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 * Reproductive Health For Women from 18 to 50 Years of Age **

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This wikipage was made in association with the First Annual Women's Health Fair, 2011 at Western Illinois University. Please click the following link for more helpful information. [] //Please note, all information presented on this wikipage is for educational purposes only. This page is not to be used as a replacement for medical advice//.

Introduction
It is often a daunting task for a woman to understand and improve on her overall health and well being. A major contribution to this quest for enrichment lies within her reproductive system. A woman's health is so dependent on the reproductive system as it comprises of hormonal factors which in turn affects her menstruation cycles and can have a very big impact on her psychological and physical wellness. Her reproductive health also contributes to not only creating another life but helps determine that newborn's state of development. To begin this pursuit of understanding we will first turn our attention to the physical makeup of the reproductive system.



= Your Body and You = A woman's reproductive system is intricately designed to carry out many functions. The female reproductive system includes both external and internal structures, and each structure has a distinct role in the process of reproduction. As a woman, it is important that you know your body and understand how to care for it. Below, we will discuss the major structures of the female reproductive system and their functions, as well as ways to ensure your reproductive system is a healthy one.

Your External Reproductive System
The external structures of a woman's reproductive system include the //labia majora, labia minora,// and //clitoris.//

Literally translated as "large lips," the //labia majora// function as "protectors". The labia majora are large and fleshy, and enclose and protect the other external reproductive organs. The labia majora contain glands that secrete oil and sweat. After puberty, these structures are covered with hair.

The //labia minora//, which can be translated as "small lips," are smaller than the labia majora but can be up to 2 inches wide. They are located inside the labia majora, and surround the openings to the vagina and urethra.

The //// is a sensitive protrusion located at the point where the labia minora meet. The clitoris is covered by the prepuce, which is a fold of skin similar to the foreskin at the end of the penis. The clitoris is very sensitive to stimulation, and can become erect.

Your Internal Reproductive System
The internal structures of the female reproductive system include the //vagina, uterus, ovaries,// and //fallopian tubes.//

The //vagina// is the lower part of the uterus. Also known as the birth canal, the vagina connects the cervix to the outside of the body.

The //uterus// is a pear-shaped organ that is divided into two parts: the cervix and the corpus. The cervix is the lower piece of the uterus which opens into the vagina. The corpus is the main body of the uterus, and expands to "hold" a developing fetus. The uterus is hollow until it becomes the home to a developing fetus. A channel through the cervix allows the uterus to accept sperm and expel menstrual blood.

The //ovaries// are small glands that produce eggs and hormones. These oval-shaped glands are located on either side of the uterus.

The narrow tubes that are attached to the upper part of the uterus are called //fallopian tubes.// These tubes function as tunnels for egg cells to travel from ovaries to the uterus. Conception normally occurs in the fallopian tubes.



Click HERE for an interactive diagram of the female reproductive system, provided by www.kidshealth.org!

Your Breast Health
The breast is made of three parts: glands that produce milk, ducts (passages), and connective tissue. Although your breasts are not actually a part of the reproductive system, the two are connected in many ways. Your breasts are connected to your sexual response, menstrual cycle, and childbearing.

Every woman's breasts look and feel differently. The way your breasts look and feel may depend on your age, weight, whether or not you have children, and your current life stage. Many women's breasts are "lumpy" in nature; lumps in the breasts are not necessarily dangerous or abnormal. Some health care professionals recommend you perform self-breast exams and others do not. It is highly recommended that you know the look and feel of your breasts, so that you can be aware of changes.

For some women, breast cancer is a fear. Age, family history, race, certain medications, and personal history can affect your risk of breast cancer. Most healthcare professionals recommend women begin getting mammograms at age 40. These screens are key in early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.

For more information on breast health, visit the [|Susan G. Komen] foundation and take a look at the CDC's Mammogram Brochure.

Caring for Your Reproductive System
Just like other body systems, the reproductive system requires attention and care in order to remain healthy and functioning well. There are many ways to ensure you are caring for your reproductive system.

