Transcript Basic Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences

Female Sexual Anatomy
and Physiology
Chapter 5
Figure 5.1 The external genital structures of the mature female.
Figure 5.2 Side inner view of the erect clitoris.
Figure 5.3 The female internal reproductive system (side view).
This photo shows the release of a mature ovum at ovulation. The ovum (red) is
surrounded by remnants of cells and liquid from the ruptured ovarian follicle.
Mature ova develop in the ovaries from follicles that remained dormant until
sexual maturity.
Figure 5.4 The female internal reproductive system (front view).
Figure 5.5 The Female Breast
Female Puberty
• Menarche: As early as age 7, usually 11-12 yrs
• Pituitary gland FSH and LH
estrogen
• size of Fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina,
breasts, buttocks, thighs
• Pelvis widens
• Pubic hair grows
• Mittelschmerz – slight pain in some women
with ovulation
Menstruation
• Menstruation – uterine lining is shed if no
pregnancy; tissue and blood are released
• Menstrual cycle – lasts about 24 to 35 days;
average is 28 days
• Menstrual cycle has four phases:
– Follicular phase
– Ovulatory phase
– Luteal phase
– Menstrual phase
Figure 5.7 The ovarian and menstrual cycles.
Figure 5.8 The cycle of female hormones.
Variations in Menstruation
• Amenorrhea – absence of menstruation
– Primary amenorrhea
– Secondary amenorrhea
– Dysmenorrhea
• Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)
• Menorrhagia
Variations in Menstruation (Cont.)
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Menopause
• Climacteric – period of decreased estrogen production
and menstruation stops; 40-58 years, average 51 years
• Irregular cycles, rather than a sudden stop
• Hormonal changes – hot flashes, headaches, sleep
disturbances
• Sexual complaints
• Menopause can be induced by surgically by removing
the ovaries; doctors try to keep at least one in if
surgery is necessary
Menopause (Cont.)
• Hormone replacement therapy – was a
standard treatment, but there are a lot of
health risks and not typically used today
• Newer therapies with lower levels of
hormones may be used
• Nutritional, vitamin, and herbal remedies are
commonly used today
Female Reproductive and Sexual Health
• Genital self-exams are recommended for
women to be familiar with their genitals and
any possible abnormalities
• Routine gynecological examinations
recommended once menstruating
– Medical history and checkup
– Pelvic examination (internal and external)
– Breast examination
– Pap smear – cervical swab
Gynecological Health Concerns
• Most prevalent:
– Endometriosis
– Menstrual Toxic Shock Syndrome
– Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Gynecological Health Concerns (cont.)
• Most prevalent:
– Uterine Fibroids
– Vulvodynia
Cancer of the Female Reproductive Organs
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Breast Cancer
Uterine Cancer
Cervical Cancer
Endometrial Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Breast Cancer
• One of most common cancers
• Early detection is critical: breast selfexaminations, gynecological checkups,
mammography beginning at age 40
• Symptoms: breast lump, breast pain, nipple
discharge, puckering of skin, change in nipple
shape
• If untreated, the cancer will spread to other
parts of the body - Metastasize
Breast Cancer (cont.)
• Treatment: partial/modified mastectomy,
radical mastectomy, lumpectomy, radiation,
chemotherapy
• Risk factors: fat intake, aging, early menarche,
prolonged estrogen, inactive lifestyle, alcohol
consumption, genetics
• Breastfeeding, early pregnancy reduces risk
Cervical Cancer
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Rates decreased over past several decades
Pap smear is used for detection
High cure rates
HPV is main cause
Risk factors: early intercourse, many sexual
partners, teenage mothers, cervicitis, genital
viral infections, extended oral contraceptive
use
• Treatment: surgery, radiation, hysterectomy
Endometrial Cancer
• Symptoms: abnormal bleeding, spotting
• Detection most successful with dilation and
curettage
• Treatment: surgery, radiation, hormones,
chemotherapy
• Over 90% survival rate
• Oral contraceptives decrease risk
Ovarian Cancer
• Less common than breast, uterine cancers
• Most deadly
• Symptoms: few early signs, ovarian cyst, slight
abdominal discomfort, appetite loss,
indigestion, abdominal swelling, nausea,
vomiting
• Risk factors: childlessness, early menopause,
high-fat diet, higher SES, lactose-intolerant,
use talc powder on the vulva
Ovarian Cancer (Cont.)
• Decreased risk with having children and using
birth control pills, tubal ligation
• Detection techniques: blood tests, pelvic
exams, ultrasound
• Unfortunately, most diagnosed after cancer
has spread beyond the ovary because of the
lack of early warning signs
• Treatment: remove ovaries, radiation,
chemotherapy