Sexual and Reproductive Health

A woman's period (menstrual cycle) is regulated by hormones and is a natural process whereby the body prepares for pregnancy. Keeping track of your menstrual cycle can help you identify the right time for conception. The end of the last menstrual period is known as menopause.

Menstruation is an important part of being healthy. Talk to your gynaecologist if you experience

• Irregular or heavier-than-usual bleeding (menorrhagia), which could be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Period pain that is out of the ordinary, which can be a sign of endometriosis. Uncover the underlying risk factors and symptoms of the disease.

To achieve sexual wellness, every woman needs to embrace her own sexuality as a vital part of her emotional and physical health.

Many factors that can affect your sexual libido, such as stress, illness, aging, common conditions that cause sexual dysfunction, as well as the influence from career, family and social commitments.

Treatments for female sexual dysfunction

Depending on the causes and symptoms, there are different treatments and therapies available for female sexual dysfunction. See your doctor about your symptoms to rule out any underlying medical issues.

Treatments for female sexual dysfunction may include:

• Open communication with your partner to improve intimacy
• Healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet
• Limiting your alcohol intake as drinking too much alcohol can lower your sexual response
• Seeing a counsellor or therapist who specialises in sexual and relationship issues
• Hormone therapy, such as estrogen or androgen therapy
• Medications to raise a low libido (sex drive)

There are many forms of contraceptives that are available for effective birth control. Common contraceptive methods include:

• Natural family planning
• Female condom
• Male condom
• Vaginal ring
• Contraceptive patch
• Oral contraceptives
• Injectables
• Intrauterine device

Talk to a gynaecologist to find out the method which best suits your needs.

Getting pregnant

Start planning your parenthood journey early if you and your partner intend to have children. As a woman's fertility declines with age, early planning will allow you to deal with any unexpected fertility issues sooner than later.

Dealing with fertility issues

Fertility problems may arise due to problems in the female or the male reproductive system. It is advisable to seek medical help if:

• You and your partner are unable to conceive after 1 year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse
• The woman is above the age of 35 and after 6 months of trying

Fertility treatment can include assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Sexually transmitted infections and diseases (STIs and STDs) can be transmitted through vaginal, anal or oral contact during intercourse. Some examples are syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis.

See a gynaecologist if you have symptoms of an STD, such as:

• Vaginal itching
• Rashes
• Unusual discharge
• Pain

Proper protection during sexual activity can help prevent the transmission of STIs. Left untreated, STIs can lead to fertility problems and an increased risk of cervical cancer.

There are steps you can take to prevent cervical cancer, including:

• Regular screening such as Pap smears
• Getting the HPV vaccine, which can help to provide protection against certain strains or types of human papillomavirus (HPV), mainly the ones that are most commonly linked to cervical cancer