THE SYSTEM
The female reproducive system includes the vagina,
cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Vagina
The vagina or birth canal is the muscular passage leading from the
outside of the body to the uterus. It measures four to five inches long
and normally the sides lie close together, however during sexual
intercourse, they seperate to accommodate the male penis. During
childbirth they stretch to allow the baby to emerge. It has few nerve
endings, and most are located near the opening to the outside of the
body. Within the vagina, little can be felt but pressure. The vagina is
naturally moist, althought the quanity and quality can vary. This
natural lubrication is a self-cleansing process that makes douching
normally unnecessary.

Cervix
The cevix is the narrow opening of the uterus. It projects into the upper
end of the vagina. It connected the vagina and uterus. This canal is
traversed by sperm on their way to fertilize the egg, by menstrual
discharge and babies leaving the uterus.

Uterus
The uterus is a muscular pear-shaped organ, normally the size of a
lemon. The uterus walls stretch considerably as a fetus develope within
the uterus and in late pregnancy may be as large as a medium-sized
watermellon. The rich, soft lining of the uterus (the endometrium) is
renewed each month; it sloths off and leaves the body as
menstral discharge.

Fallopian Tubes
At the upper end of the uterus are the openings of the fallopian tubes,
which extend back to the ovaries. Contraception occurs in the Fallopian
Tubes, which helps direct the sperm and propel the egg into the uterus.

Ovaries
The ovaries are small, firm and roughly egg shaped. Once a month
they produce an egg. (two or more on rare occasions) Ovulation occurs
when the egg matures and passes from an ovary into the fallopian tube.
Fertilization occus when sperm penetrates the egg. The ovaries also
produce reproductive hormones.

DISORDERS

Cervical Polyps
Cervical polyps are generally benign tumors that may appear at any
time after beginning menstruation. They may occur anywhere in the
cervix, and areusually less than one inch long.

Cervicitis and Cervical Erosion
Among the most common of all female disorders, cervicitis is
inflammation of the cervix, the neck of the uterus. The inflammation may
be caused by a specific infection (gonorrhea, syphilis) or non-specific
bacterial infection. Pregnancy and childbirth may be predisposing
factors. In cervicitis the cervical mucus becomes thin and clear. The
woman may experience low back pain, painful periods, abnormal
vaginal bleeding and painfull intercourse, Some cases clear
themselves, others require anti-infective vaginal ointments and creams.
Other's require oral antibiotics. Still others require D & C. Cervicitis
may or may not be accompanied by cervical erosion. Erosion occurs when
some of the tissue that lines the inner part of the cervix
(columnar epithelium) spreads out and replaces the stronger tissue
(squamous epithelium) that normally covers the cervix and lines the
vagina. The word erosion in this instant does not refer to any wearing
away but instead to the replacement of one kind of tissue by another.

Cystocele
A cystocele is a protrusion of the urinary bladder through the vaginal
wall. The conditions may result from laceration, childbirth or damage
to the vaginal wall. Symptoms include a feeling of vaginal fullness
and looseness. The sensation of the presence of urine every after
voiding and a slight bulge into the vagina may be noted. Cystocele
must be surgical corrected or in the elderly and where surgery not
possible, the insertion of a rubber pessary into the vagina to
support the cystocele.

Endometriosis
Endometriosis is the presence of uterine mucous tissue
(endometriium) in an abnormal location. It usually involves the
visceral peritoneal surfaces and may cause severe pelvic pin,
abnormal bleeding and possibly infertility, The tissue may be
found in the ovaries, fallopian tubes and over the uterus. The
major symptom is acute pelvic pain especially before menses
and increases in severity until menstrual flow has ceased.
However, some patients do not experience pain. Depending on
the severity of the condition and the woman's age and wishes
about bearing children, endometriosis may be treated mdically
with hormones or surgically with hysterectomy.

Infertility

Menstrual Disorders
*Amenorrhea- medical term used to describe absence of periods.
This can be Primary Amenorrhea (hormonal, congenital) or
Secondary (pregnant, breast feeding, stress, hysterectomy)
*Dysmenorrhea- medical term for painful periods.
*Hypermenorrhea- abnormally long periods
*Menorrhagia-medical term for excessive bleeding during period.
*Oligomenorrhea- infrequent periods
*Polymenorrhea-period occurring more often that 35 -30 day cycle.

Menopausal Disorders

Oopheritis
Inflammation of the ovaries.

Salpingitis
Inflammation of the fallopian tubes.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
PID is a serious infection that affects women's reproductive
organs. It is a disorder that is seen with increasing frequency
and is now a leading cause of infertility. When promptly
diagnosed, PID usually responds favorably to a broad
spectrum antibotics. Complete bed rest for at least one
week may be helpful and the patient should abstain from
sexual intercourse for at least two weeks to allow the
infected area to heal.

Sexual Transmitted Diseases
See special section on STD's.

Trichomoniasis
One of the most frequent forms of vaginitis is caused by
trichomonas vaginalis, a single-cell micro-organism, which
may affect the urinary tract as well as the vagina. It is
characterized by vaginal itching and burning and a heavy
greenish-yellow discharge with an unpleasant fishy oder.
In men, trichomonads can remain inactive and usually
produce no smyptoms at all, but they occasionally may
cause a slight burning sensation during urination. The
treatment requires oral antibiotics given to both the male
and female partner. All medication must be taken for
the prescribed days. Because the drug interferes with the
way the body metabolizes Alcohol, no alcohol in any form
or amount should be ingested during treatment.

Vaginitis
Vaginitis is an umbrella term used to cover many vaginal
infections. It can refer to candida albicans (yeast infection)
or as non-specific vaginitis. The vagina is a warm, moist
environment that is ideal for many infecting microorganisms.
Many of the organisms normally live in the vagina without
causing a problem, very frequently however, an overgrowth
or invasion can result in the itching, burning, discharge or
other symptoms characteristic of vaginitis. In most cases
vaginitis is more annoying and uncomfortable than medically
serious. The normal acid enviroment of the vagina keeps
the growth of harmful organisms at bay. The normal acidity
may be altered by frequent douching, oral contraceptives,
a change in hormonal balance, antibiotics, or irritating
tampons. Other contributing factors include sexual activity
with infected partner or carrier of organisms, tight slacks,
pantyhose, tight panties or obesity. When experiencing
symptoms DO NOT DOUCE just before seeing your
Doctor. This may destroy material he/she needs for
diagnosis. Most vaginal infections are treatable by
medication and rarely lead to serious medical problems.

Atrophic Vaginitis
In older women, vaginitis is often due to dryness and
thinning of vaginal tissue following menopause. This
is called atrophic vaginitis and results in itching and
painful intercourse. Discuss with your Doctor. He/she
can give you a lubricating cream or jelly to relieve
symptoms and discus hormone replacement.

Vulvovaginitis
This is characterized much the same as vaginitis. Major
difference is that it also affects the vulva.

Summing Up
While many of the ITIS's discussed above primarily
affect the female and while MEN may suffer no
symptoms at all, they often harbor the causative
microorganisms and should be treated along with
their famale sex partner(s) to avoid re-infection .
Practice good hygiene. Shower or wash thoroughly
before and after intercourse. This includes all body
parts used including hands and/or mouth.

**Information herein is for information only and is in
no intended to replace your Doctor or any other
Health Care Provider. If symptoms present, call
your Doctor immediately.**