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Reproduction :
All living things reproduce. Reproduction - the process by which organisms make more organisms like themselves - is one of the things that sets living things apart from nonliving matter. But even though the reproductive system is essential to keep a species alive, unlike other body systems, it's not essential to keep an individual alive.The female reproductive system is an intricate system designed not only to produce new life, but keeps the hormonal balance that makes a woman a woman. Female reproductive system is based on a rhythmic cycle which when functionally operational can be predicted. The female reproductive system is responsible for the production of ova, the production and secretion of hormones, the reception of the male spermatozoa and the induction of egg fertilization, create provisional sites for a fertilized egg which will lead to implantation of the blastocyst, and to develop a fetus until the fetus is mature enough to leave the uterus.
The female reproductive system can be segregated into various categories via their functional capabilities. The primary sex organs, known as gonads, are referred to as the ovaries. Eggs, also known as gametes, are produced within the ovaries. The ovaries are also responsible for the production and secretion involving the female sex steroid hormones. These vital sex hormones promote changes within the young female body and promote the cycle of menstruation.
Secondary sex organs deal with the body's ability to successfully develop a fertilized egg. Secondary sex organs also deal with the successful carrying of a fetus to term, the delivery of that fetus, and the ability to nourish the baby. This process is known as successful ovum fertilization, blastocyst implantation, embryo and fetal development, and parturition. The vagina, the external genitalia, fallopian tubes, and the uterus are part of the secondary sex organ grouping. The vagina is the orifice that receives the sperm and delivers a baby. The external genitalia protect the vaginal opening, while the fallopian tubes carry the egg to the uterus in hopes of fertilization. The uterus is a protective environment suitable for embryonic implantation and fetal development to occur. Mammary glands, which are also secondary sex organs, develop and produce milk for feeding and immune development in a newborn baby.
PREGNANCY : Pregnancy (latin graviditas) is the carrying of one or more offspring, known as a fetus or embryo, inside the uterus of a female human. In a pregnancy, there can be multiple gestations, as in the case of twins or triplets. The primary sign of pregnancy is missing one or more consecutive menstrual periods. However, because many women experience menstrual irregularities, women who miss a period should see her health care provider to find out whether she is pregnant or whether there is another health problem. Others signs and symptoms of pregnancy may include:
| • | Nausea or vomiting, morning sickness |
| • | Fatigue |
| • | Headaches |
| • | Food cravings or aversions |
| • | Mood swings |
| • | Frequent urination. |
MENSTRUAL CYCLE : The menstrual cycle is the series of changes a female's body goes through to prepare for a pregnancy. About once a month, the uterus grows a new lining (endometrium) to get ready for a fertilized egg. When there is no fertilized egg to start a pregnancy, the uterus sheds its lining. This is the monthly menstrual bleeding (also called menstrual period) that women have from their early teen years until menopause, around age 50.
The menstrual cycle is from Day 1 of bleeding to Day 1 of the next time of bleeding. Although the average cycle is 28 days, it is perfectly normal to have a cycle that is as short as 21 days or as long as 35 days. For a teen, a normal cycle can last up to 45 days.
The hormones estrogen and progesterone play the biggest roles in how the uterus changes during each cycle. Estrogen builds up the lining of the uterus. Progesterone increases after an ovary releases an egg (ovulation) at the middle of the cycle. This helps the estrogen keep the lining thick and ready for a fertilized egg. A drop in progesterone (along with estrogen) causes the lining to break down which starts the menstruation. When there is no fertilized egg to start a pregnancy, the uterus sheds its lining. This is the monthly menstrual bleeding (also called menstrual period) that women have from their early teen years until menopause, around age 50.
ENDOMETRIOSIS : Endometriosis occurs when tissue which lines the inside of uterus grows outside the uterus, usually on the surfaces of organs in the pelvic and abdominal areas, in places that it is not supposed to grow.
The word endometriosis comes from the word "endometrium"-endo means "inside" and metrium means "mother." The most common locations for these growths - called endometrial implants - are the outside surface of the uterus, the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the ligaments that support the uterus, the intestines, the bladder, the internal area between the vagina and rectum, and the lining of the pelvic cavity. The most common sign of endometriosis is severe pelvic (lower abdominal) pain. It may occur occasionally or constantly. Although slight cramps for a couple of days before or during a menstrual period are normal, lasting or intense pain that disrupts a person's day is not. Other possible symptoms include:
| • | Pelvic pain. |
| • | A very heavy period |
| • | Lower back pain |
| • | Constipation, diarrhea. |
DYSMENORRHEA : Dysmenorrhea (or dysmenorrhoea) is a medical condition characterized by severe uterine pain during menstruation. While many individuals experience minor pain during menstruation, dysmenorrhea is diagnosed when the pain is so severe as to limit normal activities, or require medication.
Dysmenorrhea can feature different kinds of pain, including sharp, throbbing, dull, nauseating, burning, or shooting pain. Dysmenorrhea may precede menstruation by several days or may accompany it, and it usually subsides as menstruation tapers off. Dysmenorrhea may coexist with excessively heavy blood loss, known as menorrhagia
Secondary dysmenorrhea is diagnosed when symptoms are attributable to an underlying disease, disorder, or structural abnormality either within or outside the uterus. Primary dysmenorrhea is diagnosed when none of these are detected. The main symptom of dysmenorrhea is pain centering in the lower abdomen, which may radiate to the thighs and lower back. Other symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and fatigue. Symptoms of dysmenorrhea usually begin a few hours before the start of menstruation, and may continue for a few days.
MENORRHAGIA : Menorrhagia is the most common type of abnormal uterine bleeding characterized by heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding. In some cases, bleeding may be so severe and relentless that daily activities become interrupted.,
Menorrhagia can be caused by a hormonal imbalance. The start of menstruation during puberty and the length and regularity of the menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones produced in an area of the brain called the hypothalamus, as well as by the pituitary and adrenal glands. The type of hormonal imbalance that causes menorrhagia can occur when hormone medications, such as birth control pills, are used improperly. Other causes of menorrhagia include non-cancerous growths, called polyps, on the cervix or inside the uterus; non-cancerous tumors, called fibroids, on the uterus; a cyst on the ovary; and cancer of the uterus, ovary, or cervix. Menorrhagia can also be caused by miscarriage, a pregnancy that is developing in the fallopian tubes (tubal or ectopic pregnancy), the use of an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control, or chronic medical problems such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, and blood-clotting disorders.