Human reproductive system — Introduction to Reproduction + 6 more topics

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Your menstrual cycle isn't just "your period"; it's a continuous process with distinct stages, each influenced by specific hormones. The average cycle is about 28 days but can range from 21 to 35 days.

When we talk about sexual characteristics, we're looking at two main types:

• Primary Sexual Characteristics: These are the reproductive organs you're born with, like the penis and testes in males, and the vagina, uterus, and ovaries in females. They're essential for reproduction.
• Secondary Sexual Characteristics: These develop during puberty and aren't directly involved in reproduction but distinguish males from females. Think of things like body hair distribution, voice changes, breast development, and body shape.

Human sexual reproduction involves the union of a sperm and an egg. This can only happen during a specific time each menstrual cycle, known as the fertile period or fertile window. This window isn't just about the day an egg is released; it also includes the lifespan of sperm within your body.

The male reproductive system can be broadly divided into external and internal structures, each with specific roles in reproduction and hormone production.

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