1. //Seek gynecological care//. It is generally recommended that women should begin seeing a gynecologist every year beginning at age 21, or at the onset of any sexual activity. Your gynecologist will provide screenings to ensure you are healthy, and can recommend vaccinations or preventative care techniques that will keep your reproductive system healthy. Routine gynecological care will help you to understand your body and how it works, establish what is "normal" for you, find problems early so that they can be treated, and help prepare you for future relationships and pregnancies. Nervous about a first visit? [|Click here] to watch a video that may help prepare you for the experience (video provided by www.WebMD.com).

2. //Practice safe sex.// If you are sexually active, engage in safety practices such as condom and other contraceptive usage. (See "Sex" segment below for more information on this topic.)

3. //Avoid vaginal infections and seek treatment when necessary.// Vaginal infections can be dangerous when left untreated. Take steps to avoid infections by changing tampons regularly (every 6-8 hours or fewer), cleaning your external genital area regularly with soap and water, taking care of genital piercings, and steering clear of contaminated water sources.

4. //Take steps to be healthier//. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management are key to keeping all of your body's systems running smoothly, including your reproductive system.

5. //Know your body, and seek medical attention when you notice unplanned and/or discomforting changes//. You are the only person who truly knows how your own body looks and feels on a day-to-day basis. Although some changes are natural as your body develops and ages, other changes can be symptoms of issues that may require medical treatment. Contact your gynecologist if you notice changes in the way your reproductive system looks or feels.

//Are you still nervous about seeing a doctor about your reproductive health? Watch the following video to see what it might be like!//

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The following link by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides a guide to common tests that a woman may require in maintaining her reproductive health. []

For more illustrations of the female reproductive system, click on the image to visit additional links:

For further information on your reproductive system and health, visit [|FamilyDoctor.org.]

//See "References" section for Your Body and You references.//

= Sex = If a woman comes to the decision to engage into sexual intercourse there are two immediate steps that should be taken. The first is for her to practice safe sex through the usage of condoms. The next step is to find and make regular appointments with a gynecologist. Sex can be such a positive and natural influence on a woman's body and mind but there are also many risks that could be taken. Being aware and knowledgeable of these possible risks should also be recognized by the practicing female. We will discuss some of the pleasures of sex and also some of the hindrances of disorders and disease.

The Female Sexual Response
There are a number of ways that a woman can become sexually aroused or excited that triggers this response. Whether the activity is with another partner or through self masturbation there are generally four stages that occur during this moment. Not all four stages may occur as many women struggle with reaching the period of orgasm.

**Four Stages of The Female Sexual Response¹﻿**
__Excitement in Stage One__: This stage is usually known as "foreplay". This is the build up or preparation time that can last only a few minutes or up to a number of hours. It usually consists of kissing, playful teasing, and fondling of the genitals. The foreplay time also assists in creating more satisfaction within in the following stages. The physiological response during this time involves:
 * increased blood flow within the genitals
 * swelling of the clitoris
 * lubrication at the vagina
 * increased blood flow to the female's breasts that may involve her nipples to harden
 * heart rate, blood pressure, and respirations go up

__The Plateau of Stage Two__: The physiological response is:
 * outer portion of the vagina swells and the genitals darken
 * clitoris retracts under its hood
 * vitals continue to increase
 * spasming and sensations of "tingling" may occur throughout the body

__Climax of Stage Three__: This is the stage that encompasses the release of an orgasm. The orgasm may last only for seconds, but it is a feeling of pure ecstasy for the woman. The response involves: Female ejaculation may also occur during or after the moment of orgasm and the release of a clear fluid from the urethra happens. The ejaculation is the result of the stimulation of the "G spot" or area within the top wall of the vagina behind the clitoris.
 * intense muscle contractions on the outer wall of the vagina
 * uterus muscle contractions
 * vitals are at their most extreme rate
 * the skin may look flushed or red colored

__Resolution of Stage Four__: This is the recovery time for the woman's body and the responses are:
 * the clitoris and nipples soften
 * breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure normalize
 * vagina and genitals return to normal appearance

There are a number of contributing barriers that can prevent a women from experiencing this titillation. This will lead us into our next topic of sexual disorders.

