Health Conditions That Are Related to Reproductive Health
The reproductive system that women have is complex. While there are a lot of issues that can affect a woman’s reproductive system directly such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and reproductive cancers, what about the other health issues that might arise because of poor reproductive health? Keep reading below to learn more about health conditions that are related to reproductive health!
Heart Disease
One in three women will have to get a hysterectomy in their lifetime due to heavy menstrual bleeding and other gynecologic problems. In fact, more than 400,000 hysterectomies are performed each year in the United States. As necessary as a hysterectomy can be in specific situations, the removal of reproductive organs is actually linked to an increased risk of heart disease, according to Harvard Health.
There are things you can do to stay healthy after a hysterectomy to lower your risks of heart diseases like eating healthy and exercising often. But it also pays to be proactive with your physician to make sure you are doing all you can to prevent further issues from occurring.
Organ Damage
If conditions like fibroids or endometriosis grow to severe issues without treatment, several bodily organs can be at risk of being compromised. For example, overgrowth of endometriosis fibers can create issues for the bladder, kidneys, or even the stomach. Women who suffer from large fibroids can also sustain organ damage when the growths become too large.
It’s easy to look out for this though. Make sure to visit your gynecologist yearly for annual exams and speak to your provider if you are experiencing any of the above issues. This way, you’ll be proactive with your reproductive health.
Mental Health Issues
Having problems with your reproductive system can directly affect your mental health. Here is a short list of the many ways women suffer from mental health issues due to reproductive health problems:
- Women who have issues with conceiving or carrying a child may suffer from things like depression or anxiety disorders.
- About one in nine women experience symptoms of postpartum depression, which is a form of depression that occurs shortly after giving birth. In addition, those who develop postpartum depression are at greater risk of developing major depression later on in life.
- Women who have fertility problems are actually at a higher risk of suicide.
- Not being able to enjoy sexual activity with a partner because of poor reproductive health can also bring about emotional distress.
- Women who have issues with unstable hormone levels due to poor reproductive health are also at risk of having problems with their emotional well-being.
- All of the above issues can, of course, lead to high levels of stress which can impact reproductive health even more.
If you have concerns about health conditions that are related to reproductive health, it is best to talk to your gynecologist. Reach out to us at Avant Gynecology for an appointment if there are specific concerns you would like to discuss.
