Female Reproductive System (specifications)

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The female reproductive system consists of internal and external organs that produce and transport the ova (egg cells). The internal organs include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina. The external organs are also known as the vulva and include the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening ¹.

The  functions  of the female reproductive system  include ¹:

- The vagina enables sexual intercourse to facilitate deposit of semen (which contains sperms) from the male.

- The ovary produces the ovum or the female egg and releases it into the fallopian tube.

- The fallopian tube accepts the ovum and is usually the main place for fertilization of the ovum by the sperm, which has come from the man.

- The uterus holds and nourishes a developing fetus, if an egg was properly fertilized.

- The ovaries produce ova.

The external genital organs, or vulva, are held by the female perineum. These are the mons pubis, labia majora and minora, clitoris, vestibule, vestibular bulb and glands ³⁴.

The menstrual cycle is a series of natural changes in hormone production and the structures of the uterus and ovaries of the female reproductive system that makes pregnancy possible. The ovarian cycle controls the production and release of eggs and the cyclic release of estrogen and progesterone ².

The menstrual cycle lasts anywhere from 21 to 40 days, with the average being 28 days ¹. It is customary to call the first day of the menstrual period the first day of the cycle, although menstruation is the end rather than the beginning of a process ¹.

The menstrual cycle is divided into four phases: menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation phase, and luteal phase ⁴. The length of each phase can vary and change over time ⁴.

Ovulation:

Ovulation is the release of an egg from one of the ovaries . It is a part of the menstrual cycle and occurs during the ovulatory phase . The ovulatory phase is the part of the menstrual cycle when the ovary releases an egg . The egg then travels down the fallopian tube where it may be fertilized by sperm .

Menstrual Cycle:

The menstrual cycle is a series of natural changes in hormone production and the structures of the uterus and ovaries of the female reproductive system that makes pregnancy possible. The ovarian cycle controls the production and release of eggs and the cyclic release of estrogen and progesterone .

The menstrual cycle lasts anywhere from 21 to 40 days, with the average being 28 days . It is customary to call the first day of the menstrual period the first day of the cycle, although menstruation is the end rather than the beginning of a process .

The menstrual cycle is divided into four phases: menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation phase, and luteal phase . The length of each phase can vary and change over time .

Some common reproductive health issues for women include:

- Endometriosis: A problem affecting a woman’s uterus—the place where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant ¹.

- Uterine fibroids: The most common noncancerous tumors in women of childbearing age ¹.

- Gynecologic Cancer ¹.

- HIV/AIDS ¹.

- Infertility or reduced fertility ².

- Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy ².

- Side effects of contraceptives (such as excessive bleeding following intrauterine device insertion) ².

It is important to note that these are just some of the many reproductive health issues that women may face. If you have any concerns about your reproductive health, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider.

How does ovulation work?

Ovulation is the process by which a mature egg is released from the ovary. It usually happens between days 11 and 21 of your menstrual cycle ¹. A hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH) surges, triggering the release of the egg that's most ripe. At the same time, your cervical mucus becomes more slippery to help sperm make their way to the egg ¹.

Ovulation can be explained in three steps:

1. Release of the egg: In the days following a period, a number of eggs mature in the follicles located in the ovaries. Usually one of those follicles becomes dominant, which means it matures faster, breaks open, and releases the egg. This marks the beginning of ovulation ².

2. Passage of the egg: The egg then travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus ².

3. Fertilization: If sperm are present in the fallopian tube when the egg is released, fertilization may occur ².

It is important to note that ovulation can be affected by many factors such as stress, weight changes, and certain medical conditions. If you have any concerns about your ovulation or fertility, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 7/8/2023

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