Reproductive health

Reproductive health is the health of the male and female reproductive systems.

It includes the following clinical subspecialties in men’s and women’s healthcare:

• reproductive medicine – fertility treatment.
• family planning and abortion – contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy testing and terminations.
• maternal-foetal medicine – managing health concerns of the mother and foetus prior to, during, and shortly after pregnancy.
• benign gynaecology - fibroids, menstrual disorders, and endometriosis.
• male and female urology – non-cancerous prostate, bladder and pelvic floor problems.
• reproductive cancers – cervical, ovarian, testicular and prostate cancers.

Good reproductive health is important for a person’s general health and well-being.

Taking care of your reproductive health and having reproductive organs that function properly can protect you from various reproductive issues. It can allow a safe and satisfying sexual life and the ability to make life choices such as whether to try to create a healthy child.

Four ways to maintain reproductive health include:

• Prevent untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – practice good sexual health. Get screened regularly for STIs, if you are sexually active. If you or your partner show any STI symptoms, immediately get an STI test and use protection when having sex.
• Make healthy lifestyle choices – eat a balanced high-fibre and low-fat diet, drink plenty of water, take regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight. Get enough sleep and manage stress. Avoid using tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs.
• Get contraception – get advice on the best contraception for your needs so that you can decide if and when to start a family. Find out how they work, who can use them, and any possible side effects.
• Attend routine exams – attend your regular cervical screening (smear test) to check for abnormality so that it can be detected early and treated before cervical cancer develops. Have a regular health screen that checks your reproductive health. Have a yearly STI screening if you are a sexually active woman under age 25.

There are some things you can do to improve your reproductive health. They include:

• Giving up smoking
• Reducing alcohol consumption
• Eating a healthy balanced diet
• Taking regular physical activity
• Controlling your weight
• Taking vitamin D and folic acid supplements.

The problems of reproductive health are different for men and women.

Women’s reproductive health problems include:

• Endometriosis
• Infertility or difficulty getting pregnant
• Menstrual problems including heavy or irregular bleeding
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Uterine fibroids, noncancerous growths in a woman’s uterus or womb.

Male reproductive health problems include:

• Impotence or erectile dysfunction
• Hypospadias
• Low sperm count or low sperm quality
• Low testosterone
• Testicular cancer.

The costs of a reproductive health consultation will vary from patient to patient. They will depend on the nature of your consultation, whether you have a reproductive health condition or just require a health screen or STI test, and your chosen Ramsay hospital.

You will be advised of your reproductive health consultation cost upon booking.

The costs of your reproductive health consultation may be covered by medical insurance, provided it is considered medically necessary. We advise you get written confirmation from your insurance provider before your consultation.

If you are paying for yourself, we offer a variety of payment options including interest-free finance.

Your recovery will depend on whether you have a reproductive health consultation, test or procedure.

After a health consultation, there is typically no recovery. You will receive advice on your reproductive health.

If you have an STI test, you will not require any recovery time. You can continue your daily routine straight afterwards.

You may have a diagnostic test such as laparoscopy to diagnose and treat endometriosis. Afterwards, you may feel pain and be more emotional. It can take a week or more before you are ready to return to your regular activities. You may have a longer, heavier or more painful period after the surgery.

Men who suffer from erectile dysfunction may have oral medications to improve blood flow to their penis and encourage erections. There is no recovery from this. Alternatively, they may have a penile implant that results in bruising and swelling after the procedure.

Your doctor will discuss your recovery after your reproductive health care.