6 hours Ago By Simran Arora
World Health Day: Lifestyle factors also play a part in this. Smoking, heavy drinking, and poor eating habits can interfere with hormonal balance over time. Environmental factors like pollution and microplastics also play a part here.
One doesn’t need a complete overhaul to start seeing the benefits. New Delhi: According to the World Health Organization, reproductive health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being related to the reproductive system and its functions and processes. This definition emphasises a holistic approach to understanding reproductive health rather than limiting it solely to fertility.
Reproductive health has many implications in our lives, ranging from hormonal balance, which is necessary for mental and physical health, to lowering the risk of reproductive cancers. Its impact is more profound than usually recognised. Reproductive health is generally only discussed regarding fertility or giving birth.
Hence, it is important to make people aware of the different aspects of reproductive health and how it influences hormonal health and the general well-being of the body. In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Vaani Mehta, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist, Birla Fertility and IVF Chandigarh, spoke about the importance of reproductive health for wellbeing.
The link between reproductive health and overall well-being Reproductive hormones, such as oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, don’t just control your reproductive system. They can also impact mood, energy levels, metabolism, skin health, sleep, etc. When these hormones are not in balance, they often lead to problems such as PCOS, thyroid issues, mood swings, irregular menstrual cycles, and more.
Hence, while periods and the regular pain associated with them can be discomforting, consistent periods and regular cycles are a sign of a well-functioning body. On the other hand, when something is amiss, like extreme pain during periods, low libido, or unexplainable mood shifts, it might be the body’s way of flagging a deeper issue. If left unaddressed for too long, these issues can also affect comfort and mental well-being.
While women’s reproductive health is still discussed, we must talk more about men’s reproductive health. Hormonal health affects men just as much as women. Testosterone plays a role in way more than just fertility or sex drive.
It affects how they feel daily, their energy, sleep, motivation, and even how they respond to stress. Hence, both men and women should undergo regular health check-ups and screenings, regardless of symptoms or plans for parenthood, as that can help catch early signs of imbalance. Understanding the risks: STIs, cancer, and lifestyle factors Reproductive health also means protecting oneself from long-term risks, some of which are easy to overlook.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhoea can go unnoticed for years, quietly affecting fertility and increasing the risk of complications in pregnancy. Regular STI screenings and protective practices, including the HPV vaccine, are important not just for prevention but for peace of mind. Lifestyle factors also play a part in this.
Smoking, heavy drinking, and poor eating habits can interfere with hormonal balance over time. Environmental factors like pollution and microplastics also play a part here. One doesn’t need a complete overhaul to start seeing the benefits.
Small changes like eating better, reducing alcohol, or switching to safer personal care products can also support long-term reproductive health. Fertility, choices, and the need for open conversations Reproductive health isn’t just about family planning; It affects how one feels, functions, and moves through the world, both physically and emotionally. By prioritising regular check-ups, making small lifestyle changes, and speaking openly about sexual and reproductive health, one can create a space for better choices and better outcomes.
It’s not simply about avoiding illness; It’s about staying informed, feeling more connected to one’s body, and making informed decisions for overall well-being. Click for more latest Health news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9.
Simran Arora is a Chief Sub Editor for the health beat at News9. With 6 years of experience in the industry, she looks at news, features and every unique development in the health sector..
