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Teen Survival Guide
Taking care of your reproductive health
Your body
The way the female body is designed is really cool if you think about it. Check out these graphics to learn about the major reproductive organs. These are the parts of the body involved in making a baby.
Ovary—Women have two ovaries, which have eggs (ova) and make female hormones. One of the ovaries lets go of an egg about once each month as part of the menstrual cycle. This is called ovulation.
Fallopian tube—When an egg is released, it travels through the fallopian tube toward the uterus.
Fertilization—When a man’s sperm and a woman’s egg join together. This usually happens in the fallopian tube.
Uterus—The uterus is a pear-shaped, hollow organ where a baby grows during pregnancy. The lining of the uterus is called the endometrium. This lining is shed during a woman’s period. Eggs that are not fertilized are shed along with the lining of the uterus.
Cervix—The cervix is a slim entrance between the vagina and the uterus. The muscles of the cervix are flexible so that it can expand to let a baby pass through during birth. (Very cool!)
Hymen—The hymen is a thin piece of tissue that covers the opening of the vagina. This tissue can be broken through with the first sexual intercourse.
Vagina—The vagina is a muscular passage that leads down from the cervix to the outside of the body.
Every girl's breasts are different—in shape, size, and in color. You can get to know the way your breasts look and feel by doing a monthly breast self-exam. (Check out the web sites listed at the end of this section to learn how.) This way, you can ask your doctor about anything you are unsure about.
Fun quiz
The ovaries begin to make more e_ _ _ _ _ _ _ and other hormones during puberty.
*Hint: You can find the answers in one of the web sites listed at the end of this section.
Answer: estrogen
To: girlshealth.gov
From: Cecelia (11), Corpus Christi, Texas
I hear people call parts of a woman's body names that I don''t understand. How do I know the right terms to use?
You're right. There are many slang words people use for the parts of a woman's body. You may hear them used by kids at school and even on TV, in movies, or in some of your favorite songs. Some of these terms can be really negative and even make you feel ashamed about your body. You need to use the right names for sexual organs for two reasons: to be respectful of a woman's body and to be able to talk about any problems with your doctor.
Content last updated February 12, 2008
