Caring for your sexual health is of utmost importance in maintaining your overall health, since all of the body’s systems work together and can affect each other. That is why it can greatly benefit you to be well-informed about protecting your reproductive health.
After all, a woman’s knowledge of how to take care of her own body influences her sense of well-being and her self-confidence when it comes to her sexuality. It also ensures thoughtful decisions when considering reproductive matters, such as having children.
It’s essential to gain an in-depth understanding of your own body. No two bodies are the same. Familiarize yourself with your menstrual cycle and how it affects your mood, your skin, and even your productivity levels at work or school.
Once you’ve gained a more precise grasp of what’s “normal” for you, it will be easier to pinpoint when something feels off. Below, we list five important ways in which you can care for and protect your reproductive health properly:
Hydrate
Adequate hydration helps to ensure a healthy reproductive system and a healthy overall body. Drinking plenty of water helps to avoid problems like vaginal dryness, which increases the risk of infections and can lead to discomfort during sex.
Exercise
Maintain a healthy weight and strong muscles by engaging in physical activity at least three times a week. It’s best to mix strength training with cardio exercises, such as running, swimming, and cycling. Doing different types of exercises will help you avoid getting bored with the same exercises and will help you remain interested in staying healthy and fit.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Proper nutrition is essential in maintaining a healthy reproductive system – so you can someday have a healthy baby, too. Be mindful of what you consume, and be sure to get plenty of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and folic acid. Incorporate lean meats, fish, and leafy greens in your meals.
Be sure to avoid or minimize your intake of foods that are high in cholesterol and saturated fat. Similarly, keep your consumption of alcoholic beverages to a minimum or (even better) completely avoid them, and do not smoke.
Practice Safe Sex
Birth control isn’t the same as protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Be sure to use protection every single time you have sexual relations of any kind in order to keep yourself safe from possible diseases. Sexually transmitted diseases can lead to conditions that can actually cause infertility because of how they impact the reproductive system.
Consult With Your Doctor
Be proactive when it comes to your sexual and reproductive health. See your gynecologist at least annually, get an annual pap smear to check for cancerous or precancerous lesions, and perform monthly breast self-exams to check for any lumps or discharge.
OB/GYN Doctors in Syracuse
Don’t hesitate to speak to your health care professional about protecting your reproductive health. Our team at University OB/GYN Associates are committed to providing quality obstetrics and gynecological care and the latest treatments for our patients.
Take a step toward ensuring your well-being by calling us today at (315) 464-5162, or request an appointment online now. We look forward to partnering with you for a lifetime of good health!
