Reproductive Health

Introduction

• Reproductive health encompasses physical, emotional, behavioral, and social well-being in reproduction.
• WHO defines it as total well-being in reproductive aspects.
• India initiated national reproductive health programs in 1951.
• Reproductive and Child Health Care (RCH) programs focus on awareness and facilities.

3.1 Reproductive Health Problems and Strategies

• Awareness about reproductive health is spread through various media and educational systems.
• Importance of sex education in schools to dispel myths and misconceptions.
• Involvement of parents, relatives, teachers, and friends in education.
• Facilities for birth control, care for pregnant mothers, post-natal care, etc.
• Legal measures include banning amniocentesis for sex determination.
• Introduction of new contraceptives like Saheli.

3.2 Population Stabilization and Birth Control

• Global population growth from 2 billion (1900) to 7.2 billion (2011).
• India's population growth and measures to control it, like statutory age of marriage and incentives for small families.
• Contraceptives: Natural, Barrier, IUDs, Oral, Injectables, Implants, Surgical methods.
• Ideal contraceptive features: user-friendly, effective, reversible.
• Potential side effects of contraceptives.

3.3 Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP)

• MTP is intentional termination of pregnancy; legal in India since 1971.
• Important for preventing unwanted pregnancies and when pregnancy poses risks.
• Legal and safe MTP procedures to avoid illegal and dangerous abortions.
• MTP Amendment Act 2017: regulates termination under medical advice.

3.4 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

• STIs include gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, chlamydiasis, hepatitis-B, HIV/AIDS.
• Prevention through safe practices, early detection, and treatment.
• High incidence in 15-24 age group.
• Methods of transmission include sexual contact, shared needles, blood transfusions.

3.5 Infertility

• Infertility: inability to conceive despite unprotected intercourse.
• Causes: physical, congenital, diseases, psychological.
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): IVF, ZIFT, GIFT, ICSI, AI.
• Adoption as another solution for childless couples.

Summary

• Reproductive health requires a holistic approach.
• Improvements noted in maternal and infant mortality rates, STI management, and infertility treatment.
• Population growth requires contraceptive propagation.
• Legalized MTP aids in managing unwanted pregnancies.
• Safe sexual practices and early treatment are key to STI management.

Exercises

1. Discuss the significance of reproductive health in society.
2. Identify key aspects of reproductive health needing attention.
3. Evaluate the necessity of sex education in schools.
4. Discuss improvements in reproductive health over 50 years.
5. Explain reasons for population explosion.
6. Justify the use of contraceptives.
7. Debate the ban on amniocentesis for sex determination.
8. Suggest methods for assisting infertile couples.
9. Outline measures to prevent STDs.
10. Analyze true/false statements on reproductive health.
11. Correct common misconceptions related to contraception and STIs.