Sexual Dysfunctions
A number of physical, psychosocial, and emotional issues can cause these difficulties that can lead to unwanted or unhappy sexual relationships. Low self concept, poor sexual experiences, or hormones dysfunction can be just a few of the possibilities that a woman can experience. For further information please visit http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/female-sexual-dysfunction/DS00701 and view the following video for a discussion on sexual dysfunctions with physicians that specialize in the area :

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**Sexual Abuse**

** If you are in need of help or have questions regarding abuse please contact: **
24 hour crisis lines Illinois: 309-797-1777 Iowa: 563-326-9191 or visit online at: []
 * Family Resources, Inc. of the Quad Cities **

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 * At the national level please visit:**

STDs
This is the time that the practice of safe sex with the use of condoms and regular visits with the gynecologist becomes so very vital to a woman's health. There are numerous sexually transmitted diseases in society that today's woman must be aware of and be able to immediately recognize some of the possible signs and symptoms that may occur with any one of them. []

**Local STD testing sites** within the Macomb Area:
BEU HEALTH CENTER Western Illinois University 1 University Circle Macomb, IL 61455 Phone: (309) 298-1888 Days/Hrs:Mon-Fri (8am-4pm)

MCDONOUGH COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT 505 East Jackson Macomb, IL 61455 Phone: (309) 837-9951 Phone: (309) 298-1888 Days/Hrs:Mon-Fri (8am-4pm)

PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF GREATER IOWA 2751 Tech Drive Bettendorf, IA 52722 (563) 332-3282 Mon.9am-4pm, Wed. 10am-7pm, Fri. 9am-5pm, and every third Saturday 9am-4pm
 * For the Quad Cities Area:**

COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE Regional Virology Clinic 1351 West Central Park Avenue, Suite 360 Davenport, IA 52801 (563) 421-4244 Call for an appointment is preferred

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT 2112 25th Avenue Rock Island, IL 61201 (309) 794-7080 Call for appointment, No walk-ins

SCOTT COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic 600 W. 4th Street, 4th Floor Davenport, IA 52801 (563) 326-8618 A $10.00 donation requested at time of visit Tuesday & Thursday 1-4pm, Friday 8:30-11am

Birth Control
So much of today's youth is influenced to engage within sexual activity that not only should they worry about the transmission of a disease but the real possibility of becoming pregnant. The only sure way of preventing an STD or pregnancy is of course through abstinence. It is the only form of prevention that is 100% effective. Even married couples will eventually face the difficult decision as to whom will bear the task of birth control. Women have had many alternative forms of both permanent and temporary forms of birth control since the 1960s. Beyond either wearing a condom or having a vasectomy performed on them, men have not had as many options. Only until recently have researchers begun to test other possible forms of male birth control with the additions of drug therapies, implants, and creams.

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 * For assistance with both birth control options for women and men please visit:**

PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF GREATER IOWA 2751 Tech Drive Bettendorf, IA 52722 (563) 332-3282 Mon.9am-4pm, Wed. 10am-7pm, Fri. 9am-5pm, and every third Saturday 9am-4pm
 * Or Contact:**

[] [] []
 * For further information on all of these topics and more please visit:**

= Pregnancy/Postpartum =

Pregnancy is a nine (ten) month period of time when a woman's body is changing, growing, and preparing to birth a human being. It is a condition that can be greeted with preparation, excitement, frustration and fear. More often, all three. Some pregnancies are planned for, anticipated, and even assisted. Others are a shock, or surprise. Whatever the scenario in which the pregnancy came to be, it is a time when a woman's health, mind, and body are changing. The information that is to follow will talk about those changes specifically. There are thousands of books, blogs, websites and classes that explain, describe, and show what those changes are. Whatever the question, it is likely that the answer is available. At the end of this post there will be a section on what sources should be trusted. There will be links within this wikispace for any person that wishes to further explore their personal interests or questions. It is important to note, the contents of this page and the linked resources are for information only. They are not to replace advice and examination by a doctor. If a woman thinks that she wants to get pregnant, or thinks that she already may be pregnant, she should seek medical attention either through her Family Physician, Obstetrician, Gynecologist, or through a health clinic, such as Planned Parenthood, or even on campus health services for appropriate screenings or referrals.

