Reproductive Health and its Importance
Reproductive health is a part of sexual and reproductive health and rights that helps in addressing the well being of a person in relation to reproductive processes, functions and systems at all stages of life. WHO defines health as a collective state of complete well-being, including reproductive health in addition to others like physical, mental and social well-being. This gives us the reproductive health definition.
Why is Reproductive Health Necessary? Reproductive health is important for psychological well-being in addition to its physical necessities. It is very important for safe sexual reproduction that can be defined as the natural way of producing the young ones, where two parental organisms are involved in a course of events. Organisms that undergo sexual reproduction include humans, birds, reptiles, animals, insects as well as plants.
Reproductive Health in Humans
Reproductive health ensures that people can have a satisfying and safe sex life, they are capable of reproducing and have the freedom to make a decision regarding when and how often to perform it. Male reproductive health, as well as, female reproductive health are important aspects of the overall reproductive system as both are equally important to create a new organism.
Sexually transmitted diseases
Reproductive health also deals to prevent themselves from getting any sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STDs or STIs). STDs (or STIs) are diseases that are mainly spread by sexual intercourse and these diseases can be seriously dangerous as a cure to some of them had not been found yet. For example Syphilis, HIV, Gonorrhea, etc.
Birth Control Method
There are various types of birth control methods available to a couple for the prevention of unwanted pregnancies, but these methods can be classified into six types, which are - Natural methods (traditional methods), barrier methods (use of condoms are included in it), Intra-Uterine devices (IUDs), Oral contraceptives, Injectable (also include implants) and finally the Surgical Methods. The couple can use any method whichever they feel suitable, but for some methods, the couple may require a prescription from a doctor.
Importance of Reproductive Health
The importance of reproductive health is for a healthy state of physical and mental conditions in the human body where the proper functioning of reproductive organs takes place. All phases of reproduction can take place safely when reproductive health is well taken care of. And it ultimately results in the formation of new offspring or a whole new organism.
The reproductive organs are one of the most sensitive organs of the human body and proper care of them has to be taken care of them in order to protect oneself from the suffering caused by the various reproductive issues, and also to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to come close. Taking proper reproductive health is needed in order to have a safe and satisfying sexual life. It is also a necessity for having healthy children.
The three components of reproductive health are - family planning, sexual health, and maternal health.
Family planning - Family planning is one of the most important components of reproductive health. As defined by the WHO, family planning is the ability of a couple to anticipate and attain their desired number of offspring with proper spacing and timing between their births. This can be achieved via taking proper precautions and birth control methods. The use of contraceptives and treatment of involuntary infertility is an important part of family planning.
Sexual Health: This component of reproductive health deals with sexual relationships with a positive approach. It does not only deal with the proper use of contraceptives for unwanted pregnancies but also with the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STI).
Maternal health: It mainly refers to taking care of a woman’s health during the period of her pregnancy and to providing her the proper access to all the medical care and assistance that might be needed in cases of emergency.
Underlying Objectives That Should Be Highlighted While Talking About Reproductive Health
It aids in making the youth understand sexual health.
It helps in creating awareness among the crowd that falls under the category of adolescence as this is the phase when hormonal changes in the body take place leading to the development of reproductive interest.
It helps in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections such as AIDS or HIV.
It keeps the mother and the child away from infectious diseases and helps in delivering a healthy baby.
Complete knowledge regarding early pregnancy, problems like infertility or problems to conceive, male sexual problems, birth control methods, pregnancy, and post-childbirth care of the mother and baby can be achieved and taken care of.
Adolescents can follow safe sexual practices and not get involved in wrong methods and illegal practices.
Reproductive Health in Different Sexes
One of the most fragile systems in the human body is the reproductive system. A safe, controlled, and nurtured approach towards it will take care of our overall health for a longer time.
Male Reproductive Health
Men’s reproductive system includes the penis, testes, scrotum, epididymis, prostate, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles. A clean and hygienic personality should be maintained for a healthy male reproductive system. Also, safe sex methods should be adopted. This avoids sexually transmitted infections or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like itchy genitals or anus. Blisters and sores can also be formed around the genitals or anus as symptoms of STIs or sexually transmitted diseases. Also, regular health checkups should be followed regularly in case of any problem suspected or even normally as a part of the whole body checkup once in a year.
Female Reproductive Health
The reproductive system of females consists of the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina, vulva, mammary glands, and breasts. All of these organs play important roles in the production and transportation of gametes and also the production of sex hormones. There are different life stages associated with sexual lives and reproductive health issues that include fertility, menstruation, contraception, sexually transmissible infections, menopause, and chronic health problems like PCOS or PCOD.
Taking care of reproductive systems in the female body requires attention to one’s health and regular checkups. Early diagnosis and preventive measures and care can transform conditions and help in early recovery and healing. A variety of problems associated with female reproductive health are uterine fibroids, HIV/AIDS, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, STDs, gynecologic cancer, and endometriosis.
Methods to Keep a Healthy Reproductive System
Eating a balanced diet with fibre-rich and low in fat foods.
