Reproductive Health

Reproduction is the biological mechanism by which living organisms produce their offspring. Reproductions are of two types – 

• Sexual reproduction is a natural manner of producing children in which two people are involved, and a series of events occur in this mode of reproduction. 
• Asexual reproduction is a method of creating children from a single parent that does not require the fusion of gametes.

The condition of physical, mental, and total well-being and the proper operation of reproductive organs in all stages of reproduction is referred to as reproductive health.

The following are the primary goals of reproductive health awareness:

• It educates youth regarding sexual and reproductive health.
• It aids in creating awareness among teenagers about healthy sexual activities.
• It aids in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV/AIDS.
• It guards both the mother and the kid from infections. 
• It covers everything from early pregnancy to infertility, birth control options, pregnancy, and postpartum care for the baby and the mother.

What is Reproductive Health and Adolescence?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines reproductive health as complete well-being in all reproduction areas, including behavioural, emotional, physical, and social well-being. Maintaining reproductive health is necessary for a healthy community or population. Adolescence is a period of development and sexual maturation.

Maintaining reproductive health during adolescence may be accomplished in a variety of ways, including:

Dietary Balance

A well-balanced diet is essential for people of all ages. Adolescents need a well-balanced diet because their growth is dependent on what they eat. Proteins, lipids, carbs, vitamins, and minerals are present in sufficient amounts in a well-balanced diet. However, fast food, junk food, and other bakery items have become extremely popular among teenagers in recent years. 

Personal Hygiene 

Personal Hygiene encompasses cleanliness, physical activity, adequate rest, sleep, and more. Many pubertal changes occur during adolescence, which marks the beginning of puberty. Sweat glands are more prominent during this period, resulting in increased sweating; hair growth in the pubic areas and armpits also occurs. Especially during menstruation, girls must maintain themselves clean. 

Pregnancy among Adolescents

Teenage pregnancy is related to several adverse effects in health, education, social and economic repercussions. More comprehensive development initiatives that improve educational and career prospects for girls may have an impact on their ability to make decisions about whether to have or not to have children. Many factors contribute to the high rates of unwanted pregnancy and unplanned births among teenagers; for example, poor awareness of sexual and reproductive health services, the stigma associated with premarital sex, and decreased decision-making autonomy among married adolescents are all variables that contribute to unintended pregnancy and unplanned births among adolescents.

Do not consume drugs

As we all know, hormonal swings are intense during puberty, which significantly impacts our emotional and intellectual development and occasionally leads to bad decision-making. In addition, adolescents are more susceptible to harmful habits such as drinking, smoking, and using drugs at this time. It is quite difficult for individuals to recover from these habits once they have grown hooked to them. These medicines also impact reproductive health, cause delayed puberty, and have physical and social ramifications. 

Women’s Reproductive Health

The reproductive system of a woman is a delicate and complicated body system. It is crucial to protect it from infection and injuries and prevent complications, including long-term health issues. Safeguarding your reproductive system also entails maintaining control over your health if and when you conceive. 

It is essential to prioritise women’s health and reproductive health, with research concentrating on the following topics:

Contraception/Birth control method

There are several safe and effective birth control options to prevent unexpected pregnancy. Intrauterine contraception, hormonal & barrier techniques, and long-term birth control are among them. Using efficient birth control techniques can drastically minimise your chances of becoming pregnant unintentionally.

Depression

Depression is a common occurrence. Trying to conceive, becoming pregnant, or giving birth to a child can all raise the chance of depression. However, many women are unaware that depression can occur in conjunction with other tragedies, such as losing a baby or difficulty conceiving. Counselling and other treatments are available to assist you in feeling better.

Hysterectomy

The surgical resection of a woman’s uterus is known as a hysterectomy. When a woman gets pregnant, the uterus is where the baby grows. The cervix, ovaries, & fallopian tubes are sometimes removed as well. 

Infertility

Women who can conceive but cannot maintain their pregnancy are deemed infertile. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is dedicated to preventing infertility and alleviating its impact on women and families. 

Menopause

When a woman’s period ends, she goes through menopause, a natural part of her life. When a woman has gone 12 months without having a period, she has entered menopause. It is most common between the ages of 45 and 55. When a woman’s ovary stops releasing estrogen and progesterone, she enters menopause.

Reproductive Health Issues

The following are some of the most typical reproductive health issues that women face:

Problems with conception and contraception include:

• A pregnancy that was unintended or unwelcome
• Fertility problems or infertility
• Contraceptive side effects

Puberty-related issues include:

• Early in the morning.
• Pupil maturation is postponed.

Menstrual problems:

• Irregular menstrual periods
• Menstrual periods can be short or long.
• Menstrual bleeding is weighty.
• Bleeding in the intervals between periods

 Menopause at a young age

• Obstacles to Pregnancy
• Hypertension caused during pregnancy
• Diabetes mellitus during pregnancy

Issues relating to lactation 

• Insufficient milk supply
• Milk ducts that are clogged
• Nipples that are sore or cracked

Most prevalent male reproductive health issues include:

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that affects men. 

• The sperm count is low.
• sperm structure or mobility issues 
• Infections spread through sexual contacts, such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 

Cancers:

• Testicular
• Penile

Puberty-related problem

• Pupil maturation is postponed.
• Hormonal abnormalities that alter circulating sex hormone levels 

Conclusion:

It is critical to look after your reproductive health to have a fulfilling and safe sexual life. It also allows people to choose how and when to reproduce or have a child.

Addressing reproductive health concerns helps to guarantee that everyone has access to sexually transmitted infection prevention and treatment, birth control options, fertility management, & authentic and accurate information about reproductive health.