Table of Contents
Introduction
According to the WHO-World Health Organization, reproductive health can be defined as the relative well-being and function of the reproductive organs at all stages of reproduction. This includes the state of complete mental, physical and social well-being.
There are many programs aimed at maintaining reproductive health. These programs include small commercials and a number of entertainment programs broadcast on television to promote safe sex practices and awareness of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). All of these efforts by government and non-governmental organizations are aimed at achieving a healthy reproductive society.
The definition of reproductive health prioritized by Public Health England is “a state of physical, mental and social well-being in all matters pertaining to the reproductive system”. The essence of reproductive and sexual health includes freedom and the ability to procreate when one decides and how without having to maintain a “satisfactory and safe sexual life”.
Let’s understand more about reproductive health followed by its problems and strategies.
Components of Reproductive Health
Reproductive health defines the following components –
- Family Planning: The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined family planning as “the ability of individuals and couples to anticipate and achieve the desired number of children and the time and place of their birth. It is obtained through the use of contraceptive methods and automatic contraception ”. Pregnancy and childbirth are among the most common aspects of family planning. Successful pregnancies between the ages of 25 and 34 have become a major problem these days.
- Sexual Health: The use of contraception is not only a key factor in preventing unwanted pregnancies but also in preventing sexually transmitted infections. Sexually transmitted diseases are major risk factors for reproductive health in both men and women. Although HIV is very difficult to treat, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia can be prevented and easily treated.
- Maternal Health: Women should get medical help during pregnancy and the postpartum and postnatal stages. Apart from these key components, various factors such as the menstrual cycle, healthy relationships and choice, and safety are important pillars of reproductive health.
The Health Cycle in Reproductive Health
In deciding what a reproductive life is, it is important to consider the course of the life cycle.
The different stages of the reproductive life cycle are:
- Infancy and Childhood (0 – 9 years)
The different components of reproductive health in childhood and adolescence are – sexual orientation (leading to infanticide), female genital mutilation, discriminatory nutrition, and health care.
- Adolescence (10 – 19 years)
Concerns about reproductive health during adolescence are – physical changes, early marriage and childbirth, abortion, sexually transmitted diseases (AIDS / sexually transmitted diseases), anemia, sexual orientation, abuse or violence, and sexual discrimination.
- Reproduction Period (15 – 45+ years)
The problems are – forced marriage, unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, infertility, malnutrition, pregnancy problems, child-rearing, violence, and abuse, among others.
- Post Reproductive Period (45+ years onwards)
In the postpartum period, there are other physical illnesses that may arise outside of reproductive health. These include cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis/osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction, diabetes, infertility, menopause, etc.
The Importance of Reproductive Health
The reproductive system is probably the weakest link in the human body. An unhealthy lifestyle over the years can cause damage to overall health, other than sexual and reproductive health. The biggest problem that arises is fertility.
Prenatal care and reproductive health are intertwined. Reproduction and associated health concerns are best managed by having safer sex, preventing unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Measures Taken for the Awareness of Reproductive Health
Now that you know how important it is to maintain a healthy reproductive system, here is a list of steps taken by various governments to spread awareness of reproductive health awareness as follows –
- In India, family planning programs have been in operation since 1951 to spread awareness about family planning. Child and Child Care (RCH) programs were an improved form of previous family planning programs.
- In schools, providing sex education to a student at an early age can be helpful in preventing them from examining their genitals and injuring themselves.
- Couples should be educated on the various methods of contraception and care that should be taken during pregnancy.
- Implementation of programs to provide a variety of medical facilities and medical assistance to address various birth-related problems such as pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, contraception, and menstrual problems.
Also read: Male and Female Reproductive Systems
FAQs
What is reproductive health?
Mental, physical, and human well-being in relation to reproductive system issues, processes, and activities include reproductive health. Behind the eyes, the genitals are the second most important organ in the human body, so the maintenance of their health should be taken seriously. Reproductive organs or systems provide the ability to reproduce on an individual basis. Fertility can be considered a condition in which a person can have a safe and satisfying sexual life and have the ability to reproduce.
What are STIs?
Diseases such as gonorrhea, HIV that are only sexually transmitted are called sexually transmitted diseases. Many of these sexually transmitted diseases cannot be cured by even the most advanced doctors, as modern medical science cannot find a cure for these diseases. Therefore, prevention is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases. Another easy way to prevent such infections is to avoid having too many sexual partners and using contraceptives such as using condoms.
Q. What are the key components of reproductive health?
Ans: The most important parts of reproductive health are – family planning, sexual health, and maternal health.
Family planning is the couple’s ability to find the desired number of offspring (Children) and to have a time gap between the birth of each child. Pregnancy and childbirth are important factors in family planning.
Sexual health includes the use of contraceptives to prevent unwanted urgency and to prevent sexually transmitted infections. Maternal health includes access to appropriate health facilities for a woman during pregnancy.
