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Female Anatomy. The Vulva. A female’s external genitals, which include: the mons veneris – a triangular mound of tissue located over the pubic bone, covered with pubic hair, and loaded with nerve endings the labia majora – the outer lips the labia minora – the inner lips.
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The Vulva • A female’s external genitals, which include: the mons veneris – a triangular mound of tissue located over the pubic bone, covered with pubic hair, and loaded with nerve endings the labia majora – the outer lips the labia minora – the inner lips
The Clitoris • Analogous to the male penis • Covered by the clitoral hood • Fills with blood once aroused • Extremely sensitive – orgasmic • Exists to give sexual pleasure, nothing else
The hymen – tissue which covers the vaginal opening • Intact at marriage? – in some societies a matter of great concern • The perineum – an area of smooth skin located between the vagina and the anus
The Vagina • A stretchable canal opening at the vulva and extending into the pelvis • A glove-like “potential” space • Three layers of tissue – all flush with blood vessels
Vaginal layers • the mucosa – moist tissue, mucous membrane • Muscle tissue – concentrated around the opening • Fibrous tissue
Lubrication • Essential, easily overlooked, vulnerable to disruption by medications • Should occur within 10-30 seconds of arousal • Caused by vasocongestion – the engorgement of blood vessels from sexual arousal
Why so important? • Alkalinizes the vagina so that sperm can survive • Also increases sexual enjoyment • Otherwise - pain
The Mysterious “G Spot” • A system of glands and ducts located in the front wall of the vagina • The female equivalent to the male prostate gland? • Some women report exquisite sensitivity when stimulated: • Arousal, orgasm, even ejaculation • Others do not
Vaginal Health Concerns • Urinary Tract Infections • Common and potentially dangerous • Symptoms: increased need to urinate burning sensation when urinating blood or pus in urine lower pelvic pain
Diagnosis – urinalysis • Best treated with antibiotics • Cause? 1) bacteria entering through urethra usually through coitus 2) poor hygiene • Must be wiped from front to back
Prevention • Washing thoroughly every day • Changing positions for coitus • Drinking lots of liquids, especially cranberry juice
Vaginitis • An inflammation of the vaginal walls, usually caused by yeast or bacterial infection • Symptoms: itching or irritation strange discharge sometimes an unpleasant odor
Contributing Factors • Diabetes • Antibiotics • Increased stress levels • Hormone changes • Coitus without sufficient lubrication • Panty hose – three times more infections retain heat and moisture
Prevention of Vaginitis • Essential to treat and cure due to increased risk of cancer • Well balanced diet • Enough sleep, exercise • Proper hygiene – washing, wiping, cotton – as compared to panty hose • Avoiding feminine hygiene sprays • Adequate lubrication
The Breasts • Secondary sexual characteristics • Composed of fatty tissue and the mammary (milk) gland • Budding is the first sign of oncoming puberty • Great variation with regard to sexual stimulation
Size • Size depends on abundance of fatty tissue, not the mammary gland – every woman can produce plenty of milk • Considerable variation in size, even on the same woman • Also, menstruation, pregnancy, nursing, etc. influence
Breast Cancer • Mammography – an x-ray test to detect cancer • Can detect years before other methods • Significant decrease in mortality with early detection • Still quite imprecise – occasional misses and false positives
Some have a genetic marker which allows for early preventative measures • In 1998 an antiestrogen medication called tamoxifen was discovered which can help prevent breast cancer • Unfortunately, its use can cause significant side-effects
Breast Lumps • Usually cysts or fibroadenomas (solid, rounded tumors) and benign • But some are malignant tumors 11% of American women affected 190,000 diagnosed/year 40,000 die/year risk increases with age
Risk Factors • Menstruation before 12 • No or late pregnancies • Never breast fed • Late onset of menopause • Obesity/lack of exercise, heavy-fat diet • Family history • Heavy alcohol use • But 80% have NO risk factors