As health-conscious women, we all know what it takes to be in the best of one’s health. The key is a nutritious diet, regular exercise, limited drinking and no smoking. While we give good importance to physical health, little do we realize that reproductive health is as important if we wish to have pregnancies with no complications.
Let’s just face it, giving birth is no less than a mountain to climb. Why else would your body prepare for it right from the moment you hit puberty? While your body is doing its bit to give you a healthy pregnancy, you should do your bit too.
But how? How do you maintain your reproductive health? Well, here are a few tips you can follow.
Start with taking care of your intimate hygiene
Just as you need to wash your hands repeatedly, brush your teeth, and clean your surroundings to be your most hygienic and healthy self, you need to take care of your intimate area to maintain your reproductive health.
Here are a few tips that can come to your rescue:
- Refrain from using soap in your intimate area. Soaps come with a pH level of 5.5, but as your vaginal skin is delicate, its pH level can range between 3.8-4.5, soaps can be a little too much for the area and result in soreness, dryness, and irritation. Instead, go for a body wash made with natural ingredients or rinse with just plain water.
- Refrain from scrubbing the area as it is very gentle and delicate.
- What you wear on the inside matters. Wear cotton undergarments. Cotton is one of the friendliest fibres for your skin. It is gentle, and much more breathable than other types of material.
Don’t over-exercise
While there is a long list of benefits of exercising, you would certainly be taken aback to find out that over-exercising can be injurious to your reproductive health. So, if you think you have been pushing yourself too hard, running an extra mile, quite literally, hold on, step back.
Refrain from extra demanding high-intensity workouts. They can spike cortisol levels and reduce thyroid hormone levels, all of which can affect metabolism significantly and make the body cope with stress poorly. In the long run, it can result in a terrible fluctuation in the production of hormones necessary for reproduction.
Consider controlling your Glycemic Index
The glycemic index is an indicator of the amount of carbohydrates that can make your blood glucose spike. It is essential that you refrain from consuming food items that come with a high glycemic index as they can spike blood glucose levels, especially if you suffer from PCOS. High blood glucose levels can have a negative impact on the body’s cellular metabolism, which can compromise reproductive health.
Go for regular screening
Health screening tests are extremely crucial for one’s health and well-being, be it basic health tests or reproductive health tests. Mind you, screening tests don’t invent new medical conditions, but they just diagnose what’s already there. Most people refrain from screening tests because of this reason. However, nothing can undermine their importance. In fact, early detection increases the chance of an effective treatment and speedy recovery.
Thus, to maintain your reproductive health, ensure that you go for regular screening check-ups for STDs, Pap smears, and PCOS. It is also advised to consult your gynaecologist who can recommend you essential screening tests based on your medical condition and family medical history.
Practise safe sex and have regular orgasms
You should wear protection not just to avoid pregnancies but to avoid sexually transmitted diseases and other infections. Remember, sexually transmitted diseases are not curable. They can impact your lifestyle for the worse.
In addition, have orgasms as they release hormones that are good for one’s reproductive health. In addition, it is an excellent stress reliever that can help with mental health and improve well-being.
Closing thoughts
Maintaining reproductive health is essential for overall well-being and quality of life. By following the tips mentioned above, such as regular check-ups, practising safe and consensual sexual behaviour, maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, and staying physically active, individuals can take proactive steps to protect and promote their reproductive health. Remember, taking care of your reproductive health is an investment in your present and future, ensuring that you can enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life. Prioritise your reproductive health today, and reap the benefits for years to come.
