Espaņol

The Female Reproductive System

The female genitals are more protectedl than the male genitals due to their internal location. The ovary is in charge of monthly ovum production. The ovum goes from the fallopian tube to the uterus. Approximately once a month, an ovum is discharged through menstruation. Yet, if the ovum is fertilized, it implants in the uterine cavity and develops into a fetus.

Menstruation

Women bleed once a month due to the release of an ovum. An adolescent starts her menstruation between 12 and 14 years old. A week before the period, a woman can suffer from premenstrual sympstoms such as headaches and ovary pain.

Menopause

Menopause is the disappearance of female hormones. Contrary to common belief, females do not necessarily suffer emotional and sexual traumas with menopause. Although women have to get used to a hormonal change, their sexual life may become more active due to the lack of need for prevention of pregnancy. Many emotional problems derive from the idea of becoming old. In some cases, doctors prescribe a hormonal treatment because it can cause secondary effects such as nervous depressions and haemorrhages. Postmenopausal treatment with estrogens may be recommended to prevent osteoporosis.

Tumors and Cysts

Uterine tumors are in general benign. The sizes of the tumors can vary. Some are so small it is difficult to detect them. Others are so big that the woman seems to be pregnant although she is not. Doctors tend to extract benign tumors for their potentiality to become malignant. The uterine tumors or fibromas can cause haemorrhage during the menstrual period. In this cases, the patient needs a hysterectomy. Cysts are liquid tumors, which may require removal.

Pregnancy

State of a female after conception until the birth of the baby. During a pregnancy, a woman suffers from headaches, stomachaches, nauseas, and constipation. Doctors do not recommend the utilization of laxatives, sedatives or aspirine to soothe the pains.

Spontaneous Abortion

Spontaneous abortion or loss of pregnancy is most common during the first three months. This type of abortion is a natural response of the body, often to a serious genetic defect in the embryo. It can also be provoked by an emotional impact, X rays, hormone imbalances, antibiotics, or infections.

Toxemia

Toxemia happens during the first three months of pregnancy. This disease produces convulsions, coma, even death. With toxemia, the female needs to rests. An artificial delivery is recommendated.

Labor

Natural labor happens without a doctor's physical intervention. Induced delivery is controlled by medicines and instruments. If a labor gets complicated and dangerous, the doctor does a caesarean operation. Nowadays, many women prepare themselves through psychological and physical exercises, such as the Lamaze program, to eliminate fear and pain of labor.