Women’s Health: A Comprehensive Journey of Well-Being

Let's be honest, sometimes it can feel overwhelming or even confusing as to where to even start.

But fear not! This blog is here to be your guide, your own Master Oogway to hold your hands through the wonderful (and sometimes not-so-wonderful) world of women's reproductive health. We'll break down the basics, debunk some myths, and answer some of your burning questions.

So, grab a cup of tea (or your favorite beverage!), get comfy, and let's get right into it!

Reproductive health is a fundamental aspect of your overall well-being. It's more of a journey that carries across different stages of your life than a one-time thing. Meaning it needs to be monitored and maintained.

From the hormonal shifts of puberty to the potential for pregnancy and childbirth, and eventually to the changes of menopause, understanding and caring for your reproductive system can help you be aware of your own body.

The knowledge and resources you need to navigate these changes can empower you with confidence and feel your best at every stage of your life.

Your Monthly Cycle: A Friend, not a Foe

Periods. They can be a pain (literally most times!), but they're also a normal and healthy part of being a woman. Your menstrual cycle is part of a much bigger system commandeered by the hormones released by your ovaries.

We know! It's getting a tad too science-y so let’s break it down.

Don't worry, when we mean breakdown, we don’t mean the rom-com with a side of menopause symptoms and ice cream-eating kind. We mean the different phases of your menstrual cycle.

Starting with, the Follicular Phase:

This is the first half of your cycle, where one egg matures in an ovarian follicle. Estrogen levels rise, stimulating the growth of the endometrium.

Then comes the Ovulation:

Around half a month in, the mature egg is released from the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube. This is your prime fertile window.

Followed by the Luteal Phase:

The remaining follicle forms the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone to prepare the endometrium for a possible pregnancy.

And finally, Menstruation:

If no pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum breaks down, causing progesterone levels to drop. This triggers the shedding of the endometrium – your period!

Good thing not even your stubborn ovary can take away your right to choose when to get pregnant! #YourBodyYourChoice

Your period can be your body's way of giving you a little health report. Here's a quick guide:

Length: A normal cycle can last anywhere from 21 to 35 days.

Flow: Heavy or light periods are both common, as long as you're not soaking through pads or tampons every hour.

Pain: Mild cramps are normal, but severe pain that makes you want to curl up into a ball and rethink the merit of doing silly things like eating or hydrating is clearly not normal.

Bleeding: Periods typically last 3-7 days, with heavier bleeding in the middle.

With PCOS diagnosis on the rise, its awareness among women has also come a long way. So if you experience irregular periods, excessively heavy bleeding, severe pain, early menopause symptoms, or bleeding between periods, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor. They can rule out any underlying conditions and recommend treatment options.

Taking charge of your reproductive health can be daunting at first. Passive and consistent self-monitoring will prevent many issues from blowing up in the future. Birth control is one of the many preventive health care measures you can take. There are many different methods available, each with its own pros and cons.

1. Combined Oral Contraceptives or the elusive Pill: These pills contain hormones that prevent ovulation. They're very effective and can also regulate your cycle and reduce cramps after a round of doctor’s advice.

2. Progestin-Only Pills aka Mini-Pill: These thicken cervical mucus and may thin the uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg. They're a good option if you can't take estrogen.

3. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): These T-shaped devices are inserted into the uterus and can be hormonal or non-hormonal. They're highly effective and long-lasting too.

4. Implants: A small, thin rod inserted under the arm, releasing hormones to prevent ovulation for several years.

5. The Patch: A skin patch that gets attached to your skin releases a mix of estrogen and progesterone to regulate ovulation.

6. Vaginal Ring: A flexible ring inserted into the vagina that releases hormones continuously.

7. Barrier Methods (Condoms, diaphragms): These physically block sperm from reaching the egg. They're readily available and can also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Will Inky Pinky Ponky Work: Choosing the Right Birth Control

Not to repeat the age-old truth but there really is no "one size fits all" answer when it comes to birth control. The best method depends on several factors, like your gynecological conditions, sexual lifestyle, and personal preferences.

Whatever it is, talk to your doctor freely! They are more than equipped to answer your questions, discuss your options, and help you find the method that's right for you. The more open you are with your questions, the safer it is.

They say never lie to two people in your life: Doctors and Lawyers. But we propose a third one: Mothers.

For one, they will definitely find out, and secondly, because they quite literally have our entire medical history. This extends to our reproductive health as well, with daughters often bringing information passed down from their mothers into conversations with healthcare providers. If not your mother, then a guardian who has taken their time to research and help you understand your own body is someone worth sitting down, cracking open a cold one (we mean rose milk!), and having an honest talk with.

Even outside of a home environment, it’s essential to create a safe space for open and honest communication for young women to feel empowered to ask questions and make informed decisions. Clinics that prioritize patient confidentiality and encourage private consultations between young women and healthcare providers can significantly contribute to this.

Doctors and mothers are fine, but is it really necessary to talk about S-E-X with your partner? Yes! A healthy sex life is also an important part of overall well-being. And we will admit that talking about sex can be awkward. However, open communication with your partner(s) is important for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Here are some tips to start off with:

• Talk about sexual boundaries and expectations.
• Discuss consent and how to say no.
• Stay informed about STIs and make a date out of doing a test even.
• Be open to exploring your pleasure and your partner's.
• Remember, a healthy sex life is about mutual respect, clear communication, and feeling comfortable with your own body.

For far too long, women's health has been defined by a narrow focus on reproductive functions. A Harvard Business School blog post reminded us that true health consists of a much broader spectrum. It's about recognizing the historical and ongoing gender biases within the healthcare system that can impact how women’s concerns are addressed.

This can manifest in several ways:

1. Dismissal of symptoms: Women's pain is often downplayed or attributed to emotional factors.

2. Lack of research: Historically, medical research has often focused on men's bodies, leading to a gap in understanding how diseases and medications might affect women differently.

3. Limited access to specialists: Women may face challenges finding gynecologists or specialists to address their specific needs.

With the recent increase in breast cancer awareness, it’s clear that taking a step towards advocating for women's healthcare starts with acknowledging these biases and working on how to break them.

Women’s health especially concerning reproductive organs is a lifelong journey with different needs at different stages.

Breaking the idea that some questions are just too awkward to ask is the first step toward knowing your own body and its needs. By taking charge, you're also setting the stage for a healthy and fulfilling life ahead.

This blog is merely a starting point. There's a wealth of information available online and from your primary caretaker. So keep exploring, keep learning, and never stop asking questions!