12 Key facts to start talking about sexuality

Have you ever wondered if men should be informed about menstruation? At Luna Roja, we believe in breaking taboos and talking openly about sexual education. Here we present important data to start a conversation about reproduction and female sexual health.

Starting the dialogue on reproduction and sexual health

1. The reproductive system is important to keep a species alive, but it is not necessary to keep a particular individual alive.
2. In the case of humans, we have two types of sex cells called gametes: sperm and eggs. When these come together, a new being is born in the form of a zygote which then develops into a fetus. Both male and female parts are important in reproduction.
3. Genes are responsible for transmitting characteristics from parents to children.
4. The external part of the female reproductive system is: the vulva, which is located between the legs of human females. The vulva covers the entrance to the vagina and other internal organs. The mons pubis is just above the top of the vagina and the labia are the folds of skin that surround the entrance. The clitoris, a small sensory organ at the front of the vulva. Between the lips we find the urethra (for urinating) and the vagina.
5. When we reach sexual maturity, pubic hair covers the outer lips and mons pubis.
6. The internal part of the female reproductive system is: the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. The vagina is a hollow muscular tube that connects the vaginal opening to the uterus.
7. The uterus is like an inverted pear with a thick lining and very strong muscular walls that can expand and contract to accommodate the fetus and assist in childbirth.
8. The entrance to the vagina is covered by the hymen, a thin piece of skin-like tissue that can stretch or tear after first sexual intercourse (it may or may not cause pain). It is believed that its function is to protect the vagina from dirt and bacteria that cause vaginal infections.
9. Most think that only men have gonads, but in reality both sexes do. In women, the gonads are the ovaries, which produce female gametes (eggs). While men have male gonads that produce male gametes (sperm).
10. During puberty, the pituitary gland (located in the center of the brain) begins to produce hormones that stimulate your ovaries to produce female sex hormones, including estrogen. The production of these hormones causes a girl to develop into a sexually mature woman.
11. At the end of puberty, you begin to release ovaries as part of your menstrual period. About once a month, during ovulation, an ovary sends a small ovaluria into one of the fallopian tubes. If the ovary is not fertilized by a sperm while it is in the fallopian tube, it will dry out and be eliminated from your body about two weeks later through the uterus. This is what we call "menstruation." Blood and tissues from the inner lining of the uterus combine to form menstrual flow, which in most girls lasts 3 to 5 days. The first period is called menarche.
12. After menarche, which is the first menstrual period, it can take two years for a woman's body to develop regular menstrual cycles. During this adjustment period, your body is responding to the hormones that arise during puberty. On average, an adult woman's menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but it can vary between 23 and 35 days.

These data are just the beginning of a necessary dialogue about sexuality and reproduction. Talking and analyzing these topics is essential for a more informed perspective and prepared for adult life.

These articles may also interest you:

• 4 important reasons to talk to boys about menstruation
• Why does women's mood change during menstruation?
• How do you know when the first day of your period is? How do I know if my menstrual cycle is normal?

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