Reproductive health is an encompassing term that looks at all areas of health when it comes to conceiving a child. Understanding what it means to truly be reproductively healthy can help you plan and make the right choices for you.
What is Reproductive Health?
The WHO defines reproductive health as not just the physical health of the parents but also the mental health and well-being of the couple in question. Rather than just a strict view that only includes the possibility for a woman to get pregnant, the WHO defines reproductive health as the ability to have safe and satisfying sex and the freedom to decide to get pregnant when, and how often they wish to.
With this encompassing view on reproductive health, it can feel more daunting, but the fact is only when your physical, mental, and emotional health are in line with one another can a baby be born that can be completely supported and cared for. Women’s health clinics and gynecologists like gcaus.com.au offer services to support this definition of reproductive health and can help everyone either get pregnant and have a baby or stop themselves from having one entirely. The ability to choose and control reproductive health is a right that all humans should have.
What Factors Affect Your Reproductive Health?
Physical
Many people focus solely on the physical factors that may affect your reproductive health, and they are certainly the biggest obstacles to the act of conceiving itself. From genetics, age, to even the vices you partake in (smoking or drinking, for example) can all cause issues with conceiving and with fetus health. If you find yourself pregnant, getting help from a clinic can help improve the fetus’ health and life expectancy should you want to keep it, or else terminate it in its early stages. It is important to remember that such abortion clinics also offer many health services you will need should you decide to carry your baby to term, regardless of whether you keep it or put your baby up for adoption.
Mental
There are many mental health factors that will impact reproductive health. Mental illness is one of the most prominent. Pregnancy can make many mental illnesses worse, and not only that but the medication necessary for those with these mental health conditions can interfere with a pregnancy and cause severe complications. Working with a doctor and clinic can help those with mental health concerns create a working plan of action that will allow for a healthy pregnancy should they want one, or alternatively can provide better solutions (like an IUD) if things like taking birth control pills are difficult.
Emotional
Young parents can be emotionally compromised or not yet responsible to carry a baby to term, much less raise one. There are many different factors that will help a person decide if they are ready to be a parent, from learning and other mental conditions and age to even past trauma.
Getting Help and Guidance
Regardless of whether you are planning for a child or need help after finding yourself pregnant, it is key to get help and guidance from a health clinic. Knowing your options and having the support they provide is essential for your health and well-being.
