Female Reproductive System: Function, Parts, and Main Organs

2.6.2025 0 comments

Author: Trisha Houghton, CNS, ASIST

The female reproductive system does exactly what its name suggests: it regulates and facilitates female reproduction.

This system is comprised of a complex interplay of organs, tissues, hormones, and nerve endings. It all needs to work together smoothly in order for reproduction to be possible.

In this post, we’ll look exactly at how the female reproductive system works and what its primary functions are. We’ll dive into the various parts of the women’s reproductive system, both internal and external.

This post will also explore the basics of the menstrual cycle, hormone regulation, and the steps through which fertilization and pregnancy can occur. We’ll also examine some of the most common female reproductive health issues you may face.

Keep reading all the way to the end, though, because we’ll share some simple yet highly effective keys to maintaining good reproductive health.

Introduction to the Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system is the system responsible for reproduction, and it also plays a role in the production of critical female hormones. Both the external and internal organs that make up a woman’s reproductive system contribute to your overall well-being, too.

Understanding the full workings of the reproductive system and how it can impact your body is crucial for preserving good health.

Primary Functions of the Female Reproductive System

Below you can see details about the primary functions of the reproductive system in women.

Reproduction

The female reproductive system is responsible for producing the eggs (also called “ova” or “oocytes”) that are fertilized by sperm (the male gametes) in order to produce an embryo that eventually grows into a baby.

In the fallopian tubes, fertilization takes place, and then the fertilized egg, known as a zygote, travels to the uterus where the fetus has a safe, conducive environment in which to grow and mature.

Hormone Production

The ovaries are responsible for the maturation of follicles to produce the hormone estrogen.

The ovaries communicate to the endocrine system through negative and positive feedback loops which signal to the hypothalamus and pituitary glad which and how many hormones are needed for homeostasis.

The functions of the female reproductive system also include the secretion of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle and support reproduction. They also influence secondary sex characteristics, including body hair, breast development, hip shape, bone density, and fat distribution.

Menstrual Cycle & Uterine Lining Preparation

The menstrual cycle is a hormone-driven four phase process by which the uterus and ovaries prepare for pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, the uterine lining is shed during menstruation and the unfertilized eggs disintegrate and are absorbed by the body.

The female reproductive organs respond to hormonal signals from the brain that trigger ovulation, endometrial changes, and menstruation.

Fetal Development, Pregnancy, and Childbirth

After fertilization, which occurs in the fallopian tubes through intercourse or other methods, the reproductive system supports the eggs growth by enabling its implantation in the uterus. The various reproductive organs also facilitate hormonal changes to support the growth and maturation of the zygote throughout the entire pregnancy.

The reproductive system aids in labor and delivery by responding to oxytocin. This hormone triggers uterine contractions, which help dilate the cervix and push the baby out.

Main Internal Parts of the Female Reproductive System

Let’s start off by looking at the internal womens reproductive organs.

Ovaries

The ovaries produce eggs (ova) and secrete the female sex hormonesestrogen and progesterone that facilitate the menstrual cycle.

These small oval-shaped glands can be found on either side of your uterus.

Fallopian Tubes

The fallopian tubes are narrow tubes that connect the ovaries to the upper portion of the uterus. It’s through these tubes that new ova travel once the ovaries release them. Cilia lining the interior of the fallopian tubes help to move the egg along.

Fertilization of the egg will typically occur in the fallopian tubes.

Uterus

After fertilization, the egg travels to the uterus, a hollow, pear-shaped organ. There, it implants into the endometrial lining, which provides nutrients for its growth and development into an embryo.

The uterine cavity is divided into two parts: the uterine cervix and the uterine corpus. The corpus comprises the largest portion of your uterus, and is capable of expanding in order to accommodate a growing fetus.

The uterus features an inner lining called the endometrium. Estrogen and progesterone cause the endometrium to thicken in order to facilitate implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus. However, if no pregnancy occurs, the thickened endometrium is shed during menstruation.

Cervix

The cervix (or uterine cervix) is the lower portion of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

A hole in the center of the cervix allows sperm to enter to fertilize the ova produced by the ovaries. It also allows blood to exit during menstruation (menstrual flow).

The cervix is capable of dilating in order to allow the infant to come out during labor and childbirth. However, it’s ordinarily constricted enough that foreign objects (like tampons) can’t pass through or get lost in the female body. It’s only large enough for sperm to pass through.

Vagina

The vagina is a muscular canal or tube that connects the cervix to the external female genitalia.

During sexual intercourse with a male, it receives the sperm and facilitates its journey up the cervix toward the fallopian tubes where fertilization takes place. The interior of the vagina is kept a warm, moist environment by internal mucus membranes that ensure it’s conducive to the survival and flourishing of sperm.

During childbirth, the vagina widens to accommodate the infant and serves as the birth canal.

External Genitalia (Vulva)

Now that we’ve looked at the internal organs that play a role in the female reproductive system, let’s look at the external female reproductive system organs.

