According to the World Health Organization, reproductive health is defined as the ability to engage in a mutually satisfying and responsible sexual relationship. It also means being able to decide how often and when to do so. Reproductive health also includes unrestricted access to acceptable, affordable and safe reproductive health care options and information.
Significance
The World Health Organization reports that the fifth goal of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals is to both reduce the maternal mortality ratio and achieve universal reproductive health access by 2015. Universal reproductive health access involves providing poor families (particularly those in developing countries) with family planning resources, contraceptives and education about sexually transmitted diseases.
Risk Factors
According to the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), the most significant risk factor that affects a woman's fertility level is her maternal age. A woman's ovaries lose their ability to create healthy and normal eggs as she gets older, which can cause abnormalities in or unsuccessful childbirths. UCSF reports that environmental toxins from polluted areas can have significant effects on the quality of a man's sperm cells. Reproductive health can also be negatively affected by unprotected sexual activity, smoking, having many sexual partners and drug use.
Types
Types of reproductive health problems include infections (such as yeast infections), cervical, breast and prostate cancers, sexually transmitted diseases and dystocia (trouble giving birth). According to UCSF, infertility is a common reproductive health issue for women over the age of 35. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is another reproductive health problem that affects women prior to menstruation. According to FamilyDoctor.org, some common PMS symptoms include acne, crying spells, weight gain, trouble concentrating and back pain.
Effects
Having reproductive health problems can hinder your ability to enjoy a sexual relationship. Reproductive health problems can also affect a woman's ability to bear children. The effects of problems in the reproductive area of life can go beyond physical pain and can cause embarrassment and psychological distress.
Prevention/Solution
Having good reproductive health depends on your overall health. If you want to enjoy reproductive health, therefore, UCSF recommends that you stop smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. You should also maintain a body weight that is healthy for your height by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Use condoms and/or birth control pills if you and your partner do not wish to have a child. It is a good idea for you and your partner to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases, especially if either or both of you have been sexually active with more than one partner. You should also visit your doctor regularly to check on your reproductive health. Women should visit a gynecologist regularly to be checked for cervical and breast cancers.
Member Comments