Women’s Health Week: Reproductive Health
A woman’s reproductive system is complex. Sexual and reproductive health is an important part of a women’s overall health and well-being. Caring for your reproductive system also means having control of your health, if or when you become pregnant. It is also important to take steps to be protected from infections and injury, as well as to prevent what could become long-term health issues. Taking care of yourself and making healthy choices can help protect you and your loved ones.
Here are some preventive measures for a healthy reproductive system:
- Follow a proper diet, maintain a healthy body weight, exercise regularly and get enough sleep.
- Avoid smoking. Smoking can affect the ovaries, uterus and other reproductive anatomy. NDDoH has resources to help you quit.
- Get regular screenings such as Pap smears, STI screenings and infection tests.
- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
There are a variety of safe and highly effective methods of birth control available to prevent unintended pregnancy. These include intrauterine contraception, hormonal and barrier methods, and permanent birth control. Using effective birth control methods can greatly reduce the chances of having an unintended pregnancy. These include intrauterine devices (IUDs), pills, patches, rings, condoms, injections, fertility awareness-based methods and tubal ligation.
North Dakota Family Planning Clinics can assist women and men in understanding and taking responsibility for their reproductive health through education, counseling and medical services.
Services include, but are not limited to:
- A broad range of contraceptive methods
- Sexually Transmitted Infection testing and treatment
- HIV services
- Pregnancy testing and counseling
- Annual physical examinations
- Postpartum examinations
- Emergency contraception
- Health promotion and disease prevention
- Preconception health services
- Basic infertility services
To find a Family Planning service site near you, please visit North Dakota Family Planning | Department of Health (nd.gov)
For More Information
North Dakota Family Planning | Department of Health (nd.gov)
NDQuits | Department of Health
Contraceptives | Department of Health (nd.gov)
Clinic Directory | Department of Health (nd.gov)