This document summarizes key aspects of the female reproductive system and related topics:
- Gynecology is the branch of medicine dealing with conditions of the female reproductive system including the uterus, vagina, and ovaries. A gynecologist specializes in these areas.
- The reproductive system is susceptible to diseases like cancer, infertility, incontinence, and infections as well as menopause-related changes.
- Menopause typically occurs between ages 45-55 and means the end of monthly menstrual cycles. Signs include hot flashes, rapid heartbeat, and changes to breasts and vagina.
- Gestation refers to the period from conception to birth, usually about 40 weeks. It involves
2. Gynecology
¨ Gynecology is the branch of medicine specializing
in conditions of the female reproductive system.
(uterus, vagina, and ovaries)
¨ From the Greek work gynaika meaning woman.
¨ A physician is called a gynecologist
4. Gynecology: Diseases
Cancer and precancerous diseases
Infertility
Incontinence
Amenorrhoea (absent menstrual periods)
Dysmenorrhoea (painful menstrual periods)
Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual periods)
Prolapse of pelvic organs
Infections of vagina cervix and uterus
5. Menopause
¨ Menopause is the ending of menstrual activity.
¨ Normally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55
¨ Menopause means end of monthly cycles. Men
(month) pausis (cessation)
¨ Menopause is defined as the last date of menstrual
period
8. Gestation
¨ Gestation is the length of time from conception to
birth.
¨ Average length of human gestation is 40 weeks
¨ Pregnancy is broken into three trimesters consisting
of 3 months each.
¨ Prenatal development is divided into two stages.
The embryonic stage and the fetal stage.
9. Gestation: Embryonic stage
¨ The embryonic stage is the first two months of
development.
¨ Weeks 1-3: attaches to the wall of the uterus
(endometrium) and begins to connect to mother. The
brain, heart and gastrointestinal tract start growing.
¨ Weeks 4-5: Women’s menstrual cycle will stop. Limb
buds begin to form. Brain grow and heart begins to
beat.
¨ Weeks 6-8: Hair and all essential organs begin to form.
Embryo is capable of motion. Eyes and facial form
begins to grow.
11. Gestation: Fetal stage
¨ Weeks 9-16: Brain and pathways begin to form.
Head makes up half the size of fetus. Breathing
like movement begins to help develop lungs.
¨ Weeks 17-26: Fetus continues to develop. Women
will begin to feel movement.
¨ Weeks 27-40: Bones are developed but are still
soft. Hair grows thicker. Breasts bud for both
sexes. At 37 to 40 weeks the fetus developed
enough to survive outside of the womb.