Responsible Parent? Think Again

RH Care

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Reproductive health refers to the diseases, disorders and conditions that affect the functioning of the male and female reproductive systems during all stages of life. Disorders of reproduction include birth defects, developmental disorders, low birth weight, preterm birth, reduced fertility, impotence, and menstrual disorders. Research has shown that exposure to environmental pollutants may pose the greatest threat to reproductive health. Exposure to lead is associated with reduced fertility in both men and women, while mercury exposure has been linked to birth defects and neurological disorders. A growing body of evidence suggests that exposure to endocrine disruptors, chemicals that appear to disrupt hormonal activity in humans and animals, may contribute to problems with fertility, pregnancy, and other aspects of reproduction.

Women’s Reproductive Health

A woman's reproductive system is a delicate and complex system in the body. It is important to take steps to protect it from infections and injury, and prevent problems—including some long-term health problems. Taking care of yourself and making healthy choices can help protect you and your loved ones. Protecting your reproductive system also means having control of your health, if and when, you   become pregnant.

Preconception health refers to the health of women and men during their reproductive years, which are the years they can have a child. It focuses on taking steps now to protect the health of a baby they might have sometime in the future, and staying healthy throughout life.

Common issues in female reproductive health include:

• Contraception (birth control)
• Depression
• Hysterectomy
• Infertility
• Menopause

Men's Reproductive Health

Reproductive health is an important component of men's overall health and well-being. Too often, males have been overlooked in discussions of reproductive health, especially when reproductive issues such as contraception and infertility have been perceived as female-related. Every day, men, their partners, and health care providers can protect their reproductive health by ensuring effective contraception, avoiding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and preserving fertility.

Common issues in male reproductive health include:

• Contraception
• Avoiding sexually transmitted diseases
• Infertility/fertility 

Keep your Reproductive System Healthy

What can you do to keep your reproductive system healthy? You can start by making the right choices for overall good health. To be as healthy as you can be, you should:

• Drink plenty of water.

• Keep a healthy diet and exercise.

Having a healthy diet and good eating habits will benefit almost every part of your body and it is the root of several health issues. Make sure you’re getting the right vitamins, minerals and nutrients for a healthy body. Eating well will prevent an overgrowth of bad bacteria. Overall, try to stay away from sugar and too many carbs. Changes in your diet can also change your reproductive health. Avoid smoking and drinking if you can as well. Practice healthy exercise on a regular basis.

• Practice safe sex.

Keeping yourself protected from sexually transmitted diseases will really benefit your reproductive health in the long and short term. Several sexually transmitted diseases do not have a cure, so it is best to avoid that trouble all together.

• Avoid harsh soaps and detergents.

Harsh soap and detergents can really mess with your pH balance, which can cause several problems down the road. Be cautious of perfumes as well. Try to use soaps and detergents that are free of dyes and perfumes.

• See your gynecologist regularly.

If you notice anything out of the ordinary or if you notice an infection, see your gynecologist right away for treatment. You want to resolve the issue as soon as possible before additional issues arise. You should be tested regularly for any other issues and these tests can help prevent issues as well.

Keep your reproductive health in good shape by following the tips above. 

The importance of family planning within reproductive health

Family planning offers many benefits, including empowering women to choose how many children they have, better health and survival of mothers and children, a reduction in poverty, and a better educated population.

In this step Professor John Cleland discusses these benefits in greater detail and demonstrates the importance of family planning within the context of reproductive health.

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MACUSI, Daniel Julius

NAVALTA, Adrian Roel

AGOOT, Alexis John

MENDOZA, Manuela Leigh P.

12- Chadwick