectum

• The two fallopian tubes are approximately 4 inches long. The connecting opening from the inside of the uterus to the fallopian tubes is as small as a fine needle.

• The ovaries are organs about the size and shape of an unshelled almond. They are located on either side and somewhat behind the uterus. They have a twofold function, to produce germ cells and produce sex hormones.

Female Pelvic Organs

Breasts

• Our breasts make us mammals• Their glands produce milk with a large capacity to

nourish babies oversize human brains and to fight infection and disease in newborns.

• Most women find their breast as a key component of our sexual selves.

• Because breasts react to sex hormones produced by the ovaries you may notice pronounced changes during the menstrual cycle. Your breasts might become bigger and fuller right before you menstruate.

Puberty

• Puberty is the transition from childhood to physical maturity.

• Puberty is characterized by the growth of breasts and pubic and armpit hair.

• It also results in a increase in weight and height.

• Menstruation starts near the end of puberty on average at about age 12

Menopause

• It continues until age fifty one on average

• Menopause basically means the time of your last period, but because it can be irregular it means the last time you bled.

Menstrual Periods

• Women's periods vary widely.• Most cycles last between twenty three and thirty

six days.• Some women's cycle are long and some are

short.• Hormonal contraceptives or breastfeeding may

alter the length of our cycles or even stop them altogether.

• Most women's periods last between two and eight days

Premenstrual Changes

• Women can have a variety of physical sensations and emotional experiences for several days before menstruation.

• These are caused by the normal hormone fluctuations of the menstrual cycle.

• Among the negative changes are mood swings, fatigue, depression, bloating, breast tenderness, and headaches.

• Sometimes these experiences are mild but sometimes they disrupt are our lives a lot.

Charting your Menstrual cycles

• Many women find it helpful to keep menstrual calendars to get to know their bodies and learn what is normal for them.

• You an find charts or apps on your phone to use.

What's not normal?

• It is normal to have discharge but during an exam things that might indicate an infection or a problem would be

• Green, gray, or dark yellow discharge

• Change in the amount of discharge

• Any strong unusual odor

• Foamy discharge

Quote

“Will tampons make me sick?”

• The response to this question is No, you might have heard about toxic shock system syndrome. It Is a rare condition caused by bacteria. You just need to make sure you are changing your tampon and you will be okay!

Discussion Questions

• What interested you about chapter 1?

• What are some things that help you during menstruation?

• Are you going to breast feed your children, or would you want your wife to breast feed your children?