Healthy Body/ Healthy Mom/ Healthy Baby
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has created a simple "Do's and Don'ts of Pregnancy" sheet to briefly summarize just what it takes to keep both Mom and Baby healthy.1

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Diet is incredibly important in the development of a healthy fetus, and in maintaining a Mother- To- Be's health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and lean meats will provide the building blocks to meet the requirements of pregnancy not only for the fetus, but for the expectant mother's body. Of course, personal, ethnic, religious and medically necessary dietary adjustments, such as those experienced with diabetes, should be discussed with your health care provider to meet __all__ requirements.

The United States Department of Agriculture has created a tool tailored to each pregnant or nursing Mom's individual food needs. They also provide the best links related to nutrition that fall within the canopy of United States Government Programs. Click on the graphic to go to their website. Once there, go to the specific audience section and select pregnancy and breastfeeding.2

media type="custom" key="8942098" align="center" The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has created a handy printable foods to avoid during pregnancy sheet.3

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Exercise during pregnancy is dicussed in depth at the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologist's web site. The following link will take you to their site to answer many questions you may have about the recommendations and limitations related to exercise during pregnancy. 4 However, as always, any specific questions you may have, or your personal "release" on exercise limitations should be discussed with your health care provider.

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There are many chemicals that are considered toxic, or hazardous, to the reproductive system. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a subsidiary of the Centers For Disease Control (CDC), has created a resource that discusses chemicals or substances that may be found in the work place or home. More information can be found at the following link. 5

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Chemicals found in cigarettes, alcohol and recreational drugs are also considered hazardous to maternal and fetal health. It is highly recomended that women stop using any of these substances if they wish to become pregnant, or feel like there is a possibility that they may already be expecting. Risks associated with ongoing use include birth defects, long term mental and physical defects in the fetus, high risk pregnancy, hypertension, blood clotting issues in the mother and/or the fetus, low birth weight, premature birth, and more. 6

The National Institute on Drug Abuse or NIDA is a division of the National Institute of Health. The following link provides a summary of specific recreational drugs, and the impact they have on fetal and maternal health. 6 []

The effects of maternal alcohol use are discussed at length on the following Centers for Disease Control link. 7 []

Pregnancy Who? Where?!? When? How? (We won't speculate on Why.)
Who is involved with a woman becoming pregnant? The answer is a woman and a man. Or specifically, a woman's egg and a man's sperm coming together to create a zygote.This event can take place anywhere two people have sex, or within a lab if a woman has sought fertility assistance.

The following video was created for Planned Parenthood. It provides a cartoon representation of the process of conception. Be aware, this content should be considered "adult". This video will explain the "How" of getting pregnant...or not.

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**What is Pregnancy?**

The Centers For Disease Control is a trusted Health Organization that receives Federal Funds to provide comprehensive, accurate, researched and validated information to the Health Care Consumer. The following link provides information and further learning opportunities about preconception and pregnancy. 8

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The following checklist is a product of the National Institute on Health, and provides a convenient form to fill out for a first pre-conception visit to a health care provider.9

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The Following You Tube video, by The Health Guru, Courtesy of Illumistream Health, provides information to consider prior to conceiving.

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If you would like to know if you have conceived, or when you may have conceived, the following video, also by The Health Guru, Courtesy of Illumistream Health, provides valuable insight on the time frames related to conception.

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__What to Expect When You're Expecting__ has been one of the number one selling book on pregnancy and childbirth since it's first edition in 1984. The following link allows you to access their web information and community blogs in relationship to preconception planning.10

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The language of pregnancy, conception and birth can be very confusing. There are many scientific terms that will be discussed with you by your doctor and peers over the course of the 40 total weeks of a pregnancy. It is always appropriate to ask for clarification of a term that you just don't understand, or haven't heard before. But as you make this journey, realize that there are resources to fill in the gap. The __What to Expect When You're Expecting__ site has created an A-Z glossary to quickly look up any terms that you may want to address .11

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To learn more about __What to Expect When You're Expecting__, the following wikipedia information provides details and links.

