DISEASES OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS
The female reproductive system can be subdivided into the internal and external genitalia. The internal genitalia are those organs that are within the true pelvis.
The main external structures of the female reproductive system include:
Labia majora: Literally translated as large lips” this encloses and protect the other external reproductive organs
Labia minora: Literally translated as small lips, they can be very small they lie just inside the labia majora, and surround the openings to the vagina
The vagina: (the canal that joins the lower part of the uterus to the outside of the body) and urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body).
Bartholin's glands: These glands are located besides the vaginal opening and produce a fluid (mucus) secretion.
Clitoris: The two labia minora meet at the clitoris, a small, sensitive protrusion that can be compared to the penis in males. The clitoris is covered by a fold of skin, called the prepuce, which is similar to the foreskin at the end of the penis. Like the penis, the clitoris is very sensitive to stimulation and can become erect.
The function of the external female reproductive structures (the genitals) is twofold:
- To enable sperm to enter the body.
- To protect the internal genital organs from infectious organisms.
The internal reproductive organs in the female include:
Vagina: The vagina is a canal that joins the cervix (the lower part of uterus) to the outside of the body. It also is known as the birth canal.
Uterus (womb): The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ that is the where a fetusdevelops. The uterus is divided into two parts: the cervix, which is the lower part that opens into the vagina, and the main body of the uterus, called the corpus. The corpus can easily expand to hold a developing baby. A channel through the cervix allows sperm to enter and menstrual blood to exit.
Ovaries: The ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands that are located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones.
Fallopian tubes: These are narrow tubes that are attached to the upper part of the uterus and serve as tunnels for the ova (egg cells) to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in the fallopian tubes. The fertilized egg then moves to the uterus, where it implants into the lining of the uterine wall.
The function of the internal female reproductive structures:
- It produces the female egg cells necessary for reproduction, called the ova or oocytes.
- The system is designed to transport the ova to the site of fertilization.
- Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in the fallopian tubes.
- The next step for the fertilized egg is to implant into the walls of the uterus, beginning the initial stages of pregnancy.
- If fertilization and/or implantation do not take place, the system is designed to menstruate (the monthly shedding of the uterine lining).
- In addition, the female reproductive system produces female sex hormones that maintain the reproductive cycle.
These different parts of the female reproductive system are also susceptible to many diseases that can harm fertility or lead to further serious illness. Although frequent check-ups and medical intervention can drastically reduce the prospects of damage caused by these diseases, there are still millions of women suffer from them every year.
Typical diseases may include:
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of one or more of the upper reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Untreated PID can cause scar tissue and pockets of abscesses(infected fluid) to develop in the reproductive tract, this development can cause permanent damage. Read More
- Prolapsed Uterus: A uterine prolapse is when the uterus descends toward or into the vagina. This occurs when the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments become weak and are no longer able to support the uterus. The uterus can protrude from the vaginal opening in some cases. Read More
- Endometriosis and Adenomyosis:Although they can occur together, endometriosis is when the lining of the uterus(endometrial cells) are in a location outside of the uterus. Adenomyosis is when these cells are within the uterus, in the uterine wall. Although both can cause pain, endometriosis does not typically cause heavy bleeding. Read More
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): STDs are infections that are spread from one person to another, usually during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Lots of people who have them do not have any symptoms, however, they are really common.If not treated, STDs can lead to serious health problems. Read More
- Uterine Fibroids:These are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. Uterine fibroids arenot associated with the increased risk of uterine cancer and never develops into cancer. Read More
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman's hormone levels. Women with PCOS produce amounts of male hormones that are highly abnormal. This hormone imbalance causes them to skip menstrual periods and makes it difficult for them to conceive. Read More
- Vulvovaginitis:Vulvovaginitis is an inflammation or infection of the vulva and vagina. It is a common condition that affects women and girls of all ages. It has a variety of causes. Read More
- Female Infertility: A woman is said to be Infertile if she is not being able to get pregnant after at least one year of trying. A woman may also be infertile if she keeps having miscarriages. Female infertility can result from age, physical problems, hormone problems, and lifestyle/environmental factors. Read More
- Ovarian Cysts: Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets in an ovary or on its surface. Eggs (ova), which develop and mature in the ovaries, are released in monthly cycles during the childbearing years. Many women have had ovarian cysts at one time or the other. Read More
- Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries. The ovaries produce eggs (ova) as well as the hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Read More
- Female Sexual Dysfunction: Persistent and recurrent problems with sexual response, desire, orgasm or pain that distress you or strain your relationship with your partner is known medically as sexual dysfunction. Many women experience problems with sexual function at some point, and some have difficulties throughout their lives. It can occur only in certain sexual situations or in all sexual situations.Female sexual dysfunction can occur at any stage of life. Read More
