Classwork Series and Exercises {Basic Science – JSS3}: Reproductive Health

Week 1

Topic: Reproductive Health

Meaning of Reproductive Health

Reproductive health is the ability of people to have a satisfying and safe sex life and the capability to reproduce as well as the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so.

Significance of Reproductive Health

Reproductive health is significant because it promotes good sexual health which enhances life and personal relations. It is also a prerequisite for social, economic and human development i.e. human energy and creativity is the driving force of development and this cannot be generated by a sick person. It sets the stage for health beyond the reproductive years for both men and women. Similarly, the health of a newborn is largely a function of the mother’s health, and nutritional status and her access to good health care.  Furthermore, reproductive health takes care of reproductive health problems at various stages in life, thereby preventing health problems at later stages in life. It contributes enormously to physical and psychosocial comfort and closeness. Reproductive health creates awareness on the dangers associated with disease, abuse, exploitation, unwanted pregnancy, etc.

Care and Protection of the Reproductive System

This is done through:

1. Circumcision of the male at childbirth reducing the effect of micro-organisms on the fore skin of the penis.
2. Regular bathing of the individual and drying of the reproductive organs.
3. Shaving of the pubic hair to avoid the growth of bacteria and fungi.
4. Ensuring thorough cleanliness of the toilet system to avoid contracting diseases, such as candidacies.
5. Washing of undies (pants) regularly.
6. Using sanitary pads by females during menstruation to avoid getting stained and infections.
7. Using tissue paper to clean up after urinating.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

These are highly infectious diseases that are spread by sexual contact. They are referred to as venereal diseases (VD). These diseases are caused by bacteria and can survive in human body.

The two most common STIs are syphilis and gonorrhea. Other examples include, HIV/AIDS, genital herpes, etc.

Syphilis

This is caused by a spirochete bacterium called Treponema pallidum. The pathogen enters the body through a break in the skin or mucous membrane. The bacteria may attack any kind of body tissue.

This disease is highly contagious. In its early stages, the symptoms appear about 10-25 days after sexual contact with an infected person. The first sign is usually a large but painless ulcer which often appears on the penis or vulva. Other symptoms include nervousness, fever, anaemia, loss of weight and pain in the bones and joints. In the final stages, syphilis may attack the brain, spinal cord and valves of the heart, resulting in paralysis, insanity, blindness, etc.

Treatment

In the early stages, the disease can be cured by a four –day treatment with penicillin injection. Penicillin administered to a pregnant woman will also kill any spirochetes in her foetus. People allergic to penicillin can be given tetracycline or other drugs.

Gonorrhoea

This is caused by a bacterium called Neissueria gonorrhoeae and sometimes called gonococcus. There is a white discharge from the urinary tract and a burning sensation during urination in an infected person. The symptoms may be noted 3-5 days in the males. The female may show no symptoms at all. This leads to sterility, blindness in children, etc.

Treatment

A single dose of penicillin injection can cure gonorrhea if it is diagnosed at an early stage.

HIV/AIDS

• HIV- Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• AIDS – Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

This disease is caused by a virus called Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). An infected person with HIV has no symptoms of the disease for some years and can infect others without realizing that they are infected.

HIV can be transmitted sexually through intercourse with an infected person, from infected mother to the child during pregnancy or as a result of breast feeding, during transfusion of infected blood, using unsterilized sharp instruments, etc. however, HIV cannot be transmitted through handshakes, insect bites, water or food.

HIV infects special cells in the immune system called the lymphocytes and monocytes. It eventually destroys these cells and this leaves the individual susceptible to other diseases. This leads to vulnerability to opportunistic infections like tuberculosis, pneumonia, meningitis and possible death.

Coping Skills for Preserving Reproductive Health

1. The coping skill for preserving reproductive health are:
2. Educational empowerment: This provides girls and women information they need which affects their status as well as the control they have over their health and fertility.
3. Multi-sectoral action: Reproductive health encompasses more than biomedical aspects and goes beyond the health sector. Reproductive ill health equally lies in poverty, gender forms of inequality and social injustice, etc. To this end, different sectors can come together to promote reproductive health.
4. Prevention of reproductive tract infections (RTIs), including STIs and HIV/AIDS through preventive counseling. Condom distribution as part of primary health care.
5. Discouragement of harmful practices, such as female genital mutilation.
6. Compulsory sex education in the curriculum.
7. Abortion counseling and family planning.
8. Eating balanced diet.