REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Chapter 10British Lassiter

Gynecologist

Doctor who specializes in the health care of women.

Focuses on diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the female reproductive system.

Requirements of Gynecologist

Bachelor’s Degree in any field. (Must take pre-reqs for Medical School). (4 years) Medical School for MD Degree. (4 years) Residency (3-4 years) Specialized training (3 years) Board certification since they must be

licensed. Continue schooling to stay up to date.

Gynecologist

Provide Information about sex, sexuality, menstruation, body changes & healthy lifestyles.

Provide contraceptives, pap smears, STI testing.

Treatment for missed periods, pain, other reproductive problems.

3 stages of labor/delivery

1. Dilation 2. Expulsion 3. Placental

Dilation

Cervix begins to open. Goes from closed to 3-4cm.

Contractions become more frequent and cervix becomes 4-10cm dilated.

Fetus pressures the cervix causing expansion or to dilate.

Effacement(cervix becomes thinner) occurs

Expulsion

Contractions get stronger and begin to push baby down the birth canal.

With every contraction the baby travels through the pelvis little by little.

Once the baby’s head of down in your pelvis there is a hot stinging sensation.

Vagina begins to open & the baby’s head slowly begins to come through.

Placental

Weaker contractions occur Placenta pushes away from the wall of

the uterus. Placenta and membranes of the empty

bag of waters will drop to the bottom of the uterus.

From the bottom of the uterus to the vagina.

CONGRULATIONS, Your labor/delivery is OVER!

Menopause

Every woman goes through menopause. Usually between 45-55. Natural event. No longer allowed to get pregnant. Menstruation stops body changes occur.

Symptoms

Menstrual periods occur less often and eventually stop

Heart pounding/racing Night sweats Skin flushing Insomnia Hot flashes Mood Swings/Irritability Joint aches and pains

Prevention

Do not smoke Calcium and Vitamin D vitamins Exercise regularly Low-fat diet Control blood pressure and cholesterol

Treatment

Hormone Therapy Estrogen Therapy Diet & Lifestyle Changes Anti-depressants Clonidine (blood-pressure medicine)