February was Reproductive Health Awareness Month and while it has come to an end, the importance of educating and empowering women about their reproductive health remains as vital as ever. It is important to continue raising awareness, providing education, and advocating for women’s health year-round.
SA women are faced with a range of reproductive health issues such as HIV/Aids, STDs, cervical cancer, infertility, female genital mutilation as a result of gender-based violence, PCOS, unsafe abortions and unmet need for family planning.
While awareness around reproductive health has grown, there is still a lack of knowledge around many of these topics.
Dr Nontembeko Somlota, a specialist obstetrician and gynecologist, says reproductive health is not just about pregnancy and family planning but about maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“Healthy weight management is imperative as this assists in a healthy pregnancy, resulting in better outcomes for both mother and baby,” Somlota said.
She also highlighted the importance of folic acid, which should ideally be taken at least three months before conception to aid in fetal development and reduce the risk of early pregnancy loss.
Regular gynecological check-ups are essential in maintaining reproductive health, but the frequency of these visits depends on a woman’s medical history.
“Low-risk individuals should visit their gynecologist every two years, but annual check-ups are advised for women in the premenopausal phase. These include a breast exam, pap smear, and gynecological ultrasound. For peri- and postmenopausal women, additional screenings such as mammograms, bone density scans, and transvaginal ultrasounds become crucial in monitoring changes influenced by hormone replacement therapy and other factors,” she said.
Fertility awareness is another critical aspect of reproductive health, particularly in understanding the best time for pregnancy. After 35, the natural depletion of eggs accelerates, increasing the risk of complications such as miscarriages, diabetes, and hypertension.
According to Somlota, the ideal age to plan pregnancy is before 35, as the quality of eggs is better and increases the chances of a successful pregnancy.
For women dealing with hormonal imbalances caused by conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, Somlota stresses the importance of seeking medical advice for proper diagnosis and management, maintaining that follow-ups are critical to assess the patient’s progress and determine if treatment needs to be adjusted.
Despite the importance of reproductive health, many women still struggle with access to adequate healthcare.
Somlota encourages women to seek information from credible sources like the World Health Organisation to avoid misinformation.
Somlota has a website that has information on various conditions that affect women’s reproductive health.
Visit www.drsomlotaobsgynae.co.za.
