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A. Definition and
Importance
What
is Reproductive Health (RH)?
-
State
of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely
the absence of disease or infirmity, in all matters relating to the
reproductive system and to its functions and processes
-
Cruicial
part of general health
Why
should RH be given importance?
- It affects
everybody
- It has
an inter-generational effect
- It deals
with intimate and highly valued aspects of life
- It covers
certain individual rights
- It has
a developmental component
How
is sound RH manifested?
- Responsible,
satisfying and safe sex life
- Capability
to reproduce
- Freedom
to decide not to have children or when or how often to have children
What
are the factors which affect one's RH?
- Economic
Circumstance
- Education
- Employment
- Living
conditions
- Family
environment
- Social
and gender relations
- Traditional
values culture
- Legal
structures
B.
Elements
What
are the elements of RH?
- Family
Planning
- for safe and effective fertility regulation.
- Maternal
and Child Health - for safe pregnancy and childbirth and for
a healthy infant.
- Prevention
and Control of Reproductive Tract Infection and Sexually Transmitted
Diseases
- for better understanding of the diseases and its causes and for
protection from it.
- Adolescent
Sexual Reproductive Health
- for appropriate services and information including those on STD
and sexual abuse.
- Prevention
of Abortion and Management of its Complications - for prevention
of unwanted pregnancies and for the management of cases arising from
abortion.
- Men's
Reproductive Health
- for the unique RH needs of men and to support women's RH decisions.
- Prevention
of Reproductive Tract Cancer and Other Gynecological Problems
- for early detection and treatment of gynecological problems.
- Counseling
and Education for Human Sexuality
- to help couples and individuals choose and practice healthy lifestyles.
- Infertility
Management - to assist couples who have difficulty in achieving
pregnancy.
- Violence
Against Women
- to assist women who are victims of rape and sexual harassment as
well as domestic violence.
C.
Current RH Issues
What
are the current RH related issues?
- Couples
lack access to a full range of modern family planning methods
- An increasing
number of abortions is reported each year
- An increasing
number of deaths from STDs is reported each year
- An increasing
number in infertile couples is increasing each year
- Adolescents
lack access to information and services on sexual and reproductive
health.
How
to address these issues?
Through
a complete RH Care Program that recognizes that women have special health
needs before, during and after child birth. The Program should also consider
the special needs of men. It recognizes that the Reproductive Health of
the present generation has an impact on the health of the next generation.
What
is Reproductive Health Care?
A
constellation of methods, techniques and services that contribute to RH
and well being by preventing and solving reproductive health problems.
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