women s health issues
Female Internal Genital Organs
Introduction
The internal genital organs form a pathway (the genital tract). This pathway consists of the following: Vagina (part of the birth canal), where sperm are deposited and from which a baby can emerge Cervix (the lower part of the uterus), where sperm enter and which opens (dilates) when a pregnant woman is ready to gives birth Uterus, where an embryo can develop into a fetus Fallopian tubes (oviducts), where sperm can fertilize an egg after traveling through the cervix and uterus Ovaries, which produce and release eggs Sperm can travel up the tract, and eggs down the tract. is a ring of tissue located just inside the opening of the vagina (see figure External Female Genital Organs ). The hymen usually encircles the opening. Rarely, it completely covers the opening (called an imperforate hymen), making it impossible for menstrual blood to pass. In such cases, a procedure is done to open the hymen. The hymen may tear at the first attempt at sexual intercourse, or it may be soft and pliable and not tear. The hymen may also be torn during exercise or insertion of a tampon or diaphragm. Tearing usually causes slight bleeding. When the hymen tears, it may be unnoticeable or may form small tags of tissue around the vaginal opening. 