[|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_to_Expect_When_You're_Expecting]

Hormonal Changes of Pregnancy
Feeling a little hormonal during pregnancy? No doubt about it, a woman's body is magnificent as it orchestrates, and carries out all of the chemical changes required to prepare, maintain and deliver an actual human being over a period of 40 weeks. Oh! and then there are post partum hormones, and the hormones of lactation, and the hormones of menstruation, and the hormones related to simply being a woman. Have we mentioned that there are a few hormones?


 * FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) ||
 * LH (Luteinizing Hormone) ||
 * HcG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) ||
 * Estrogen ||
 * Progesterone ||
 * Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone ||
 * HPL (Human Placental Lactogen) ||
 * Relaxin ||
 * Oxytocin ||
 * Prolactin ||
 * Placental Growth Factor ||
 * Prostaglandin ||
 * Calcitonin ||
 * Thyroxine ||
 * TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ||
 * Insulin ||

__What to Expect When Your are Expecting__ has created a summary of what roles these hormones perform throughout the course of pregnancy.12 Want to learn more? Click the following link.

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Physical Changes of Pregnancy
What symptoms may indicate that you are pregnant? Changes in mood, sleep patterns, bloating, constipation, sore breasts, changes in the color of your nipples (areola) and the lips of your vagina, a lightening or cessation of your period (menses) and the general feeling of tiredness may accompany the first trimester of your pregnancy. The following video can be found on You Tube, and was created by The Health Guru, courtesy of Illumistream Health. This video discusses several possible symptoms that a woman may experience within the first weeks following conception.

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Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters. The Mayo Clinic has created an easy to follow informational site on the changes that the expectant mother is experiencing during the course of her pregnancy. Click on the following links by the Mayo Clinic to learn more about maternal physical and emotional changes, as well as the checks that may be performed at the doctor's office during each trimester.

**The first trimester extends from weeks 1-12**.<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; vertical-align: super;">13

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 * The second trimester extends from weeks 13-26.**<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; vertical-align: super;">14

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 * The third trimester extends from weeks 27 until the babie's birth.**<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; vertical-align: super;">15

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If a woman is in fact pregnant, the changes that are going on inside her womb over the next 9 months will be tremendous. The focus of this site is the mother's health and the changes occuring within her body, however, since no-one has a true "womb with a view" the following videos will give a peak of just "what is going on in there?!?" The videos will show the development of a fetus from zygote to delivery. Both videos can be found on You Tube.

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Women's Health.Gov has created a //** fun, informational quiz **// on "Pregnancy Know-How". This quiz provides not only the opportunity to test your knowledge about pregnancy, but also provides informative answers after you submit your responses.<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; vertical-align: super;">16

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Delivery
Baby Center has created a video about the process of birth, the changes that the mother is experiencing during delivery, and the advancement of the fetus until he/she takes a first breath. Click play to see the miracle (and hard work) of delivery.

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Medline Plus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health has created a comprehensive page, to include links and videos, that address cesarean section information. Please click on the following link to learn more. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">1 7

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Post Partum Physical Changes
Baby Zone site has created a "15 Postpartum Changes No One Ever Told You About Your Postpartum Body" link. Scroll through the following information and select "view" if you wish to learn more.<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; vertical-align: super;">18

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Possible Post Partum Emotional Changes
Medline Plus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health has created a comprehensive page that discusses post partum depression. Please click the link for researched information and additional resources.<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; vertical-align: super;">19

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Please see the Reference Section under Pregnancy and Post Partum to access sources used throughout this section.

= Menopause =

What is Menopause?
Menopause is the final menstrual period, and is the time when a woman's ovaries experience a permanent cessation in function. Menopause is confirmed after 12 months without a period or when both of a woman's ovaries are removed or are permanently damaged. At menopause,. Menopause can be natural or surgical. Most women experience natural menopause between the ages of 40 and 58.

