5 Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Reproductive System
Reproductive health is about more than just whether you are ready to have children, this system can affect all the others connected to it and can be affected by the others as well. There are things you can do to maintain or even improve your health; help you have safer pregnancies and reduce the chances of future complications.
Regularly Visit Your Doctor
Visiting your doctor at least once a year for an overall checkup on your body and reproductive system can help spot cancers, infections and conditions early enough to be easily treatable. You should also schedule routine testing for sexually transmitted diseases or infections, but some people are uncomfortable going to a general physician or even an OBGYN to get tested. It is a good idea to look into women’s clinics or facilities which offer testing and information about SDTs, STIs and abortion in Iowa for these services instead. Also, talk to your doctor about taking probiotic supplements that can help maintain your reproductive health. Don’t hesitate to ask about lifestyle changes that you can make to prevent future problems.
Have a Healthy Food Plan
Eating a diet with enough iron, folic acid and omega-3 fatty acids is a good way to ensure overall health. Iron deficiency, or anemia, is more common in menstruating women and can cause serious health issues. Folic acid can help with ovulation and fetal development. Omega-3 fatty acids are referred to as one of the “good fats” because it reduces the bad cholesterol and raises the good. It is a good idea to cut back on beef and pork because studies are showing that women who get more plant protein ovulate better. Cutting back on foods and drinks high on the glycemic index can lower the risk of diabetes during, before or after pregnancy, and drinking more water can leave you feeling better overall.
Exercise in Moderation
Regular exercise can help you feel healthier as well as reduce some of the effects of pregnancy such as swollen feet, but too much exercise can put you at risk for lower ovulation and injuries. It is best to develop a moderate exercise routine and work with your doctor for any concerns related to reproductive health, chronic conditions or injuries.
Protect Yourself
Protection is one of the best things you can do for your health, not only to prevent pregnancy but to prevent STDs, STIs and urinary tract infections. Using barrier protection methods as well as contraceptive medications can give you the best chances for protecting yourself against these things, and you can find products designed for those with latex allergies.
Have Healthy Relationships
Your reproductive health is more dependent on the relationships that you have than many want to admit. If your partner is not honest about current or past sexual encounters as well as related medical conditions, then you are more likely to develop an STD, STI, or other health issues, that can be detected by an STD test (Click for STD tests here). The health of a relationship is dependent on communication and respect. If your partner does not respect you and the choices you make about your body, then it is time for a change.
Focusing on your reproductive health can cause ripple effects through other systems to make you healthier overall and neglecting important testing and checkups can mean that conditions go undiagnosed for longer and are harder to treat. You can improve your health through regular doctor visits and tests, using contraceptives and protection as well as having healthier food plans and relationships.
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