|
Ovaries (female gonads)
Two sexual glands that produce the hormones,
estrogen and progesterone, and store premature eggs (ova). At birth
the ovaries already contain 2 to 4 million immature eggs called
primary oocytes or ova. These are all
the eggs a woman will ever have. Each egg is encased in a thin layer
of cells called a primary follicle. As
time goes by some oocytes are broken down and reabsorbed into the
body. By the time a girl has her first period, around 400,000 immature
eggs will remain. Beginning during puberty and once sexually mature,
around 25 of these immature eggs ripen each month. Usually one (occasionally
two or more) ripen fully in any given month. The follicles surrounding
each egg are stimulated to produce estrogen by hormones from the
pituitary gland. The estrogen causes the egg and follicle to grow.
When an egg has ripened fully, its follicle bulges from the side
of the ovary. The follicle and a tiny spot on the ovary's surface
ruptures releasing the egg into the opening of the fallopian
tube. This process is called ovulation.
The ruptured follicle left behind by this egg seals itself together
and forms a corpus luteum, which secretes
the hormone progesterone and some estrogen. These rising levels
of hormones turn off the hormone from the pituitary that initially
started growth of the follicle. If the egg is not fertilized and
thus no more hormones are produced to sustain the follicle, it degenerates,
estrogen and progesterone levels drop, and the new monthly cycle
begins. Usually one egg is released from one ovary per month. The
ovary involved in ovulation alternates month to month. The other
eggs, which fail to mature fully, are reabsorbed into the body.
This process continues until menopause occurring in the late 40's
or 50's, when the egg supply runs out.
Fallopian tubes
Two tubes, each of which provides a passageway
from the ovary to the uterus. Once ovulation occurs, the released
egg is funneled into the nearest fallopian tube by fingerlike projections
called fimbriae attached to the end of
each tube like petals of a flower. Once inside, with the help of
hair-like cilia, the egg begins a 4-day journey through the fallopian
tube toward the uterus. The opening within each tube is 4 inches
long and more narrow than a strand of spaghetti. Fertilization of
the egg usually occurs within this space. To be successful a sperm
has to reach the egg within 24 hours after ovulation.
Uterus (womb)
A muscular sac, shaped like an upside-down pear,
about the size of your clenched fist that opens via the cervix into
the vagina. It's generally tilted forward over the bladder.
Hormones produced by the developing follicles in the ovaries cause
the uterine lining to thicken each month, preparing for the possible
implantation of a fertilized egg.
If fertilization in the fallopian tube does
occur...
The genetic material from the sperm joins that
of the egg to form a zygote. The zygote
begins cleavage, splitting into two cells, then 4, then 8, etc.
It enters the womb on day 4, starts implanting itself in the uterine
wall on day 6, and completes implantation on day 12. The mother
is then considered pregnant. The uterus then houses protects and
nourishes the developing baby. During pregnancy the cells of the
uterine muscles stretch to 30 times their normal length to make
room for the growing baby. After approximately 9 months hormones
cause these muscle cells to contract forcing the baby out during
birth.
If fertilization in the fallopian tube does
not occur...
The inner lining of the uterus is shed during
what is called the menstrual period,
and begins the cycle again.
Cervix
The lower part of the uterus opening into the
vagina. The cervix offers a passageway from the main body of the
uterus to the vagina. It secretes a mucous that helps prevent entry
of sperm into the uterus. However if the woman has just ovulated,
the mucous secreted by the cervix becomes thinner to allow sperm
to easily enter the uterus for fertilization usually occurring in
the fallopian tubes.
Vagina
(BodyTeen disclaimer: Poontang is just about
the only slang for vagina that BodyTeen feels comfortable broadcasting
on the net. Unfortunately, it's also probably the least used.
For further undoubtedly more offensive terminology please consult
your peers or high school locker room.)
The vagina connects the cervix to the outside of the
body. It receives the penis during sexual intercourse. It carries
menstrual flow to the outside of the body. It is the final passageway
through which a baby passes during birth. Its walls release a sweat
that aids in lubrication during sex.
Hymen
A membrane of skin partially covering the vaginal
orifice. When a woman loses her virginity, or participates in strenuous
exercise requiring flexibility such as horseback riding, gymnastics
or dancing, the hymen is stretched and/or torn, creating a wider
vaginal opening.
Bartholin's glands
2 glands that secrete a natural lubrication on
either side of the vaginal opening.
Simply washing with soap and water during a bath
or shower is enough to avoid unpleasant vaginal odors.
A healthy vagina is self-cleaning.
Avoid feminine sprays, and douching
(cleansing the vagina by using a douche bag or squeeze bottle to
wash the vagina with a solution of water and vinegar or other commercial
douche preparation.) Douching was more common in the past. Today
we know that these solutions irritate the sensitive tissue in and
around the vagina and provide no benefit to you. Douching in a way
is more superstitious than practical. Just because your mother may
have done it, does not mean you have to. Douching can be abusive
if your parent is forcing you to do it. If this is the case, read
our section on abuse
for help.
A clear whitish to pale yellow nonirritating vaginal
discharge is normal, especially during sexual excitement or ovulation.
Infection
Symptoms of infection include...
- Irritation and itching
- Presence of nonmenstrual blood
- A different color than your usual discharge
- An unpleasant odor.
This can be especially noticeable during and immediately following
sexual intercourse. Make sure you haven't forgotten to remove
an old tampon. These can get stuck deep inside the vagina especially
after intercourse, resulting in very unpleasant odors and the
release of dark, old, foul smelling menstrual blood.
If you notice any one of these symptoms and
you've ruled out the old tampon mistake, consult a physician
immediately. Ignoring these symptoms or
attempting to self-treat could be very hazardous to your health.
Only medical professionals are trained to differentiate between
the many different types of vaginal infections, each of which requires
a unique treatment. Examples of infections include...
- Yeast infection
An abnormally large population of natural vaginal
bacteria caused by tight clothing, prolonged use of antibiotics
or birth control pills.
- Bacterial vaginosis
An infection of foreign bacteria often ocurring
during stress and caused by prolonged use of antibiotics, or mutual
or self-masturbation where the object of insertion is not clean.
- Trichomoniasis
An infection of protozoa caused by shared wash
cloths, towels, wet bathing suits, toilet seats, or sexual contact.
- Sexually transmitted diseases
STD such as chlamydia and gonorrhea could be
the cause of your symptoms and if left untreated could lead to
infertility and damage to your health. So as mentioned before,
it's important to have your symptoms diagnosed by a physician
as soon as possible.
- Over 8 million (8,388,608) (2 to the 23rd
power) different combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes
can result during the formation of gametes.
- Over 69,949,000,000,000 different combinations
of chromosomes can result from fertilization.
External female genitalia
Sex
External
male genitalia
Internal male genitalia
|
12 hour natural cure for yeast infection
|
