Women taking charge of reproductive and sexual health

One of the most complex and yet vital areas of a woman’s body to protect is her reproductive and sexual health. While women may focus on the health of their breasts, the health of their sexual organs and reproduction deserve just as much attention. By learning about their body, how it functions and how to protect their health, women can be in control of sexual and reproductive functioning. Here are steps all women must do to care for their sexual and reproductive health:

·      Practice safe sex

Women and their babies are uniquely vulnerable to the consequences of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea disproportionately affect women because early infection may be asymptomatic and, if untreated, infection may infiltrate the  upper reproductive tract resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). But there are steps women can take to reduce their risks. First step is to learn more about STDs and how to protect themselves and their partner. Not all STDs have symptoms therefore it is highly recommended to talk to a healthcare provider about STD testing, including HIV.

Women should also be aware that while birth control is an effective form of contraception, it does not provide protection from STDs.

Engaging in risky behaviors that could set them up for contracting an STD is another area women should be aware of.  If a woman can answer “yes” to any of the following questions, she may be putting herself in jeopardy of getting an STD:

·      Have you had unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex (sex without a condom) in a non-monogamous relationship?

·      Do you have multiple partners?

·      Do you have an STD, including HIV?

·      Have you shared needles?

·      Do you exchange sex for money or drugs?

·      Do you have a partner who answers “yes” to any of these questions or whose health status you don’t know?

·      Use contraception if you want to avoid pregnancy

The good news is women have many forms of birth control to choose from than ever before. Yet, despite the availability of contraception to avoid unwanted pregnancies, nearly half (45%) of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned.  Research shows that when pregnancies are planned, mothers, their babies and families are healthier. Women should familiarize themselves with the various types of birth control available and choose one that best fits their needs and lifestyle. The most popular form of birth control American women choose is the birth control pill followed by female sterilization (tubal ligation) and condoms. However, other forms include long-lasting options such as the intrauterine device (IUD) or the contraceptive implant and also the patch or birth control ring.

When women are deciding which contraception to use, they should discuss any side effects some may cause such as nausea, weight gain, mood changes or even spotting between periods. From there, an informative decision can be made.

·      Consider lubrication if needed

In order for women to experience arousal and sexual pleasure, lubrication to the vaginal region is necessary. During arousal, blood flow to the genitals results in vaginal lubrication making penetration less painful. However, some women, especially after menopause, may notice a significant reduction of lubrication that can result in painful penetration and less pleasure.  Research has shown that women who use lubricants reported higher ratings of sexual pleasure and lower rates of pain or burning in the vaginal area. If a woman is not sure what type of lubricant to use, she should discuss this with her doctor.

·      Make your health a priority

Women are generally good about being proactive about their health.  Throughout their entire life, it is recommended to continue regular checkups and preventative screenings making sure to treat and manage any medical conditions found. A discussion with their healthcare provider on frequency of mammograms and Pap smears should be initiated so women can plan ahead for these screenings.