The female reproductive system is delicate, and even a slight imbalance in hormones could have a drastic impact on its overall health. Moreover, when trying to conceive, several factors may adversely affect the reproductive system, including stress, lifestyle choices, and unhealthy foods. Health issues like endometriosis, cervical dysplasia, and gynecologic cancer may also increase the risk of problems. Therefore, you must know about these complications and ways to care for reproductive health.
Common reproductive health problems
Endometriosis
It is a common disorder that affects the uterus. Endometriosis is where the endometrial tissue that lines the uterus grows in other places outside the uterus, for instance, on the bowel, the pelvic area, ovaries, etc. It is not a very common condition, affecting approximately 10% of women globally. During the menstrual cycle, the body undergoes several hormonal changes, inflaming these abnormally placed tissues and inflicting pain. As in periods wherein the uterus lining sheds each month, the same way these tissues also shed monthly. However, since they do not have anywhere to go, they start accumulating in the pelvic area, resulting in infertility, irritation, organs in the pelvic region sticking together, scar formation, and painful periods.
Cervical dysplasia
This condition results in abnormal cell growth in and around the cervix. It does not mean that the person has cancer, but if it is left untreated, it may become cancerous. Human Papillomavirus is the primary cause of cervical dysplasia. It spreads through intercourse; it won’t show any symptoms and can be confirmed by a pap smear.
Uterine fibroids
These are tumors composed of muscle cells and tissues that grow in and around the uterus walls. In most cases, the fibroids are benign. There is no clarity on what causes it, but the condition is prevalent in African-American women. Women with this condition suffer from heavy and painful periods and pain in the lower back, painful sex, bloating in the abdominal area, and other reproductive health issues like infertility, miscarriages, etc.
Menstrual disorders
These issues are caused by hormonal imbalances or disorders related to uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, cancer, clotting, STDs, and genetics. They can be diagnosed with hormonal and blood tests, pap tests, etc. Surgeries, prescription treatments, and eating nutritious foods can help overcome this issue. A few problems associated with menstrual disorders include absent or light menstruation, fibroids, premenstrual syndrome, heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Gynaecologic cancer
Any cancer that first shows in the woman’s reproductive organs, such as uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, vulva cancer, and vaginal cancer, are all gynecologic cancers.
Pelvic floor prolapse
It is a pelvic floor disorder that occurs when the organs in the pelvis area slip down into the vagina because of weak and overstretched pelvic floor muscles. It is common in women who have given birth or in those that underwent some surgery.
AIDS or HIV
It targets the body’s CD4 cells, which are a part of the body’s immune system. HIV destroys the cells, and the immune system becomes weak and incapable of fighting the infections. Sadly, there is no cure for HIV, but you can manage it with some treatment options. If it goes untreated, it may progress to AIDS.
Care tips for managing reproductive health
Eat foods rich in antioxidants
Zinc and folate can help with fertility in men and women by deactivating the free radicals that kill egg cells and sperm. Consuming grains, nuts, vegetables, and fruits can help.
Eat a bigger breakfast
A hearty breakfast can help women overcome reproductive health problems to an extent. It betters the hormonal outcome of polycystic ovary syndrome, a significant reason for infertility.
Avoid trans fats
Consuming healthy fats is vital for boosting fertility and overall health. Trans fats, on the other hand, is linked to a heightened risk of ovulatory infertility. These unhealthy fats are found in hydrogenated vegetable oils and foods like processed or baked goods, fried items, and margarine.
Cut down the carbs
Reducing carb intake is also an excellent step toward reproductive care among women with PCOS.
Consume less refined carbs
Refined carbs, like sugary drinks and foods, rice, bread, and white pasta, can be problematic for one’s reproductive health. These carbs get absorbed quickly and spike insulin and blood sugar levels. A constant spike in insulin causes the body to produce fewer reproductive hormones as the body and adds to a lack of ovulation and egg maturation.
Avoid extensive exercise routines
Being physically active has several benefits for your health, such as increased fertility. However, moderation is the key, as excessive high-intensity exercise can even decrease fertility in some women.
Take time to relax
Increased stress levels can also lower your likelihood of conceiving. It is because of the hormonal changes that occur in the body when you feel stressed.
Have your multivitamins
Women who take multivitamins are less susceptible to ovulatory infertility. When trying for pregnancy, multivitamins containing folate can be helpful.
