Although, South African women’s sexual and reproductive health rights are protected by law, a personal commitment to help the process along is crucial to make it succeed.

Sexual and reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in all matters relating to a woman’s reproductive system. It includes having a safe and fulfilling sex life and being able to decide for yourself if, when and how often you want to have babies. Sexual and reproductive health also includes the enhancement of life and personal relations associated with these processes.

  1. Know your rights. Don’t let anybody force you into having sex or becoming pregnant. It’s your human right, according to the Constitution and the law, to refuse! Furthermore, every woman in South Africa has the right to healthcare services aimed at protecting her sexual and reproductive health.
  2. Stay informed. Stay informed about maintaining your sexual and reproductive health by accessing, accurate medical information. Don’t listen to “old wives” tales but ask your doctor or clinic nurse when you need help.
  3. Take precautions. Unplanned and unintended pregnancy can be very traumatic and is also a leading contributor to death in young mothers. Speak to your doctor or clinic nurse about birth control if you are sexually active. There are many options available.
  4. Dodge the deadly virus. Take precautions against becoming infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes Aids. Be very careful who you have sex with. Make sure that your partner wears a condom and talk to him about his sexual history, before you jump into bed. Do, however, remember that condoms aren’t 100% safe.
  5. Avoid getting sexually transmitted infections. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are bad news. Be suspicious of any rashes or skin infections around the genital area but be aware that some STIs are undetectable and when left untreated can cause great damage. Take your partner along and be tested when in doubt. The human papilloma virus (HPV) for example can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and cervical cancer. Fortunately, you can and should get a HPV vaccination.
  6. Manage your menstrual cycle. Know when it’s time for your cycle to start. Be prepared to manage those pesky pre-menstrual symptoms (PMS) of mood swings and feeling exhausted and upset for no reason. Knowing how your cycle works and when you usually ovulate will help when you are trying to get pregnant or, alternatively, trying to avoid getting pregnant.
  7. Stay healthy. Your sexual and reproductive health is closely linked to your general health. Exercise, eat healthy organic food and drink a lot of water. Staying hydrated may help with vaginal dryness while mild exercise is a known stress and pain reliever during menstruation. Stay away from food riddled with pesticides and toxins and take natural, herbal supplements when needed.
  8. Grit your teeth and go for your annual check-up. Although most women dread their annual check-up “down under”, it’s crucial that you do see your gynaecologist. This is the only way in which he or she may be able to detect and treat any problem threatening your sexual and reproductive health.
  9. Invest in healthy relationships. A woman’s sexual and reproductive health is also influenced by her personal relationships and circumstances. Do make sure that you are in a stable and loving relationship with someone that respects you and that you trust your partner, before engaging in sex.
  10. Say no to the blues. Do get help and treatment for the “baby blues” and other forms of stress or depression, immediately. Post-natal depression for example is a life-threatening mental condition that often strikes unsuspecting mothers soon after childbirth.

 

Sources

Kim, J. 2015. Seven ways to care for your reproductive health. Retrieved from: http://www.peacefuldumpling.com/7-ways-care-reproductive-health
Moskosky, S. 2014. Protecting your sexual and reproductive health. Retrieved from: https://www.womenshealth.gov/blog/protecting-your-sexual-and-reproductive-health
Sexual and reproductive health. 2016. Retrieved from: http://www.unfpa.org/sexual-reproductive-health