Who does it affect?

The Female Reproductive Organs

Vagina - This is known as the ‘birth canal’, is between 3 – 4 inches long. The cervix is at the top end, the opening of the vagina in the perineal area is at the lower end.

Cervix – The cervix protrudes into the vagina and is the lower position of the uterus. It is barrel shaped and narrow

Uterus - (known as the womb). It is a hollow muscular organ which is pear-shaped, about 9 inches long. The lining (known as the endometrium) is subjected to monthly hormonal influences. If pregnancy does not occur, this lining is shed as the monthly period. This is known as menstruation

Fallopian tubes – these are hollow and muscular, and extend out on each side of the uterus.The ends of the tubes end in fimbriae, or finger- like processes, which touch on the ovary.The purpose of the fallopian tubes is to transport eggs.

Ovaries – there is one on each side of the uterus. They are about 4 inches in length and produce eggs and hormones. One egg (on average) matures each month during a woman’s reproductive life, and travels down the fallopian tubes to the uterus. During this journey the egg may be fertilised and will then implant in the endometrium of the womb.