A To Z of Health – “R” is for Right Guide to Reproductive Health

Good sexual and reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in all matters related to the reproductive system. Reproductive health refers to the condition of male and female reproductive systems during all life stages. The reproductive system (in both male and female) is made of organs and hormone-producing glands, including the pituitary gland in the brain. Ovaries in females and testicles in males are reproductive organs, also called as gonads. They maintain the health of their respective systems and also function as glands because they produce and release hormones.

In the case of females, there are different life stages that are associated with different sexual and reproductive health issues, including menstruation/menarche, fertility, cervical screening, contraception, pregnancy, sexually transmissible infections, chronic health problems (such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome) and menopause.

Regular care and preventive measures make sure you stay clean and healthy always. Ways to maintain reproductive health:

• Choose the birth control method wisely: Talk to your doctor about the kind of birth control you want. Birth control pills, while most widely available, might also cause side effects like mood swings, weight gain. Other options could be Intra-Uterine Devices (IUDs).
• Wash your intimate body parts regularly with plain water: Soap has a pH factor of 5.5 which is the same as your skin. However, for females, vaginal skin is very delicate and therefore it is essential to maintain the pH balance to avoid dryness, soreness, and irritation of the vagina and using soap or gels should be avoided.
  Involve in safe intercourse: Use protection before getting intimate. Talk to your partner about what he/she is comfortable with. This can help you avoid many STIs like warts.
• In the case of females, keep a track of the monthly cycle: Tracking your ovulation dates can be helpful and will help you understand your body better. It will help you know the relation between your mood swings and elevated hormone levels.
• Wear clean clothing: Keeping your innerwear dry and hygienic also plays a huge role. Keep a habit of cleaning them regularly. Avoid tight-fitting clothes as they restrict air circulation and cause the genital area to get compressed or creased in an unnatural way.
• Drink enough water: Being hydrated is key to maintaining a happy healthy reproductive system. In the case of females, vaginal dryness can be caused which in turn leads to discomfort during intercourse or increased risk of bacterial infections.

Over to you

Reproductive health is crucial in both but female reproductive health is more critical as preventing unplanned and high-risk pregnancies and providing care in pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period can save women’s lives. Sexual and reproductive health care also relates to preventing and treating sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS

It implies that people are able to have the capability to reproduce, engage in satisfying and safe intercourse and the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to do so.