4 Reproduction
4.4 Reproductive Health
Reproductive Health
Dr V Malathi
Reproductive health encompasses all aspects of an individual’s physical, mental, and social well-being, rather than just the lack of illness or disability, with regard to the reproductive system and all of its operations. Reproductive health suggests that individuals can have fulfilling and safe sexual relationships, reproduce, and have the autonomy to choose if, when, and how frequently to do so (as defined by WHO).
Reproductive health entails the healthy operation of hormone-producing glands and reproductive organs, such as the testicles in men and the ovaries in women
Reproductive health by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Pix4free
Female Reproductive Health:
This Includes conditions like menstrual health, pregnancy, and menopause.
Menstrual health
Menstrual health is refers to a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to the menstrual cycle. It includes access to information, education, and products, as well as the ability to participate in all aspects of life.
Numerous factors can impact menstrual health, such as:
- Lack of resources : Access to menstruation products and facilities may be restricted by poverty.
- Taboos in culture : Menstruation goods and facilities may be difficult for some people to access due to cultural taboos.
- Absence of essential services :Access to menstruation goods and facilities may be restricted by the absence of basic amenities like sanitary products and bathrooms.
According to the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme 2012, menstrual hygiene management is defined as:
“Women and adolescent girls are using a clean menstrual management material to absorb or collect menstrual blood, that can be changed in privacy as often as necessary, using soap and water for washing the body as required, and having access to safe and convenient facilities to dispose of used menstrual management materials. They understand the basic facts linked to the menstrual cycle and how to manage it with dignity and without discomfort or fear.”
Serious health risks due to poor menstrual hygiene include reproductive and urinary tract infections which can result in future infertility and birth complications.
Studies by Benshaul Tolonen et al. 2019 and Phillips-Howard et al. 2016 had found that giving out sanitary pads to girls leads to a significant reduction in sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis .The lack of means for hygienic management of menstruation can cause discomfort and psychological stress in women. Promoting menstrual health and hygiene is an important for safeguarding women’s dignity, privacy, bodily integrity, and, consequently, their self efficacy.
Family planning/contraception methods
Women who use contraception avoid health risks associated with pregnancy. Infant mortality risk increases by 60% for children born within two years of an older sibling and by 10% for those born within two to three years, when compared to those