Reproductive Health

Reproductive health education is the emphasis in various educational institutes today, due to the rapid increase in incidence of various genital infections and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). Being sexually inactive does not automatically make a person immune to genital infections. Although a sexually inactive person cannot normally contract STD (except through using an infected needle etc.), he/she is still vulnerable to fungal and bacterial infections. Puberty generally causes hormonal upheavals that manifest themselves through acne and breakouts. This hormonal imbalance also makes young women susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections.

Bacterial Vaginosis is by far the most common infection in adolescents and is caused by the imbalance of naturally occurring bacteria. If it is not treated, Bacterial Vaginosis increases a woman’s risk of contracting other STDs. Ignoring an infection can result in serious health issues including infertility. As teenagers and young adults are often misguided by their peers, accurate adolescent reproductive health information is essential. Adolescent reproductive health and women's reproductive health are therefore extremely important issues that cannot be neglected.

Female reproductive health has always been more prominent within the reproductive health community, as women are more susceptible to genital infections as compared to men. In addition to this, women also need to be educated on reproductive health when trying to conceive. Preconception Care and Prenatal Care is vital to both the mother as well as her baby. Reproductive health is the foundation of intimate relationships, healthy children and happy families. The last few years have seen a rise in the number of women reproductive health care centers. These centers help to prevent the incidence of maternal death during labor, unintended pregnancies, STDs and a host of related conditions.

Contraception and the use of safe and approved contraceptives is another extremely important aspect of reproductive health, for both men and women. Recent reproductive health research has found that most couples prefer using condoms and so knowledge of proper condom usage and even storage is essential. In addition however, couples should also be aware of the other options available to them. There are several types of birth control pills readily available, and it is important for a woman to know the pros and cons of a prescription drug before making a choice.

In many countries same-sex relationships are frowned upon and as a result of this stigma, many homosexual and lesbian adolescents feel awkward to seek answers to their queries. Reproductive health education programmes that cater specifically to such individuals are becoming a lot more common.

Submitted on January 16, 2014