Reproductive Health

Subject: Midwifery I (Theory)

Overview

Reproductive health, or sexual health/hygiene, examines the reproductive processes, functions, and systems at all phases of life. Reproductive health indicates that people can have a responsible, satisfying, and safer sexual life, as well as the ability to reproduce and the choice to choose if, when, and how frequently to do so. People have the ability to reproduce as well as regulate fertility, a woman can safely go through pregnancy and childbirth, and couples can have a sexual connection without concern of unwanted pregnancy or disease transmission.

Reproductive health, or sexual health/hygiene, addresses the reproductive processes, functions, and systems at all phases of life. It is defined as a condition of total physical, mental, and social well-being, rather than simply the absence of sickness or infirmity. Reproductive health implies that people can have a responsible, satisfying, and safer sexual life, as well as the ability to reproduce and the choice to choose if, when, and how frequently to do so. According to one interpretation, men and women should be informed about and have access to safe, effective, affordable, and acceptable methods of birth control; access to appropriate health care services of sexual, and reproductive medicine, and the implementation of health education programs to emphasize the importance of women going safely through pregnancy and childbirth could provide couples with the best chance of having a healthy infant.

Components of RH

  • Humans have the ability to reproduce and regulate fertility.
  • Women can safely go through pregnancy and childbirth.
  • The pregnancy outcome is favorable in terms of mom and child survival and well-being.
  • Couples can have a sexual connection without danger of becoming pregnant or catching a disease.

In the context of primary health care, the ICPd programs of action list the following nine components of the basic health care package:

  • Information, education, and communication about FP.
  • Financial services.
  • Prenatal education and treatments are available.
  • Postnatal care and safe delivery
  • Breastfeeding, newborn and maternal health
  • Abortion prevention and treatment of abortion complications
  • RTI, STD, and other reproductive health issues are treated.
  • IEC on reproductive health, human sexuality, and parenting responsibly.
  • Actively discourage harmful behaviors, which in Nepal could include the use of amniocentesis for seed selection, forced prostitution, rape of girl children, and others.

References

  • Bennett, V.R.et al (ed), 1999, Myles textbook for midwifery, 13th edition, Churchill Livingstone. Harcourt Brace and a company limited.
  • Reproduction Health Strategy, Family Health Division, DOHS, MOH.
  • Jones, D.L., 1973, Fundamentals of obstetrics and gynecology Volume 1, Obstetrics, reprint first edition, Derek Llewellyn Jone, 1969.
  • Tuitui R. 2002, A textbook of Midwifery A (Antenatal), 3rd edition, Vidyarthi Pustak Bhandari (Publisher and Distributor), Bhotahity, Kathmandu
Things to remember
  • Reproductive health, or sexual health/hygiene, addresses the reproductive processes, functions, and systems at all phases of life. It is defined as a condition of total physical, mental, and social well-being, rather than simply the absence of sickness or infirmity.
  • Reproductive health implies that people can have a responsible, satisfying, and safer sexual life, as well as the ability to reproduce and the choice to choose if, when, and how frequently to do so.
  • People have the ability to reproduce as well as regulate fertility, a woman may safely go through pregnancy and childbirth, and couples can have a sexual connection without fear of an unexpected pregnancy or catching a disease.
  • In the context of primary health care, the ICPd programs of action, include FP counseling, information, education, and communication, prenatal education and services, treatment of RTIs, STDs, and other reproductive health problems, and so on.
Questions and Answers

Effect on pregnancy

  • Increased rates of prenatal death, IUGR, and preterm birth.
  • Infection that spreads to newborns and unborn children.

How is the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV reduced during childbirth?

Women with HIV are given HIV medications to avoid mother-to-child transmission of the virus during childbirth.

To lessen the danger of mother-to-child HIV transmission, a pregnant woman with HIV may occasionally undergo a planned cesarean delivery (also known as a C-section) at 38 weeks of pregnancy (two weeks before the woman's anticipated due date). A scheduled cesarean birth is organized in advance.

The choice to have a cesarean section performed in order to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission is one that is decided jointly by the expectant mother and her medical team.

Trichomonas vaginalis, an anaerobic organism that is highly harmful to the vaginal epithelium, is the cause of trichomoniasis. The main method of transmission is through sexual activity. Equal numbers of males and females are infected.

A fungal infection called candidiasis is brought on by candida albicans. The primary signs and symptoms are pruritus and a thick, white vaginal discharge. Antifungal nystatin pessaries inserted into the vagina at night are the preferred form of treatment. You should treat your spouse at the same time.

  • Increase in vaginal discharge, which may be mild to profuse, greenish in color, and bubbly in nature.
  • Green, foamy discharge is part of the traditional presentation.
  • Urinary frequency and urethritis may both be present.
  • An inspection of the swab revealed protozoa.

The HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) family of retroviruses, which includes HIV 1 and HIV 2, is what causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Due to the virus's reduction of T lymphocytes, immunosuppression results. The person is therefore vulnerable to infection by an opportunistic microorganism. The time of incubation ranges from two months to four years.

Mode of transmission:

  • Having sex with a male or female who is infected.
  • Using a skin-piercing device or infected, unsterilized syringe and needle.
  • Exposure to tainted blood or blood products, such as during a blood transfusion.
  • Before, during, or after birth from an infected mother to her child (trans placental and through breast milk)

Sexual health and hygiene, often known as reproductive health, is concerned with the reproductive processes, functions, and system at all stages of life. Reproductive health is a condition of whole physical, mental, and social well-being, not only the absence of sickness or infirmity. In order to be in good reproductive health, a person must be capable of having a pleasant and safe sexual life, be able to reproduce, and have the choice to choose whether, when, and how often to do so.

Components of RH

  • That it is possible for humans to control their fertility as well as reproduce.
  • She is capable of giving birth and going through pregnancy without incident.
  • That the outcome of pregnancy is successful in terms of the survival and well-being of the mother and the kid.
  • That it is possible for couples to engage in sexual activity without worrying about getting pregnant unintentionally or getting sick.

The ICPd programmes of action list the basic health care package, which consists of nine components, as follows in the context of primary healthcare:

  • FP counselling, information, education, and communication:
    • FP services.
    • Prenatal education and services.
    • Safe delivery and postnatal care.
    • Breastfeeding, an infant's and women's health.
  • Treatment of an abortion complication and prevention of abortion:
    • RTI, STD, and other reproductive health issues are treated.
    • IEC on human sexuality, reproductive health, and ethical parenting.
    • Actively discouraging harmful behaviors, such as the rape of young girls, forced prostitution, the improper use of amniocentesis for seed selection, and other issues.

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