We often think about reproductive health as completely separate from the rest of our bodily functions. However, issues with our reproductive organs can have a serious effect on the rest of our health.
Paying attention to our reproductive health starts early, too. Among single teens aged 15-19, 41.6% of females and 37.5% of males have engaged in sexual intercourse at least once. Engaging in sexual intercourse can open us up to pregnancy and many types of infections and conditions.
Using reproductive health lab tests to screen our health is an important part of our health regimen, read on.
What is Sexual and Reproductive Health?
Reproductive health is all health that is related to our reproductive organs. Checking our reproductive organ health can help make sure we haven't developed any adverse health conditions. We can keep our reproductive abilities in top shape and keep sexual relations enjoyable.
When we check in on our reproductive health, we are checking on our physical, mental, and social well-being. We should have a safe and satisfying sex life that can result in pregnancy if we choose.
Good reproductive health comes from education and resources as well as routine physical exams and tests.
There are so many conditions that can affect reproductive health that it can be hard to keep track of everything. In general, reproductive health can be affected by:
- Fertility issues
- Infections and diseases
- Cancer
- Disorders
Educating yourself about the most common conditions, the risk factors, and the causes will help you keep an eye on your health.
Causes and Risk Factors for Reproductive Health Issues
Reproductive health issues are vast and so are their causes. Conditions can come from sexual violence, genetic predisposition, or lifestyle choices. Because women have much more complicated reproductive systems, they should get checked more regularly than men.
In general, men and women who have active sex lives should get checked regularly for infections and diseases, also known as STDs and STIs.
As for fertility issues, people are more likely to have difficulty conceiving if they've had long-term undiagnosed health issues, have had an abortion, or are genetically more predisposed to infertility.
Certain pre-existing disorders, such as PCOS and endometriosis, are also very common genetic and reproductive health issues. Cancer is also a common issue that everyone should test for regularly.
Sexual violence can cause physical harm to reproductive organs and serious mental, emotional, and social stress.
Overall, everyone from any walk of life should be concerned with their reproductive health and be proactive about checking for signs of issues.
Signs and Symptoms of Reproductive Health Issues
For men and women, there can be some obvious signs and more subtle signs that you have a reproductive health issue. Physically, you could notice changes in feeling or visually. Mentally, you could notice changes in behavior and emotions.
If you have been sexually pressured, assaulted, or battered in any way, immediately contact authorities, a counselor, or a health care professional. Sexual violence can cause you serious physical and mental harm that you should address promptly.
Reproductive health issues can cause a wide range of symptoms, many of which can regularly occur due to other issues. There are some other more special concerns, however, that point to reproductive issues. Take notice if you are experiencing changes in physical health, such as:
- Pain or discomfort in areas of reproductive organs
- Unusual discharge
- Frequent urination or urgency
- Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Unusual menstrual cycles
- Difficulties with fertility
- Changes in skin, hair, and nails
You should also take notice if you're experiencing mental changes, such as:
- Mood swings
- Brain fog and fatigue
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
Taking note of the changes in your physical and mental health can help you notice reproductive health issues and seek a diagnosis faster.
How Are Reproductive Health Issues Diagnosed?
Exams by physicians will entail a verbal discussion about your history and lifestyle so that risk factors can be identified. Physicians will also conduct physical exams that check for outward signs of a problem. Physical exams will include:
- Checking for skin and hair changes
- Feeling the abdomen for protrusions, enlargements, or tenderness
- Looking at the genital area
- Checking for lumps in areas typically vulnerable to cancer
- Performing more invasive exams that check organs internally
If a physician notices any changes or has any concerns, they will likely prescribe further reproductive health tests.
Common Reproductive Health Lab Tests
Many times, health care professionals might advise you to get an ultrasound test. Ultrasounds can help check organs without physically entering your body. With these exams, professionals will check for enlargements or damage to organs or even pregnancy.
Regarding sexual health lab tests, STDs and STIs are commonly tested for with swabs, urine tests and blood tests. Doctors can check for cancer with scrapes, swabs, ultrasounds, blood tests, and other exams.
If you're worried about fertility, reproductive health testing can be performed by giving sperm samples or taking blood tests. A fertility test will be able to pinpoint your issue.
Blood tests are the best way to get samples of the levels of antibodies, sex hormones, and other indicators in your system. Blood tests can test for almost any reproductive health condition you could have, making them the most versatile and accessible way to keep track of your sexual and reproductive health.
Reproductive health blood tests are available for you to buy from Ulta Lab Tests without the need for health insurance or referrals from a doctor. You'll get secure and confidential results with affordable pricing, 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
Monitor Your Reproductive Health
If you're concerned about your reproductive health, but you're embarrassed or don't have access to a physician right away, you can take control by ordering a reproductive health lab test. These sexual health tests range with a wide variety of to help you find issues with your reproductive health.
Ulta Lab Tests offers tests that are highly accurate and reliable so you can make informed decisions about your health. Order a reproductive health blood test now and get results within 1-2 days for most tests.
