It is a well-known fact that women’s reproductive health and their general well-being go hand in hand. In most cases, due to a lack of awareness, women do not understand the signs of reproductive health problems. Even if they do start to notice issues or signs, they shy away from asking for help due to the societal taboo of addressing women’s sexual health. Most young girls do not have access to the right doctors, the right education in school, or the financial ability to ensure good sexual health. Women’s sexual health education should be normalized further so that women can practice healthy habits and spot signs of problems early on if any. Due to the importance of the topic, Dr. Manish Banker and the team have curated a list of some basic and easy habits that improve women’s reproductive health.
Consuming the right food can improve women’s sexual health and even reduce the chance of getting reproductive health problems such as PCOS or anemia, which can lead to menstrual problems. It is recommended that women consume the following types of foods to stay healthy and avoid reproductive health problems:
Taking professional advice can also help you avoid other complex issues like eating disorders and myths related to nutrition. Forcing or pressurizing oneself to follow an extremely stringent diet can become counter-effective by causing cravings.
The relationship between weight and women’s reproductive health has been studied very closely. In a study conducted in the USA, Women with a BMI above 30 have had a harder time achieving pregnancy. It was also found that women who are obese have more miscarriages than women who fall under the normal BMI. Being underweight also causes reproductive health problems. Some women who have a very low-fat percentage experience infertility and other ovarian disorders. If they do achieve pregnancy, it’s possible that an improper diet can affect fetal and maternal well-being. Hence, maintaining a healthy body weight should be of high priority for good reproductive health.
Exercising is a habit that is a must for a healthy reproductive system. Reproductive health is also determined by the energy level in the body and hence changes in the same can lead to reproductive health problems. Various physical activities are both enjoyable and beneficial for you. For example, Zumba, boxing, swimming, etc, can help you maintain a healthy weight. However, it’s also important that you don’t overexert yourself. Both too little activity and too much can disrupt your hormonal balance. Menstrual irregularity, PCOS, anovulation, etc are some of the reproductive health problems that can arise due to inadequate physical activity.
Yoga is also a feasible option for people who prefer exercising at a slower pace. There are several poses for the pelvic region, lower abdomen, and back to strengthen the muscles. Strengthening of these muscles can not only improve women’s reproductive health but even lead to cramp-free menstrual cycles. It is highly recommended that you do not perform high-intensity exercises or yoga without guidance or a trainer as you can injure yourself.
Adequate sleep plays a huge role in women’s sexual health. Lack of sleep or rest is one of the main causes of reproductive health problems like infertility in women. The functions of the reproductive system are regulated by sex hormones. These sex hormones are secreted during a circadian rhythm of sleep. Proper sleep cycles can drive the secretion, synthesis, and metabolism of the hormones required for reproduction. Sleep deprivation causes a commensurate effect in women and hence increases their chances of being infertile. Inadequate sleep can also lead to weight gain or weight loss which can cause reproductive health problems like ovulation issues. If you feel that you enjoy the silence of the night, waking up earlier than everybody else is a much healthier alternative. If you are experiencing insomnia, you can seek professional help for it.
The ever-changing lifestyle of women can also lead to reproductive health problems. These days, most women are required to provide for the family both monetarily and emotionally. Some women can find it difficult to achieve a healthy work-life balance. According to studies, women who clocked in more than 32 hours a week as opposed to 16-32 hours a week experienced difficulties in achieving pregnancy. Stress can disrupt hormone balance and affect a woman’s reproductive health. Keeping yourself positive and happy all the time is not possible, however, you can practice habits that reduce anxiety, such as going on walks, meditation, meeting your loved ones, etc. Women’s reproductive health is largely dependent on the people surrounding them as well. Their families and partners need to support them. If you feel you are showing signs of anxiety, depression, or other mental illnesses, it is best to consult a psychologist.
In a nutshell, women’s reproductive health is determined by following a healthy diet, performing the right amount of exercise, maintaining body weight, scheduling regular doctor visits, and wearing clean and comfortable clothes. It is important to avoid psychological stressors, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and unsanitary toilets which can cause reproductive health problems. Mental wellness is also an important part of women’s reproductive health and this requires the support of family and friends. Hence if you are facing issues, do reach out to a loved one. Remember that reproductive well-being and general well-being go hand-in-hand. If you found this blog useful, you can read more on our website.
For more information on infertility causes and treatments by Dr Banker Ahmedabad:
Visit our website at https://bankerivf.com/
Read our blog at https://bankerivf.com/blog/
Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/drmanishbanker/
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/drmanishbankerivf/
Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BankerIVF/
15th June 2022
31st May 2022
Subscribe to our emailer to receive new content as soon as they are available
What are the Causes and Treatment Options for Oligospermia?
If a man’s sperm count is below 15 million sperm cells per semen millilitre, it is considered a low sperm count. Low sperm count also refers to oligospermia. On the other hand, when there is a complete absence of sperm, it is known as azoospermia. When the sperm count is sharply low, fewer than 5 million sperm in 1 semen millimetre, you can identify it as severe oligospermia.
15th June 2022
Getting Pregnant with PCOS – What Can You Do About it?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevailing cause of infertility in women. However, PCOS fiddles with more than merely your fertility, and you may not even become aware of it unless you obtain your diagnosis when attempting to get pregnant.
31st May 2022
10 Early Red Flags of Infertility that You Should be Aware of
You need to stay aware of the factors that affect your fertility – no matter if you’re trying to get pregnant now or plan to conceive in future. Generally, there are some early signs of fertility that couples may experience.
30th May 2022