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Entity reports on the ways women can take control of your reproductive health.

A woman’s reproductive health is incredibly complex. Huffington Post even writes, “Over the course of human history, women have been by turns worshipped, vilified, loved and feared for our femininity. This is largely because women are endowed with the power to procreate.” But, despite the greatness of your reproductive system, how much do you really know about it? Or better yet, when was the last time you went to the doctor for a check-up?

In the last decade, health has become a growing trend, yet a woman’s period is still a taboo subject. The truth is, living the “#fitlife” also involves making the effort to learn about how to care for your reproductive system. According to the East Kentucky Reproductive Health Project, “Learning about your body, healthcare and safety is an important part of being able to care for yourself.”

More women need to learn to speak openly about sexual and reproductive health in order to be truly “healthy.” Here are some ways to start taking control of your body.

1 PRACTICE SAFE SEX.

While birth control is an effective form of contraception, it will not prevent you from sexually transmitted diseases. According to Women’s Health, about 19 million people get an STI each year in the United States. Instead of being one of those 19 million, practice effective prevention techniques.

Start by having an honest and open conversation with your partner about your sexual history before you have sex. Then, conduct your own STI research in order to be aware of the symptoms, treatment options and prevention methods. If you are non-monogamous and have multiple sexual partners, Planned Parenthood suggests using male or female condoms, Sheer Glyde dams or dental dams. In addition to using protection, Women’s Health also stresses the importance of regularly visiting your healthcare provider for STI testing, including HIV. While many STIs are easily diagnosed and treated, Women’s Health says that untreated STIs can “have a lasting effect on your health.” For example, untreated chlamydia can lead to infertility.

2 IF YOU’RE NOT READY TO HAVE CHILDREN, CHOOSE BIRTH CONTROL WISELY.

The good news is that abstinence is no longer the only option to avoid an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy. According to Women’s Health, there are now various methods available to you, allowing you to choose whichever best fits your needs and lifestyle. Many women take the birth control pill, while other women use the patch or the birth control ring. There are also other long-lasting options such as the intrauterine device (IUD) or the contraceptive implant for women who have trouble remembering or who do not want to remember to use the pill, patch or ring.

According to the Health & Human Services website, “Of the 100 women using implants, less than one may become pregnant each year.” When choosing which best fits your needs, it’s also important to speak to your doctor about the various side effects. WebMD says birth control pills can cause nausea, weight gain, mood changes or even consistent spotting between periods. So, talk to your doctor.

Speaking of side effects, learn why a Birth Control Study for Men was Halted Due to ‘Mood Changes.’

3 USE THE LUBE.

According to Bustle, “Vaginal lubrication is triggered by the blood that flows toward the genitals during arousal.” But, how lubricated a woman may become varies from person to person and can change based on hormones, stress and emotions. Because of this, some people may need to use personal lubricants to avoid painful intercourse.

Live Science writes, “[Research shows] women using lubricants reported higher ratings of sexual pleasure and lower rates of negative genital symptoms, such as pain or burning, than those not using lubricant.” Although there is a negative stigma to using personal lubricants, it’s important to combat the idea that using them means you are not attracted to your partner. That’s not the case at all. Lubricants can be necessary, so talk with your partner about using them if you need them.

4 BE PROACTIVE ABOUT YOUR OWN HEALTH.

Although mammograms and Pap smears sound like terrifying procedures, Everyday Health says women are supposed to have these exams regularly. Starting at 21 – or as soon as you are sexually active – women need to have pelvic exams and Pap smears every two years to check for the presence of pre-cancerous or cancerous cells in the cervix. Women should also start having mammograms and breast exams every three years from ages 20 to 40. Mammograms are important screening tests for breast cancer.

In addition to visiting your healthcare provider, you should also learn how to do self-exams. According to the National Breast Cancer website, “Women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least twice a month” especially when 40 percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump in their breasts. To find out how to properly examine yourself, visit the National Breast Cancer website.

5 TRACK YOUR MONTHLY CYCLE.

Because your period is meant to happen regularly, it is easy to become complacent about keeping track of it. Missed periods can indicate more than just pregnancy. According to All About Women, a change in your menstrual cycle is “often the first obvious symptom for a number of women’s health issues, some of which have no obvious connection to the reproductive organs.” Irregular periods can indicate a hormone issue, a thyroid problem, liver function problems, irritable bowel syndrome and even diabetes. Women can also miss periods when they are experiencing a significant weight change or an extreme amount of stress.

Everyday Health says tracking your menstruation is particularly helpful for women who are trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy. So, when you are tracking your period, note how heavy it is, how long it lasts, your energy level and other changes. Although this sounds like a lot of information, there are now various applications such as Fertility Friend and iMensies to help women track menstruation.

In order for women to be truly “healthy,” they must make the effort to keep track of their reproductive health. Don’t let yourself think that it’s okay to not have that regular check-up or that it’s okay to not use contraception because it “feels better.”

Choose partners who respect your health and who are easy to talk with. Choose someone who is willing to listen to your concerns and will be honest with you. Learning to take care of your reproductive system is one of the best ways you can respect yourself as a woman. Be proactive, do your research, have the important conversations and get tested.

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