Importance of reproductive and sexual health awareness & well-being

Vijayawada: The term ‘sexual and reproductive health’ refers to a person’s right to a healthy body as well as autonomy, education, healthcare, and how to avoid sexually transmitted illnesses or unexpected pregnancy.

Reproductive health is a comprehensive condition of physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the absence of disease in all aspects connected to the reproductive system and its functions and processes.

Sexual health is important for an individual’s entire health and well-being. Sexual health is important not only during the reproductive years but also throughout a person’s life, from youth to old age.

The reproductive system is possibly the most vulnerable in the human body, with harmful practices wreaking havoc not just on overall health, but also on fertility. Sexually transmitted illnesses remain a major public health concern in many nations. Awareness about sexual and reproductive health issues aims not only to improve the condition but also to help save lives by encouraging preventive measures against the condition becoming more serious.

What exactly is sexual and reproductive health, and why is it important?

Sexual well-being includes an individual’s ability to have responsible and safe sex while having the choice to choose if, when, and how frequently to do so. It involves both physical and psychological well-being about sexuality. Access to sex education, safe, effective, inexpensive, and acceptable methods of birth control, and appropriate health care services are all important.

Ensuring sexual health allows women to continue reproducing safely throughout pregnancy and childbirth. As a result, couples have the best chance of having a healthy baby. Individuals who are denied their sexual and reproductive rights, as well as their independence to make informed decisions about their future, can have a negative influence on their families, welfare, and future generations.

It is also vital to take sexual hygiene seriously since it helps to avoid the risk of sexually transmitted illnesses and, secondly, it reduces the probability of major disorders such as infertility. Furthermore, keeping proper sexual hygiene can help to improve your sexual life. Here’s how to maintain your sexual hygiene.

Avoid using body gel on intimate parts because it can disrupt the pH, allowing germs and bacteria to grow. Instead, if your healthcare provider recommends it, you can utilize genital washing solutions.

Women should be more vigilant during their periods and change their sanitary pads regularly to minimize the formation of hazardous germs that can lead to vaginal infections. It is also recommended to use sanitary pads made of natural materials because they do not promote bacterial growth. Wash your genitals often with water, and most importantly, women must clean their genitals during menstruation to prevent the development of harmful bacteria.

In conclusion, it is critical to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health since a lack of accurate information about safe sex and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) is a major contributor to the rising number of STDs and unwanted pregnancies. Everyone can effect change. Come together to educate and raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health to achieve a brighter future and health for the nation.

Dr. Lakshmi Prasuna, Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital Vijayawada