Labia Majora and Labia Minora

The labia minora (“small lips”) surround the openings to the vagina and urethra. They’re made up of very delicate skin. They provide a protective encasement that shields the vaginal and urethral openings from foreign matter or unwanted objects.

The labia majora (“large lips”) enclose the labia minora and provide another layer of protection for your external reproductive organs. They are typically made up of less sensitive skin, making them less prone to irritation or stimulation.

The labia majora will typically develop pubic hair during puberty. They also feature oil- and sweat-secreting glands. However,the labia minora will not develop hair and does not feature glands.

Clitoris

The clitoris is located where the labia minora meet at the top. This small protrusion is highly sensitive thanks to the high concentration of nerve endings, and therefore is involved in sexual pleasure. It provides signals to the other external sex organs that intercourse (which may lead to fertilization) is about to ensue.

The clitoris is covered by a fold of skin called the prepuce, also called the clitoral hood.

Urethral Opening

The urethral opening is an opening separate from the vaginal opening. It plays no role in fertilization or pregnancy. Instead, it’s necessary for the excretion of urine.

The fact that it’s separate allows for cleaner waste elimination and reduces the risk of vaginal infection (from the acids and pathogens in urine).

Vaginal Opening

The vaginal opening is part of the external genitalia and entrance to the vaginal canal.

It allows for penetration—by a penis for fertilization, fingers or sex toys for pleasure, or tampons during menstruation—and facilitates the exit of menstrual blood during menstruation or babies during childbirth.

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Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Regulation

The menstrual cycle (also called the reproductive cycle) is broken down into four phases, each of which plays a crucial role in the fertilization process.

Menstrual Phase

During the menstrual phase, the uterine lining is shed in cases where fertilization did not occur.

This shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium) removes the thickened lining to reset the process for the next cycle.

Follicular Phase

At the beginning of the follicular phase, two hormones—luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)—are released by your brain to stimulate the growth of 15 to 20 new eggs in “shells” (follicles) in the ovaries.

The increase in FSH also increases the production of estrogen, which is necessary for creating a thriving environment for fertilization. However, when estrogen reaches a certain level, it shuts off production of follicle stimulating hormone to prevent overproduction of new eggs.

Eventually, one follicle in one of the ovaries becomes “dominant”. This matures into the egg. The development of the dominant follicle suppresses all the other follicles. The suppressed follicles die off while the dominant follicle continues to mature and produce estrogen.

Ovulation

Roughly 14 days after the follicular phase begins, the ovulatory phase (or the process called ovulation) commences. This third phase of the menstrual cycle is marked by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) caused by the increased estrogen production the dominant follicle triggers.

The LH surge causes the mature egg to be released by the ovary. The egg is from this dominant follicle and is carried down the fallopian tubes by finger-like projections called fimbrae.

During this phase, cervical mucus will typically increase. This facilitates the capturing and nourishment of sperm that will be traveling toward the egg to fertilize it.

Luteal Phase

Immediately after ovulation, the luteal phase begins.

The now-empty ovarian follicle that released the egg develops into the corpus luteum, a structure that secretes progesterone and estrogen to prepare your uterus for the implantation of a fertilized egg.

If the egg was properly fertilized and conception occurs, the fertilized egg (blastocyst) travels to the uterus where it attaches and nestles into the uterine lining (called implantation). The implanted egg is sustained and nourished by the uterine lining and will continue to be so over the course of the pregnancy.

If no fertilization occurs, the egg disintegrates and is reabsorbed by the body. The uterine lining is shed during the menstrual phase.

The average menstrual cycle takes roughly 28 days, though it can be anywhere from 21 to 35 days. 

Hormonal Influences on Pregnancy

It’s important to note that of the many hormones involved in fertility and pregnancy, only two are produced by the ovaries:

• Estrogen promotes the development of the uterine lining.
• Progesterone prepares the uterus for implantation of the fertilized egg and maintains the uterine lining.

The other hormones involved, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), prolactin, oxytocin, and relax are produced by the brain, pituitary gland, or placenta.

How Fertilization and Pregnancy Occur

Fertilization begins when an egg formed in the ovaries and released into the fallopian tube joins with sperm.

The egg is protected by a membrane that typically allows only one sperm cell to penetrate (except in the very rare cases of “double fertilization”).

The fertilized egg travels to the uterus, where it embeds in the uterine wall for implantation.

After implantation, the developing embryo and later the placenta produce human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that signals continual production of progesterone to facilitate the growth and development of the implanted egg.

Levels of hCG, estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin all change throughout the pregnancy, which facilitates the infant’s maturation and aids in eventual childbirth.

The fertilized egg begins as a zygote but during the “cleavage” process, it divides by mitosis to form a solid ball of cells called a morula. Mitosis continues and the morula develops into a blastocyst and the blastocyst implants into the uterus to eventually develop into an embryo.

It’s in the embryo stage that the majority of the internal and external organ structures develop.

Around the 10 to 12-week mark following conception, the embryo transitions into a fetus, a more robust form than an embryo.

After implantation, the placenta begins to form and is fully functional by the end of the first trimester of pregnancy. The placenta is a selective barrier that facilitates the transportation of nutrients and oxygen into the fetus’ body from the mother. It also removes waste, and produces essential pregnancy hormones including hCG, estrogen, and progesterone.

