How do you maintain reproductive health

You may be familiar with the expression ‘healthy reproductive organs’, but what actually does it mean? Are you born with perfectly healthy reproductive organs, or do you have to work at keeping them that way? Women’s health experts share their top tips on how to maintain reproductive health throughout your life. 

Eat healthily

The first and most basic rule of thumb when it comes to staying healthy is to eat healthy. The majority of reproductive illnesses are caused by poor nutrition, so keep your diet rich in plants and avoid overly processed foods. It’s never too late to make changes for the better, and following a healthy diet will help you avoid many common ailments. Furthermore, a healthy diet can boost your body’s natural defences and help you fight off infections more effectively.

Cut back on the alcohol

Alcohol has been shown to be among the major factors that contribute to reproductive illnesses. Women who have consumed three or more drinks a day for more than a year were more likely to have infertility issues than those who have not consumed any alcohol at all. Men who consume alcohol were also more likely to have problems with sexual function. The effects of alcohol on the reproductive system are caused by its impact on the male hormones called androgens. These hormones play a central role in maintaining male characteristics such as sexual desire and virility. When men consume alcohol, their bodies produce less of the hormone testosterone, which makes them less attractive to women and less able to perform sexually. This is one reason why it’s important to avoid alcohol if you want to keep your reproductive health.

Don’t smoke

Smoking has been proven to be among the major factors that contribute to reproductive difficulties. Women who smoke were found to be more likely to experience a wide variety of reproductive problems than those who don’t. These issues include: infertility, miscarriage, implantation failure, premature labour, and premature delivery. One of the most serious effects of smoking is the damage it does to the cervical mucus resulting in a higher risk of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV. The good news is that many of these problems can be avoided if you stop smoking. In addition to that, women who stop smoking are much more likely to experience an improvement in their menstrual cycles as well as more predictable and effective ovulation patterns. The key to staying healthy is to never start smoking. You may not realise it, but even second-hand smoke can be harmful. When someone smokes near you, they are actually damaging your healthy reproductive organs by releasing toxic chemicals into the air that become entwined with other molecules in the atmosphere. The result is that your cells are now fighting an uphill battle against toxins and the desire to be free of them is building up inside you. This is what is causing your reproductive health to deteriorate.

Avoid stress

Stress is among the major factors that contribute to reproductive illnesses. When you are under too much stress, your body produces more cortisol – the ‘stress hormone’ which can disrupt the balance of hormones in your favour. Too much cortisol can cause many problems, including: thinning of the hair, weight gain, mood swings, and problems with memory and concentration. One of the ways your body responds to stress is by blocking the effects of the male hormone testosterone, which we mentioned earlier. When your body senses there is too much stress, it produces more cortisol which has a similar effect to low levels of testosterone, making you appear and perform less sexually attractive to women. Avoiding or reducing stress is essential for maintaining good reproductive health throughout your life.

Get plenty of sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining good health. Women who sleep less than six hours a night are more likely to have fertility issues than those who get seven or more hours of sleep daily. Furthermore, those who sleep less than five hours a night are also more likely to have problems with their menstrual cycles. Our bodies need plenty of time to restore, repair, and replace cells and nutrients throughout the day, and they do this while we sleep. During your sleeping cycle, your body produces more melatonin which helps regulate biological and physiological processes. This includes your reproductive health. In addition to that, sleeping encourages our bodies to restore the balance of hormones which helps maintain good hormonal health and a feeling of well-being. Therefore, getting at least seven hours of sleep each night will help you maintain healthy and productive sexual cycles as part of your overall wellbeing.

Take your supplements

Taking supplements can also help maintain healthy reproductive health. Women who take supplements regularly are less likely to have fertility problems than those who don’t. Furthermore, women who consume vitamin C and vitamin E are less likely to experience a miscarriage than those who don’t. Taking these supplements may also help improve the quality and quantity of your eggs as well as their implantation. Don’t expect supplements to replace the need for medical care though – some illnesses and infections are best treated with antibiotics or antiviral medicines. Always consult with your doctor before taking supplements if you’re not sure what they are or whether they’re safe for you.

Staying healthy in your reproductive system is vital to having a happy and fulfilling life. It may be difficult to avoid all the stressors in life that can disrupt your health, but with a little effort, you can easily keep your body in good condition and fight off infections. Follow these easy tips and you will be well on your way to a healthier and happier life.