Drinking plenty of water as water helps in flushing out the body toxins.
Getting regular exercise will help all the reproductive cells function well.
Maintaining a healthy weight to not put stress on reproductive organs.
Getting enough sleep to ensure a healthy body and mind that contributes to the well-being of the reproductive system.
Avoiding tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs is equally important.
Managing stress in a healthy manner with various activities like meditation and yoga.
Regular consultation with healthcare providers to discuss one’s issues and get a proper diagnosis and treatment on time.
Must-Follow Practices for Reproductive Health
Counseling and Education to children on sexuality and sexual health at the right age.
Adolescent and Youth health care.
Prevention of sexual violence against women and children.
Treatment of infertility and sexual dysfunction.
Conclusion
This is all about the reproductive system of human beings and its various aspects. It should be an important topic of discussion among young adults to promote good health and a good lifestyle in this aspect.
FAQs on Why is Reproductive Health Necessary
1. What is reproductive health according to the World Health Organization (WHO)?
According to the WHO, reproductive health means a total well-being in all aspects of reproduction, i.e., physical, emotional, behavioural, and social. It does not simply mean the absence of disease or infirmity. It implies that people have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to do so.
2. Why is awareness of reproductive health necessary, especially for adolescents?
Awareness is crucial for adolescents as this is the age of significant physical and hormonal changes. Proper knowledge helps them:
- Understand their bodies and the changes they are undergoing.
- Make informed decisions and follow safe sexual practices.
- Protect themselves from myths, misconceptions, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- Build a foundation for responsible adult life and a healthy future society.
3. What are the major goals of the 'Reproductive and Child Health Care (RCH)' programmes in India?
The RCH programmes aim to create a reproductively healthy society by focusing on several key objectives. The major goals include:
- Creating awareness about various reproduction-related aspects like contraception and STDs.
- Providing facilities and support for building up a reproductively healthy society.
- Reducing infant and maternal mortality rates.
- Promoting smaller family norms and providing access to a wide range of contraceptive options.
4. How does reproductive health contribute to building a healthy society?
A reproductively healthy population is the foundation of a healthy society. It leads to better family planning, which helps manage population growth. It also results in healthier children and mothers, reducing the overall disease burden on the nation. Socially, it promotes gender equality and empowers individuals to make responsible choices, leading to a more stable and progressive society.
5. What are some common Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), and what is the most effective way to prevent them?
Common STDs include Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Genital Herpes, Chlamydiasis, and the most dangerous, HIV/AIDS. While some are treatable if detected early, others are not. The most effective prevention strategy is to avoid unprotected sexual contact. Using condoms correctly and consistently during intercourse is a key preventive measure. It is also vital to avoid sharing needles and to ensure the use of sterilised medical equipment.
6. What is the difference between natural and artificial methods of contraception? Provide examples.
The key difference lies in their mechanism.
- Natural methods work on the principle of avoiding chances of ovum and sperm meeting. They have no side effects but have higher failure rates. Examples include periodic abstinence (avoiding coitus during the fertile period) and coitus interruptus (withdrawal).
- Artificial methods use physical barriers, chemicals, or hormonal interventions to prevent pregnancy. Examples include barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms), Intra-Uterine Devices (IUDs), and oral contraceptive pills.
7. Why is Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) strictly regulated by law?
Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP), or induced abortion, is strictly regulated primarily to prevent its misuse, such as female foeticide, which has a devastating impact on the sex ratio. The legal framework ensures that MTPs are performed only for valid reasons, such as to prevent harm to the mother's life, in cases of rape, or if the foetus has severe abnormalities. Regulation also ensures the procedure is performed by qualified medical professionals under safe conditions, protecting the woman's health.
8. What are Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), and how do they help couples with infertility?
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) are special techniques used to help infertile couples conceive a child. Infertility is the inability to conceive despite unprotected sexual cohabitation. ARTs handle either eggs or sperm outside the body. Common examples include:
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): Fertilisation occurs outside the body in a lab, followed by embryo transfer (ET).
- Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT): A zygote is transferred into the fallopian tube.
- Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT): An egg and sperm are transferred into the fallopian tube to facilitate fertilisation inside the body.
9. Why are STDs like HIV/AIDS considered a major public health concern for a society?
STDs, particularly incurable ones like HIV/AIDS, are a major public health concern because their impact extends far beyond the individual. They pose a threat to the demographic structure of a society by affecting the most productive age group (15-44 years). This leads to significant economic loss, increases the burden on the healthcare system, and creates social challenges like stigma and orphans. Preventing STDs is therefore critical for societal well-being and stability.
10. What are some simple yet effective practices for maintaining good reproductive hygiene for both males and females?
Maintaining good reproductive hygiene is crucial for preventing infections. Simple practices include:
- Daily cleaning of the external genitalia with water.
- Keeping the genital area dry to prevent fungal growth.
- Wearing clean, cotton undergarments.
- For females, maintaining special hygiene during menstruation, like changing sanitary pads or tampons regularly.
- Practicing safe sex to avoid STDs.