The fetus continues to develop throughout the pregnancy. However, the major organs are mature in the third trimester..

By the ninth month, the fetus has grown to the point where the space inside the womb can no longer support it, and it’s ready to be born. Once born, it is called a baby.

Common Female Reproductive System Disorders

Below are a few of the most common female reproductive system diseases you need to know about.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal disorder condition that creates irregular and extended periods, excess androgen production, and both excessive growth of and metabolic issues. Some individuals develop ovarian cysts, but not all

No exact causes of PCOS are known, though excess androgen, low-grade inflammation, and insulin resistance may all exacerbate the condition. Complications can include infertility, miscarriage, premature birth, gestational diabetes, severe liver inflammation, and metabolic syndrome.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue very similar in nature to the tissue of the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It may form on the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or tissue around the pelvis.

This tissue behaves like uterine tissue by thickening, breaking down, and bleeding during the menstrual cycle. However, since it forms outside the uterus, it has no way to exit the body, causing pain, bleeding, and potential fertility issues.

Fibroids

Fibroids are commonly found in the average uterus. They typically form during the prime years of fertility and rarely do they turn cancerous. Many people live with uterine fibroids their entire lives and never experience symptoms.

However, those who do experience symptoms may find they suffer from excessive bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, more frequent or longer periods, urination troubles, constipation, and a growing stomach area.

They are rarely dangerous but may increase your risk of anemia or could cause pregnancy loss or infertility.

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the surface of or inside an ovary. They are very common and typically cause little to no discomfort, and may go away on their own.

However, if the cyst ruptures (bursts) or becomes twisted, they can cause pain in the pelvic region, bloating, heaviness in your belly, fever, or vomiting

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is cancerous cells forming in the cervix. Initially, the symptoms may be minor—bleeding after intercourse, heavier or longer-lasting bleeding, pain during or after intercourse, or watery or bloody vaginal discharge—but left untreated, the cancer can become a serious problem.

The two most common types of cervical cancer are squamous cell carcinoma (typically in the exterior of the cervix) and adenocarcinoma (typically inside the cervix).

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID is an inflammation, primarily of the fallopian tubes, but sometimes involves the uterus and ovaries. Typically, it’s the result of untreated STIs (like chlamydia or gonorrhea), but can be the result of bacterial infection contracted during non-sterile medical procedures, IUD insertion, or childbirth.

Untreated, it could lead to a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and abscesses forming in your reproductive tract.

Maintaining Female Reproductive Health

Maintaining your reproductive health is important not just for fertility and menstruation, but for the health of your body overall. After all, your menstrual cycle, hormone balance, and sexual pleasure all play a role in your quality of life.

To maintain good reproductive health you can mind the following tips:

• Get regular checkups. Get a pelvic exam and pap smear at least once every 3 years, and ask your doctor to screen you for reproductive health issues yearly.
• Eat right and exercise. Both a healthy diet and frequent physical exercise contribute to maintaining your hormonal balance and menstrual cycle.
• Drink plenty of water. Aim for at least 2-3 liters per day. Hydration is crucial for cellular health and a healthy body.
• Reduce stress. Stress elevates the production of cortisol and adrenaline, which can decrease the production of other critical hormones—including the hormones that regulate your reproductive system.
• Practice safe sex. Protect yourself from STIs and other infections that could impact your reproductive health.

Do this, and you’ll keep your reproductive system with its complex interplay of organs, tissues, and hormones in great shape.

Conclusion

Your reproductive system is essential for not only pregnancy and childbirth, but also overall hormonal balance. The hormones it helps produce aids in your sexual development, your menstrual cycle, and fertility.

If you follow the advice above to keep your reproductive system working well, you’ll enjoy better quality of life and a decreased risk of reproductive health issues or diseases.

FAQs

How many drops of sperm are needed to get pregnant?

Theoretically, a single drop of sperm should be enough to cause pregnancy because there are more than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen. However, the more sperm present, the higher the chances of pregnancy. It is important to note that pregnancy depends on sperm quality and motility, not simply quantity. While a single sperm is needed to fertilize the egg, millions more are needed to break down the protective layers of the egg, for the one to fertilize.

What are 3 of the most common symptoms a female may experience with her reproductive system?

The three most common symptoms of female reproductive health issues are excessive or prolonged bleeding during menstruation, pain in the pelvic region, and irregular menstrual cycles.

How can a woman tell if she is infertile?

The only real means of telling if a woman is infertile is if she is unable to conceive after trying for a long time (after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex). However, that “long time” could be 6-months if over the age of 35 as each person’s reproductive system is unique. Medical tests which include hormone assessments, ultrasounds, and fertility evaluations can be done by a medical provider to help assess fertility.

Resources

Female Reproductive System

Physiology, Female Reproduction

Female Reproductive System

The Female Reproductive System

How Pregnancy (Conception) Occurs

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Endometriosis

Uterine fibroids

Ovarian cysts

Cervical cancer

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

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