The female reproductive system is a complex system that needs special care and protection from disease and injury. It comprises the labia, clitoris, vagina, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. A woman’s reproductive health is assessed according to not just her physical health but also her mental well-being. It is not just about the absence of disease but also about being in a mental state where a woman can enjoy a healthy and satisfying sex life and start a family.
Reproductive health is a critical aspect of a woman’s overall health. Here are the components of reproductive health that every woman should know about.
Sex Education, Sexual Health, and Fertility
The moment she reaches sexual maturity, a woman should receive gynecological services that include advise on how to care for her reproductive health, menstruation counseling, and safe sex education. Furthermore, she should have breast exams, vaginal exams, and health screenings throughout her life.
An important aspect of sexual health is safe sex, which requires education on contraceptive use and birth control. Safe sex not only prevents unwanted pregnancy, but also protects against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Sex for a healthy woman is not exclusively for reproduction. A healthy sexual life is a component of reproductive health, and women should be able to derive pleasure from sexual activity. Barriers to a healthy sexual life include vaginal pain and dryness and a lack of sexual education that can cause complications or miscommunication between partners.
If the woman is ready to have a baby, sexual dysfunction and infertility can prevent her from conceiving. Reproductive healthcare providers also help women who have difficulty conceiving by providing them other options for reproduction, such as fertility treatments and assistive reproductive technologies.
Pregnancy Care, Delivery, and Postpartum Care
A woman needs support during pregnancy. It is during pregnancy that a woman undergoes possibly the biggest changes in her life, as her body transforms to accommodate a child. An OB/GYN provides a wide range of services that include prenatal care, pregnancy care (including high-risk pregnancies), delivery (including premature and Cesarean delivery), and nutritional and lactation counseling.
A woman should be able to choose her care and delivery options provided that it is not a high-risk pregnancy. Many women who seek personalized care through all stages of pregnancy, including delivery and newborn care, choose a midwife program to meet their needs for intimate, supportive care.
A woman may experience postpartum depression after giving birth, which is common. According to the CDC, one in eight women in the country report experiencing symptoms synonymous with postpartum depression. OB/GYNs can provide care for women who experience this.
Women’s Reproductive Health Care in Syracuse, NY
For all your women’s healthcare needs at all stages of life, the gynecologists and obstetricians at University OB/GYN Associates offer superior women’s health services. We approach each patient with sensitivity and compassion and make you feel relaxed and comfortable.
To find out more about our services or to schedule a consultation with an OB/GYN, call (315) 464-5162 today. We are affiliated with SUNY Upstate Medical University and see patients in several locations within Upstate Medical University.
