Female reproductive anatomy and function

The female reproductive and sexual anatomy includes the vulva (the external parts) and various internal organs like the uterus and ovaries. Read more about the various organs and parts that make up the typical female anatomy here – https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/sexual-and-reproductive-anatomy/what-are-parts-female-sexual-anatomy

Image showing organs of the female reproductive system including external and internal anatomy.
From https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anatomical_charts_of_the_genital_system-UNIGE_SSI-3Den.pdf

Breasts are also part of the reproductive and sexual anatomy – read more about the form and function of breasts here https://www.scarleteen.com/article/advice/abreast_the_basics_of_boobies.

During puberty, people with a uterus and ovaries typically begin the menstrual cycle. There are three phases of the cycle and it repeats on average every month (but there is a lot of individual variety). It includes ovulation (the release of an ovum or egg) and correspond to a period of fertility (the ability to become pregnant). Some people will have irregular periods, while others have very regular cycles (it can range in the number of days). Read more here https://www.scarleteen.com/article/bodies/on_the_rag_a_guide_to_menstruation. The main hormones that ovaries produce are estrogen and progesterone.

Reproductive and sexual care for this type of anatomy includes regular check-ups with a gynecologist (between every 1 and 3 years) for a procedure called the Pap smear which tests for cervical cancer as well as other tests and screening, HPV vaccination, regular STI tests if the person is sexually active with another person, and understanding contraception choices. Some fairly common health issues include: PCOS, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and dysmenorrhea.

At the end of fertility for people who menstruate, they will typically go through a process called menopause, which is a change in the production of hormones and the end of ovulation.

Leave a Reply