Tag: reproductive system

Cervix 101: Understanding the Female Reproductive System Better

JiangRuoan

Cervicitis
Inflammation of the cervix
Lower, narrow end of the uterus
Opens into the vagina
Symptoms:
– Bleeding between menstrual periods
– Pain during intercourse or pelvic exam
– Abnormal vaginal discharge
Causes of cervicitis:
– Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea
– Noninfectious causes
– Allergic reactions to contraceptives or latex in condoms
– Allergic reactions to feminine hygiene products
Risk factors:
– High-risk sexual behavior
– Early age of sexual intercourse
– History of STIs
Complications:
– Pelvic inflammatory disease
– Fertility problems if left untreated
– Increased risk of getting HIV
Prevention:
– Consistent and correct use of condoms
– Being in a committed, monogamous relationship
Location and structure of the cervix:
– Located inside the pelvic cavity, 3 to 6 inches inside the vaginal canal
– Begins at the base of the uterus and extends downward onto the top part of the vagina
– Wider in the middle and narrows at both ends (opens into the uterus and vagina)
– Consists of the internal OS, endocervical canal, ectocervix, and external OS
– Transformation zone (TZ) is the most common site for abnormal cell growth
– About an inch long and varies in size
– Texture and location change during the menstrual cycle
– Made of fibromuscular tissue, lined with glandular cells and squamous cells
– Contains different cell types, including those covering the outermost part of the cervix and vagina
– Transitional zone (TZ) is the focus of screenings for cervical cancer

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Leukorrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment Options

JiangRuoan

Vulvovaginal candidiasis, yeast infection, candida albicans infection, other types of infection, fungal infection, diabetes, antibiotic medication, estrogen levels, contraceptive pill, pregnancy, weakened immune system, HIV infection, steroid medication, thick and lumpy discharge, vaginal itching, burning sensation, stinging sensation during urination, pain during intercourse, redness, antifungal medication, creams, vaginal suppositories, oral medication, clotrimazole, miconazole, tioconazole, fluconazole.

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Ovary Health: Understanding the Key to Fertility Success

JiangRuoan

– The ovaries are located on either side of the womb in the pelvis.
– Each woman has two ovaries.
– The ovaries are oval in shape and about four centimeters long.
– The ovaries produce eggs for fertilization.
– The ovaries produce reproductive hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and androgens.
– The functions of the ovaries are controlled by hormones released from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
– Ovulation is the process of releasing an egg from the ovary.
– A female baby is born with around two million eggs, which decreases to about 400,000 by puberty.
– Menopause refers to the end of a woman’s reproductive years, usually around 51 years old.
– Menopause is caused by the loss of follicles in the ovary.
– The ovaries produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle.
– Estrogen production dominates in the first half of the menstrual cycle, progesterone production dominates in the second half.
– Ovaries also produce small amounts of male hormones called androgens.
– Medical conditions that affect the ovaries can decrease fertility.
– Premature ovarian insufficiency is when the ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40.
– Hormone replacement therapy is a common treatment for restoring missing ovarian hormones.
– Conditions like Turner syndrome or damage from treatments like chemotherapy can affect ovarian function.
– Polycystic ovary syndrome affects 8-13% of women of childbearing age.
– PCOS can cause stunted follicles, cysts in the ovaries, excess male hormones, irregular or absent periods, and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
– Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods during reproductive years and can be caused by various factors.
– Factors like low body weight, excessive exercise, and psychological stress can affect ovarian function.
– Disorders of the pituitary gland, such as hypopituitarism caused by pituitary tumors or excess prolactin, can also impact ovarian function.

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