Ovaries, Fallopian tubes and eggs
A woman has ovaries and fallopian tubes on either side of her uterus. Eggs (ova) are produced in the ovaries. Each month one of these eggs travels along a fallopian tube to your uterus.
Ovaries
The ovaries are located on either side of the uterus. They produce eggs and hormones (oestrogen and progesterone).
Egg
An egg is about the size of a pinhead. The ovaries hold around 250,000 eggs between them, and once a month they release an egg. That is called ovulation.
Fertilization
Every month the ovary releases a mature egg into the fallopian tube. If there is a sperm in it, fertilization may take place and you become pregnant. The fertilized egg then moves along the fallopian tube to the uterus. If fertilization doesn’t occur within 48 hours, the egg dies.
Fallopian tubes
The fallopian tubes are the tubes on either side of the uterus. These two fine tubes, also called oviducts, connect the ovaries to the uterus.
Puberty
Breasts
You develop breasts during puberty. This could start in a girl of 8, but also in a girl of 14. Age varies for all girls.
Vulva
The vagina
Menstruation
During puberty, a girl has her first period. For about 5 days, some blood, mixed with mucus, flows from your vagina. You can use tampons, sanitary pads or cups to soak up the blood and mucus.