NURS330 - Human Reproductive Health Flashcards
Reproductive Health (by World Health Org - WHO)
A state of physical, mental, and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system at all stages of life. Reproductive Health implies that people are able to have a satisfying sex life and the they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to do so.
Factors that can affect reproductive health
- Finances
- Access to care
- Lack of knowledge/information
- Religion
- Culture
- Gender
- Age
- Population
7 essential features of human reproduction
1 - Liberation from an ovum, or egg
2 - Internal fertilization of the ovum by spermatozoa, or sperm cells
3 - Transport of the fertilized egg to the uterus
4 - Implantation of the blastocyst in the wall of the uterus
5 - Formation of a placenta and maintenance of the unborn child during the entire period of gestation
6 - Birth of the child and expulsion of the placenta
7 - Suckling and care for the child
The vulva
The external female genitals, which include:
- Mons pubis (fatty tissue that covers the pubic bone)
- Clitoris (center of sexual arousal)
- Clitoral Hood (Prepuce – right above the clitoris)
- Labia Majora (spongy flesh that encloses external genitals)
- Labia Minora (smooth, hairless folds that meet above clitoris)
- Urethral Opening
- Anus
- Vaginal opening (not the vagina, which is is internal - also known as Introitus or Vaginal Os)
- Perineum (skin area between the vaginal opening and the anus – serves to episiotomy)
The vagina
Internal female sexual structure
- flexible, muscular organ, approx. 3-4 inches long
- between the vaginal opening and the cervix
Internal female sexual structures and
reproductive organs
- Vagina
- Uterus
- Cervix
- Ovaries – alternate release of eggs
- Fallopian tubes
Hymen (Greek word for virginal membrane or thin skin)
- thin, perforated membrane, that covers the Introitus prior to first intercourse or other intrusion
Purpose of vagina
- menstruation
- childbirth
- intercourse
Cervix
- between vagina and uterus
- cervical Os
- opening to the vagina
- allows menstrual blood to flow out of the uterus into the vagina
Uterus (or Womb)
- pear shaped organ
- between bladder and lower intestine
- 3 parts
- body of the uterus (size of a fist)
- cervix
- fundus
Endometrium
- lining of the uterus
- built up and then shed and expelled through the cervical Os during menstruation
Ovaries
- produce eggs (or gametes - reproductive cells)
- hold approx. 150K to 500K follicles (sacks)
Fallopian Tubes (or Uterine Tubes)
- site of fertilization
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
*Female Circumcision
Partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for cultural or nontherapeutic reasons (WHO)
- cultural, religious, and social factors
- no health benefits
- mostly on girls between infancy and 15
- practiced in Africa, Asia, Middle East
4 types of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Type I - excision of the prepuce (w/without excision of part or all clitoris)
Type II - excision of the clitoris (w/ partial or total excision of the labia minora)
Type III - infibulation (the most extreme
excision of part or all of the external genitalia and stitching/narrowing of the vaginal opening)
Type IV - pricking, piercing or incising of the clitoris and/or labia; stretching of the clitoris and/or labia; cauterization by burning of the clitoris and surrounding tissue
