Need for Awareness of Reproductive Health

According to the WHO, reproductive health means complete well-being in all aspects of reproduction, namely physical, emotional, moral, and social. It also means protection from sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS, measles, etc.

Sexually transmitted diseases are passed on to another person through unprotected sexual intercourse. Unprotected sexual intercourse can lead to unwanted pregnancies, besides serious diseases. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness, especially among young people, about the various aspects of reproduction. Young people are the country’s future and are at high risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. 

Awareness of existing methods of contraception, STIs and their contraceptive measures, and gender equality will help grow a healthy and caring family. Spreading awareness about uncontrolled population growth and social ills among young people will help build a healthy reproductive society.

Factors Required for Improved Reproductive Health:

1. Awareness of sex-related issues.
2. Better prenatal care to decrease infant mortality rates.
3. Increase in nuclear families
4. Curing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
5. Increase in medical facilities for sex-related problems

Measures for Awareness of Reproductive Health:

1. Family planning programs were started in India in 1951 and were tested periodically over the past few decades. These programs were developed and incorporated fertility-related areas under the popular name Reproductive and Child Healthcare programs (RCH). It was founded in 1997.

2. The main functions of the RCH system are:

(a) To raise awareness about reproductive health issues.

(b) To provide services and support to build a reproductive health society.

Government and non-government institutions have taken various important steps to raise awareness about reproductive health issues.

3. In schools, introducing sex education is a good way to provide accurate information to young people so that they do not believe in myths and misconceptions about sexual issues. Adolescents should be informed about reproductive health, adolescence and related changes, safe and hygienic habits, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), AIDS, etc.

4. Married couples or those of marriageable age should be educated on available contraceptive methods, maternal care, postnatal care for mothers and children, the importance of breastfeeding, equal opportunities for men and women, etc. This will lead to the formation of healthy families that make the community aware of their desired size.

Increase in Population:

The massive increase in the size and rate of population growth is called population explosion. It is happening because of the proliferation of health facilities and better living conditions.

The reasons for the increase are:

(a) Reduce the mortality rate.

(b) Decreased maternal mortality rate.

(c) Decreased infant mortality rates.

(d) Increase in the number of people of reproductive age.

Steps to Decrease Population Growth:

1. Increase in the marriage age of males and females.
2. Incentives should be given to couples with small families.
3. Control of birth in small families to use the contraceptive methods to control the population growth.

Different Contraceptive Methods to Control the Population Growth:

The contraceptive methods which are used for the control of birth are readily available, friendly, effective, have no side effects, are reversible, and do not interfere with sexual desires. These contraceptive methods are:

1.Natural method:

The natural methods for birth control can be achieved by:

a)Lactational amenorrhea – Lactational amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstruation during breastfeeding after delivery. Because ovulation does not occur during this period, there is no chance of pregnancy. This method is reliable for a maximum of six months after delivery.
b)Periodic abstinence – Self-control in times when couples avoid coitus from day 10-17 of the menstrual cycle. During this time, ovulation is expected, and pregnancy rates are very high. It is also called natural rhythm or family planning.
c)Coitus interruptus – Coitus interruptus is also called ‘forbidden sex’ or ‘withdrawal’. In this way, the penis is pulled out into the vagina just before ejaculation.

Barrier method:

This method is based on the prevention of ovum and sperm contact. These may be mechanical or chemical.

a)Condoms – Condoms are the mechanical barriers. These are made up of thin latex sheath to cover the penis in men or vagina and cervix in women that prevent sperm and ova contact. Condoms also protect against sexually transmitted infections. They can be self-installed and thus provide privacy to the user.

b)Spermicidal creams, gels, and lathers are chemical barriers, commonly used with these barriers to increase their effectiveness in contraception.

c)Cervical caps, Diaphragms, and vaults are also included in mechanical barriers, rubber implants that are inserted into a woman’s reproductive tract to cover the cervix during menopause. These can be reused.

3.Oral Contraceptives:

a)These are small doses of pills with progesterone or progesterone – oestrogen mixtures.

b)These pills alter ovulation.

c)These have to be taken every day for 21 days before the first five days of the menstrual cycle.

4.Surgical contraceptives:

These help block the gametes transport and prevent pregnancy. These are of two types:

a)Vasectomy – It is for male sterilisation. Vas deferens is removed in a small portion.

b)Tubectomy – This is for females. The fallopian tube is tied up through an incision in the vagina, or a small part of it is removed.

5.Medical termination of pregnancy:

This is also known as induced abortion which is intentional. It is also called voluntary termination of pregnancy before its full term.

Conclusion:

These techniques require very high precision management with specialised and expensive tools. Therefore, their benefits are limited to certain countries and individuals. Emotional, social, and religious factors also hinder the adoption of these methods.

However, awareness must be created regarding reproductive health so that the future generation can be spared from the various problems faced by the current growing population and which are only expected to worsen if left unchecked.