The female reproductive organs are organs that need to be maintained for their health. In addition to playing an important role in the overall health and well-being of women, women's reproductive health can also affect the ability to have children and a woman's pregnancy. If there is interference with the female reproductive system, negative impacts such as sexual disturbances to difficulty getting pregnant can also be felt. In commemoration of International Women's Day which falls on March 8, this article will discuss women's reproductive organs to the ways women can do to maintain their health.
Which body parts are included in the female reproductive organs?
There are several parts of the body that can be classified as female reproductive organs, including:
- Ovaries: Small round organs located in the pelvic cavity and function to produce eggs (ovum) and the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
- Fallopian tubes: Also known as the uterine tubes, are a pair of thin tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus and are where fertilization usually occurs.
- Uterus: An organ shaped like an inverted pyramid that is located in the lower pelvis and functions to accommodate and grow the fetus during pregnancy.
- Cervix: The lower part of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina. At the time of ovulation, cervical mucus becomes thinner and allows sperm to enter the uterus.
- Vagina: A hollow, elastic canal that connects the cervix to the female external reproductive organs, and serves as the birth canal for the baby to come out during labour.
What ways can be done to maintain reproductive health?
There are several habits that women can apply to maintain their reproductive health, such as:
- Routinely carry out health checks
Women need to have regular health checks to ensure their reproductive health is maintained. Some of the health checks that need to be done include:- Pap smear: a test performed to detect the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix and ensure that cervical cancer does not occur.
- Breast exams: women should routinely examine their own breasts and have regular breast exams to detect any lumps or changes in the breasts.
- Reproductive cancer screenings: such as ultrasound examinations and blood tests, which can help detect ovarian cancer and uterine cancer.
- Implementing a healthy lifestyle
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help maintain women's reproductive health. Some ways to adopt a healthy lifestyle include:- Eat a healthy diet: include vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy sources of protein such as lean meats, fish and nuts.
- Exercising regularly: getting regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight, improve blood circulation, and reduce stress.
- Avoid smoking and excessive drinking: smoking and excessive drinking can affect reproductive health and lead to various dangerous health conditions.
- Avoiding unsafe sexual relations
Women need to avoid unsafe sexual relations and use appropriate contraceptives if they do not want to become pregnant. Unprotected sex can increase the risk of reproductive tract infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some safe and effective contraceptives include condoms, birth control pills, and long-term contraceptives such as the intrauterine device (IUD). - Pay attention to symptoms of reproductive health
Women need to pay attention to symptoms related to reproductive health, such as pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, and changes in the menstrual cycle.
That's an explanation about the female reproductive organs to how to maintain their health. If you experience certain symptoms or want to do routine checks, you can go to a trusted obstetrician and gynecologist.
Article written by dr. Dewi Rochyantini, Sp.OG (Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist at EMC Pekayon Hospital).