Reproductive health

I. Introduction to Reproductive Health (RH)

Learning objectives: To define reproductive health concepts and reproductive rights To understand Objectives of RH Address sufficiently critical RH components Understand magnitude of Factors affecting RH

Basic Definitions and Concepts of RH and Reproductive Rights Emerged with the motive of expanding family planning programs to the more comprehensive set of programs pertaining to reproductive system of women and men including adolescents. It also encompasses health needs of newborns, children as well as people who are beyond reproductive age Reproductive Health - definition A 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 Physical well beingSafe pregnancy and delivery Safe and effective contraception Safe sexual life Preventing complication leading to Maternal morbidity and mortality Addressing problems of infertility, Menopausal problems Other gynecological and obstetric problems Mental well being: depressions and mood swings related to pregnancy, post delivery, Postpartum depression, Pre-menopause mood disorders and depressions are parts to be considered as RH issues Etc. Social well being includes: social pressures/ stigma/ alienation in connection to say infertility, HIV/AIDS, fistula, female genital cutting, early marriage, attitudes and expectations harming the reproductive health of women and men, gender roles, decision making power to get medical help. Implications of the definition People are able to have a satisfying and safe sex life healthy/responsible sexual relation without fear of disease People have the capability to reproduce primary and secondary infertility services Couples and individuals have to decide freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children enabling self determination of family planning Men and women need to be informed of and have access to safe , effective , affordable and acceptable methods of family planning of their choices Information and access to family planning choices The right of access to appropriate health care services that enable women to go safely through pregnancy and child birth and to have healthy infant MCH services available Access to services for the prevention and care of RH problems both gynecological and obstetric, including counseling The definition also has implication about * Rights of individuals and couples * Service components expected to meet their rights Reproductive rights The right of couples and individuals to decide freely and responsibly the number ,spacing and timing of their children, and have the information to do so Right to attain the highest standard of sexual and RH Right to make decisions concerning reproduction free of discrimination and violence Right to access HC services. The right of access to appropriate health care services that enable women to go safely through pregnancy and child birth and to have healthy infant Human rights recognized by national/international laws The Target Groups for Reproductive Health Services The target population of a service includes for whom the service is primarily or solely intended. These people may be of a certain age or sex or may have other common characteristics. The following populations are groups of priority concern in reproductive health services. Women of childbearing age (15 49 years old) Adolescents (both male and female) Under five years old children The rationales of prioritizing the above population groups for reproductive health services are the ones stated here under.

a. Women of child-bearing age (15 49 years old) 1. Women alone are at risk of complications from pregnancy and childbirth 2. Women face high risks in preventing unwanted pregnancy; they bear the burden of using and suffering potential side effects from most contraceptive methods, and they suffer the consequences of unsafe abortion. 3. Women are more vulnerable to contracting and suffering complications of many sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS. 4. From the equity point of view this population group constitutes about 24% of the population; which is a significant proportion. 5. Deaths and illnesses from reproductive causes are highest among poor women everywhere.

b. Adolescents (Both sexes) 1. Adolescents lack reliable reproductive health information, and thus the basic knowledge to make responsible choice regarding their reproductive behavior. 2. In many countries around the world, leaders, community members, and parents are reluctant to provide education on sexuality to young men and women for fear of promiscuity. 3. Many adolescents are already sexually active, often at very young age. 4. The reproductive health status of young people, in terms of sexual activity, contraceptive use, child bearing, and STIs lays the foundation for the countrys demographic feature. 5. During adolescence normal physical development may be adversely affected by inadequate diet, excessive physical stress, or pregnancy before physiological maturity is attainted. 6. Adolescents are at high risk to acquire infertility associated with STIs and unsafe abortion 7. Conditions of work are designed for adults rather than adolescents and put them at greater risk of accidental injury and death. 8. Current health services are generally not organized to fulfill the need and demands of adolescents. c. Under Five Children 1. Childrens health is a base for healthy adolescence and childbearing ages. 2. Proper health service for children serves to increase the opportunities of women to have contact with the health institution. 3. The health of children and women is inseparable 4. The morbidity and mortality of children in Ethiopia is one of the highest in the world. 5. Bearing high number of children has adverse consequences on health of the mother, the general income distribution and health status of the family.

1.1 Reasons for RH services

v. Reproductive health is a crucial part of general health and a central feature of human development. It is a reflection of health during childhood, and crucial during adolescence and adulthood, sets the stage for health beyond the reproductive years for both women and men, and affects the health of the next generation. The health of the newborn is largely a function of the mother's health and nutrition status and of her access to health care.

v. Reproductive health is a universal concern, but is of special importance for women particularly during the reproductive years. Although most reproductive health problems arise during the reproductive years, in old age general health continues to reflect earlier reproductive life events. Men too have reproductive health concerns and needs though their general health is affected by reproductive health to a lesser extent than is the case for women. However, men have particular roles and responsibilities in terms of women's reproductive health because of their decision-making powers in reproductive health matters.

<>vvBecause reproductive health is such an important component of general health it is a prerequisite for social, economic and human development.

The highest attainable level of health is not only a fundamental human right for all; it is also a social and economic imperative because human energy and creativity are the driving forces of development.

Such energy and creativity cannot be generated by sick, tired people, and consequently a healthy and active population becomes a prerequisite of social and economic development.