How the Female Reproductive System Works (2025)

The female reproductive system is the internal and external organs involved in fertility, conception, pregnancy, and childbirth in people assigned female at birth. This group of organs is responsible for producing sex hormones, including estrogen and progesterone.

These organs also affect other aspects of a person’s health, such as bone density, heart health, and cholesterol levels. The female reproductive system includes several important organs and structures, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and vulva.

What Is the Reproductive System's Role?

The female reproductive system produces egg cells and sustains pregnancy. The reproductive organs and tissues work together to transport these cells for fertilization and provide an environment for a developing fetus.

The external parts of the female reproductive system include the vulva, labia, and mons pubis. Once a person goes through puberty, these external parts are covered with pubic hair.

The internal parts include the following:

• Vagina
• Uterus
• Fallopian tubes
• Ovaries

The ovaries produce and release a mature egg each menstrual cycle.To conceive a pregnancy within the body, sperm (cells produced by the male reproductive system) must travel through the vagina and into the fallopian tubes to fertilize a mature egg.

During puberty, the ovaries begin to produce sex hormones and cause internal and external changes to reach sexual maturity.

The female reproductive system causes a person to experience menstrual periods. Each month, a mature egg is released. If the egg is not fertilized by sperm, then pregnancy does not occur, and a person experiences menstruation when the blood and tissues from the uterine wall (endometrium) are shed through the vagina.

Parts of the Female Reproductive System

1. Ovaries

The ovaries are small organs located on either side of the uterus. Most people assigned female at birth are born with two ovaries. The ovaries produce sex hormones and release mature eggs.

Once a person reaches puberty, the ovaries mature and begin secreting sex hormones. For most people, the ovaries release one egg each month, a process known as ovulation.

The ovaries release hormones that affect ovulation and menstruation. They also affect:

• External sex traits
• Heart health
• Bone density
• Mood
• Sleep
• Sex drive
• Pregnancy health
  

2. Fallopian Tubes

The fallopian tubes are small tubes that transport the egg from the ovaries to the uterus. The mature egg may become fertilized as it travels through the fallopian tubes.

The fallopian tubes contain different parts, including the:

• Infundibulum: The funnel-shaped opening to the ovaries
• Fimbriae: Small structures that surround the opening
• Cilia: Hairlike structures located inside the tubes
  

3. Uterus

The uterus (or womb) is about the size of a pear and is made up of muscular walls. The inside of the uterus is lined with the endometrium that grows and develops each month in preparation for pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, the uterus sheds its lining during menstruation.

If the egg is fertilized by sperm, it will travel to the uterus and may implant into the endometrium, establishing a pregnancy. This is where a fertilized egg grows and develops into an embryo and a fetus.

The uterus grows during pregnancy to accommodate the growing fetus. When it is time for childbirth, the muscular wall of the uterus contracts to push the baby out.

4. Cervix

The cervix is a narrow structure at the lower part of the uterus that opens to the vagina. The cervix produces mucus that stops sperm from entering the uterus when a person is not at the point in their menstrual cycle when they are fertile. This mucus also protects the body from infection by stopping bacteria from entering the uterus.

The cervix can open (dilate) to let out fluids like blood during a period. It also occurs as a person’s body prepares for childbirth.

5. Vagina

The vagina is a muscular tube that goes from the vaginal opening up to the cervix. The vagina is made up of muscle tissue and can expand and contract as needed. The vagina can become wider to allow a tampon or penis to enter it. It can become wide enough to allow a baby to pass through during childbirth.

The vagina’s walls are lined with mucous membranes to keep it moist. During a menstrual period, the blood and tissues from the uterus travel through the vagina to exit the body.

6. Vulva

The vulva, part of the external female reproductive system, is outside the body. The vulva is made up of:

• Vestibule (entrance to the vagina)
• Urethra (where urine exits the body, part of the urinary system)
• Labia (skin flaps or lips that protect the entrance to the vagina)
• Clitoral hood (small tissue that covers and protects the clitoris)

7. Clitoris

The clitoris is a small sensory organ located near the entrance to the vagina. It is highly sensitive and contains thousands of nerve endings. Most of the clitoris is located inside the body, but the clitoral hood and glans are external structures.

The clitoris is involved in sexual stimulation. During arousal, the clitoris becomes swollen and is usually responsible for female orgasms.

Common Conditions That Affect Female Anatomy

People assigned female at birth may experience health conditions that affect their reproductive systems. Common conditions that affect female anatomy may include:

• Endometriosis: Occurs when tissue similar to the endometrium grows outside the uterus. It causes pain, heavy periods, and infertility.
• Uterine fibroids:Noncancerous tumors that cause painful periods, painful sex, and infertility.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Occurs when a person’s ovaries produce too many androgen sex hormones. Symptoms include pelvic pain, acne, body hair growth, and infertility.
• Interstitial cystitis: A condition that causes abdominal pain and frequent urination.
• Pregnancy complications: Health problems during pregnancy can include preeclampsia (sudden rise in blood pressure, swelling, headaches, and protein in urine), high blood pressure (hypertension), ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that implants other than in the uterus), gestational diabetes (high blood sugar), premature birth, and miscarriage.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): May cause damage to the reproductive system.
• Cancer: Types of cancer that affect the female reproductive system include cancers of the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina, and vulva.
  

Summary

The female reproductive system is made up of organs and tissues involved in reproduction. It includes internal structures like the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes and external structures like the vulva.

The female reproductive system is involved in fertility, conception, pregnancy, and childbirth. It produces the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, which affect the reproductive system's functions. These hormones also impact overall health and are needed for bone density, heart health, and a balanced mood.