What are the Signs of Menopause?
Common signs of menopause include irregular menstrual periods, mood swings, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and trouble sleeping. Other signs of menopause include a loss of interest in sex, heart palpitations, vaginal infections, depression, headaches, and forgetfulness. These "symptoms" of menopause are caused changes in the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Menopause symptoms may last up to five years or longer.

How do I know if I'm in Menopause?
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">Tests of blood and urine can measure changes in hormone levels that may be a sign of menopause. You may also recognize menopause through physical and emotional symptoms.

Can Menopause be "Treated"?
For women who experience severe symptoms of menopause,

Please see our Health Fair Website to connect to our class link for further information regarding Menopause. http://womenshealthfair.wikispaces.com/

= ﻿Glossary of Terms =

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Cesarean Section- A surgical incision through the abdomen and the outer wall of the uterus of a mother, used to deliver a baby.

Clitoris- A small elongated erectile of organ of the female genitalia.

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Conception- The time within a woman's body, when a sperm and egg join to create a zygote, or the initial beginnings of an embryo.

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Delivery- The process of expelling a baby from the womb either through the birth canal (vagina) or by a surgically assisted method.

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Embryo- The name for a baby from the time of conception until they are born.

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Fetus- The name for an embryo that has started to resemble a human being, usually from two months until delivery.

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Hormones- The chemical messengers that operate within the fluids of the human body, that control the actions of other cells.

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">﻿Lactation- The production of milk by a human female, for the express purpose of feeding a baby.

Menopause - The time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently and completely stop.

Ovary - One of a pair of female reproductive glands.

Post Partum- The time frame following the delivery of a baby.

Reproduction - The production of offspring.

Reproductive System - In women, the organs that are directly involved in the production of eggs and carrying of offspring.

Uterus - A hollow, pear-shaped organ located between a woman's bladder and rectum (also called a womb.)

Vagina - The canal extending from a woman's cervix to the outside of her body; also known as the birth canal.

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Womb- Another name for the uterus, the place where a fetus grows until delivery.

= Worthwhile Websites =

__General Sites on Female Reproductive Health__

<span style="background-position: 100% 50%; cursor: pointer; display: inline ! important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 10px 0px 0px;">[] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] []

Carter, J.S. (1996). Reproductive system. Retrieved from http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio105/reproduc.htm
 * Your Body and You/Menopause**

Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). Women's reproductive health Atlanta, GA: Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/womensrh/index.htm

<span style="color: #333333; display: inline ! important; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2006).Mammograms and breast health: an information guide for women (CMS – 11117). Washington, DC: Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/pdf/cdc_mammogram_brochure.pdf

National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine. (2010). Female reproductive systemBethesda, MD: Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/femalereproductivesystem.html

1. Women's College Hospital. http://womenshealthmatters.ca. "Sexual Health Centre: How Female Body Works". Accessed March 23, 2011**.**
 * Sex**

Please click on the box below for the reference list.
 * Pregnancy and Postpartum**

= Site Creators = Lindsey Hornbaker has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, with a minor in Community Health. She has worked in adolescent mental health and counseling, and is currently working in refugee resettlement with an international relief agency. Lindsey resides in Davenport with her cat, Phoebe. She is pursuing a Master's in Health Science with an emphasis in Public Health at WIU-QC.

Craig Wainwright, is a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) with over 12 years of work experience within the clinic and athletic team settings. He resides in Bettendorf, IA with his wife and four children. Currently Craig is in his last semester of the Health Education (Community Health emphasis) Master's program at WIU-QC.

Leigh Runner has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with a minor in Women's Studies. She has been a Registered Nurse since 1997. She has worked as a civilian nurse, a Clinical Nurse Educator, and as a Captain in the Army Nurse Corps. Leigh has had the opportunity to work with patients in Medical, Surgical, Orthopedic, and Pediatric care units. She has also worked in a Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic, and Women's Health, and Public Health care settings. Leigh resides in Geneseo, Illinois with her husband and two sons. Leigh is currently pursuing a Masters in Health Science with an emphasis in Public Health at WIU-QC.

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