Female Reproductive System
- Introduction
• The female reproductive system is responsible for production of female sex cells (ova/eggs), nurturing the fertilized ovum, and childbirth.
• It also produces female sex hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and secondary sexual characteristics.
• Divided into internal and external genital organs. - Main Components of the Female Reproductive System
A. Internal Genital Organs
• Ovaries: Paired oval glands that produce ova and secrete hormones (estrogen and progesterone).
• Fallopian Tubes (Oviducts): Transport ova from ovaries to uterus; site of fertilization.
• Uterus: Muscular hollow organ where implantation and fetal development occur.
• Cervix: Lower narrow part of uterus; opens into the vagina.
• Vagina: Muscular canal that connects cervix to external body; serves as birth canal and sexual organ.
B. External Genital Organs (Vulva)
• Mons pubis: Fatty tissue over pubic bone.
• Labia majora and labia minora: Protective folds of skin surrounding vaginal opening.
• Clitoris: Erectile tissue involved in sexual arousal.
• Vestibule: Area surrounding vaginal and urethral openings.
• Bartholin’s glands: Secrete lubricating mucus. - Ovaries: Structure and Function
• Contain thousands of ovarian follicles, each with an immature ovum.
• Follicles develop under hormonal influence during the menstrual cycle.
• Ovulation releases a mature ovum about mid-cycle.
• Produce hormones: Estrogen (develops secondary sex characteristics, regulates cycle) and Progesterone (prepares uterus for pregnancy). - Fallopian Tubes
• Lined with cilia to help move the ovum toward uterus.
• Site where sperm meets ovum for fertilization.
• Transport the fertilized ovum for implantation. - Uterus
• Divided into the fundus, body, and cervix.
• Has three layers:
• Endometrium: inner lining, thickens each cycle for implantation.
• Myometrium: middle muscular layer, contracts during labor.
• Perimetrium: outer serous membrane.
• Supports fetal growth during pregnancy. - Menstrual Cycle
• Average duration: 28 days.
• Regulated by hormones from hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovaries.
• Phases:
• Menstrual phase: shedding of endometrium.
• Follicular phase: maturation of ovarian follicles; endometrial repair.
• Ovulation: release of mature ovum (day 14 approx).
• Luteal phase: corpus luteum formation; endometrium prepares for implantation.
• If no fertilization, menstruation begins anew. - Hormonal Regulation
• GnRH (hypothalamus) stimulates pituitary.
• Pituitary releases FSH (promotes follicle growth) and LH (triggers ovulation).
• Ovaries secrete estrogen and progesterone.
• Feedback mechanisms regulate this cycle. - Pregnancy and Childbirth
• Fertilization occurs in fallopian tube.
• Fertilized ovum implants in uterus.
• Placenta develops to nourish fetus.
• Uterine contractions during labor help deliver baby.
• Hormones like oxytocin regulate contractions and breastfeeding. - Common Disorders of Female Reproductive System
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Cervical cancer
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Menstrual disorders (dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea)
• Fibroids (uterine leiomyoma) - Nursing Care and Considerations
• Educate on menstrual hygiene and reproductive health.
• Support patients with fertility concerns.
• Promote early detection of cancers via regular screening (Pap smear).
• Assist with managing menstrual and pregnancy-related problems.
• Counsel on contraception and safe sexual practices.
• Prepare women for labor and postpartum care. - Summary for Quick Review
The female reproductive system consists of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, vagina, and external genitalia (vulva). It produces ova and hormones essential for the menstrual cycle, fertilization, pregnancy, and childbirth. The menstrual cycle is hormonally regulated and includes phases of ovum maturation, ovulation, and uterine lining preparation. Nursing care focuses on health education, early diagnosis of reproductive disorders, pregnancy support, and contraception counseling.