The female reproductive system consists of two ovaries, two fallopian tubes, the uterus, and the vagina. Either the left or right ovary normally produces an egg (ovulation) about 11 to 17 days before the woman's next menstrual period, or approximately once a month. The egg is released from the ovary into a fallopian tube and swept into the uterus by tiny hairlike cells (cilia) and muscle action.