Four Reproductive Health Facts Everyone Should Know
Every year in February, Reproductive Health Awareness Month is observed in South Africa. It aims to raise awareness of issues that affect people’s reproductive health, which refers to their fertility and their ability to have their own biological children.
With this article, we contribute passionately to raise awareness of reproductive health issues by highlighting three crucial facts about reproductive health that everyone should know: that reproductive health issues affect both men and women; that general good health is important for reproductive health; that there are many advanced treatments available to treat reproductive health problems; and that if you are concerned about your fertility, you should not delay seeking specialist help.
Reproductive Health Awareness Month is observed in February each year and the campaign aims to increase people’s awareness of reproductive health and fertility in general. It is a broad subject, covering everything from family planning and contraception, to fertility and reproduction, to safe and healthy pregnancy and childbirth, and even to fertility preservation for those whose future fertility is at risk due to, for example, cancer treatments.
Reproductive Health Awareness Month is a great opportunity to learn more about your amazing and complex reproductive system, to better understand the role of both partners in conceiving, carrying and delivering a healthy baby, and to adopt a lifestyle that will boost your reproductive health, now and in the future.
It is concerning to realise how very few people are aware of even basic facts about reproductive health. It is even more concerning, given that has many as one in six couples are challenged by reproductive health problems that are preventing them from having the families they want so much.
At Medfem Fertility Clinic, we are passionate about raising awareness of reproductive health, and particularly about the reproductive medicine and treatment options available for those couples who are struggling to conceive.
In particular, we would like to highlight four crucial facts from our decades of experience at Medfem Fertility Clinic in assisting couples to have a child.
The first is that reproductive health problems affect both men and women, and the second is that – also in both men and women – general health and wellbeing, as well as lifestyle choices, have a significant impact on reproductive health. Inn addition,
Fact 1 – Reproductive health problems affect both men and women
Many people incorrectly think that reproductive health problems are women’s. The truth is that reproductive health is both a male and female concern.
A couple’s fertility challenge is equally likely to be a problem with the male partner’s reproductive health as it is to be with the female partner’s. In fact, in one third of infertility cases treated, the reproductive health problem stems from the male partner. In another one third of infertility cases, the reproductive health problem stems from the female partner. In the final third of infertility cases, the reproductive health problems stem from both the male and female partner.
Fact 2 – Reproductive health is affected by general health
Few people appreciate the impact of their lifestyle choices on their fertility. Your general level of health and your lifestyle choices are important determinants of reproductive health, now and in the future, and for both the male partner and the female partner.
General health means maintaining a healthy mental and physical state, encompassing everything from healthy nutrition and moderate exercise to sufficient sleep and managing stress levels, as well as the prevention of lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
There are many ways to lead a healthy life. It is primarily about leading a balanced life, maintaining a low frequency that does not introduce extremes that stress the health of the cells.
It is also important to avoid common toxic lifestyle choices, for example, smoking or using recreational drugs or even being exposed to certain medications. High stress levels also negatively impact on general mental and physical health, and therefore also on reproductive health.
Many couples seeking fertility treatment are also dealing with lifestyle diseases, notably high insulin levels, thyroid problems, endometriosis, PCOS and auto-immune disease. These diseases are also driven by lifestyle choices around diet, exercise, stress, smoking and alcohol consumption.
Treatments for reproductive health problems
Among the most important messages our team at Medfem would like to share during Reproductive Health Awareness Month is that almost all reproductive health problems can be treated.
This is because fertility problems are most often caused by physical and medical conditions, such as tubal disease or blocks in the testes related to infection, to name just two. Because of the vast number of possible causes of infertility, a consultation with a fertility specialist is crucial.
A fertility specialist will be able to pinpoint the cause of the couple’s infertility pinpointed accurately and the right treatment plan can be created.
Fortunately, there are a truly wide range of tried and tested and highly effective infertility treatments available. These highly advanced infertility treatments range from hormone treatments, egg donations and sperm donations, and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) to surrogacy or adoption. Which treatment is the right infertility treatment for you as a couple, can only be determined by a fertility expert with the right equipment, expertise and experience, using advanced tests and investigations to pinpoint the exact cause of a couple’s infertility. At Medfem, our specialists, working closely with you, will create a customised personal fertility treatment plan for you.
Don’t delay seeking specialist help
Crucially, if you are facing challenges in falling pregnant, it is extremely important that you and your partner both receive a check up sooner rather than later during that a consultation with a registered and qualified fertility specialist.
Even if you are not yet ready to start a family, it is crucial to monitor your fertility and reproductive health status to ensure you are able to conceive later when you are ready to start a family. Couples do not need a referral to go to fertility specialist, you can simply make an appointment.
If you are concerned about your reproductive health in any way, we would like to invite you to come and meet our team of acclaimed Reproductive Medicine Specialists.
At Medfem, we believe in helping you reach your family dream through:
* World-Class Fertility for Everyone
* A Positive Fertility Journey
* Delivered With Empathy & Caring
Our team at Medfem Fertility Clinic believes in making world-class fertility treatments available for everyone. It is our joy and commitment to give you a positive outcome to your fertility journey, so you will have a fond memory of feeling empathy, caring and being part of the Medfem Fertility Clinic family.
Simply click here to book an initial consultation or contact us telephonically on +27 (11) 463 2244.
We look forward to meeting you!