Teenage is a critical and delicate phase for any person, spanning from age 13 to 19. During this period, both males and females undergo significant hormonal changes that affect them physically and can also impact their behavior.
Parents need to give full attention to their children entering this phase. They need to act less as a parent and more as friends, who are not only financially but emotionally available.
As teenagers, children can face various reproductive health issues that can impact their physical, emotional, and social well-being.
It is the responsibility of parents to keep an eye on the health of their children and stay informed about those changes, so that in case of any uncertainty they can take necessary steps.
In this article, you will learn about various common reproductive health issues that can affect teenagers.
Common Reproductive Health Issues in Teenagers: An In-Depth Guide
Reproductive issues can range from minor to severe. If the issues are detected in the initial stages then there are higher chances of it getting diagnosed. Below are some common reproductive health issues in teenagers, explained in detail.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are caused due to sexual intercourse or contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. STIs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi.
Prevalence
When children reach the age of 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19 they get very active hormonally. Here, they may get attracted to the opposite sex and then indulge in sexual activities. They need to understand that before taking such a step they should carry proper knowledge about it so that they don’t get affected by STIs.
In teenagers, there is a high risk for STIs due to factors such as lack of knowledge, inconsistent use of condoms, and multiple sexual partners.
Common STIs
Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes, syphilis, and HIV/AIDS.
Consequences
STIs can lead to serious health complications if untreated, including infertility, chronic pain, and increased risk of acquiring other infections.
Teen Pregnancy
Teen pregnancy refers to a situation when a female between the ages of 13 to 19 gets pregnant. This period is typically associated with adolescence- a stage of development marked by physical, emotional, and social changes.
Teen pregnancy can be traumatizing for a mother who isn’t ready for pregnancy, it can have significant implications for the child and also the society as a whole.
Incidence
Teen pregnancy was a common issue back then, but now it is declining. Thanks to the education system and the doctors who are making people aware of all these things.
Challenges
Teen mothers need to face, physical, emotional, and mental, challenges since they need to take a long gap to come back to normal life, they may need to limit their education and career opportunities which can create a social stigma in their lives.
Prevention
To prevent unintended pregnancies it is essential to make teenagers aware of sex education. They should have access to contraception and supportive healthcare services.
Menstrual Health Issues
Women face various hormonal changes during their teenage phase, one of those changes is the beginning of the menstrual cycle. During this cycle, various health issues can be experienced by the women.
Irregular periods
Many teenage girls experience irregular periods during the beginning of their menstrual cycle, which is normal. The main cause of irregular periods can be hormonal changes, stress, or underlying medical; conditions.
If the girls are experiencing irregular periods every month, then it is suggested to visit the best multi-specialty hospital in Lucknow, for better consultation and treatment.
Menstrual Pain
Menstrual pain is caused due to cramps in the abdomen during periods. Sometimes these cramps may cause discomfort to the girls, but if they are unbearable then there may be some other underlying issue.
Menstrual Hygiene
It is possible that because of lack of attention and proper teaching girls may not maintain menstrual hygiene which may affect their health and can lead to reproductive issues.
Parents need to provide all the necessary hygiene products to their daughters to prevent any sort of infection.
Contraceptive Uses and Access
Teenagers are considered as kids especially when they are at the age of 13, 14, and 15. Parents need to make them understand the do’s and don’ts and everything necessary for their children of this age.
Barriers
Teenagers often face behavioral changes and barriers to accessing contraception, including lack of knowledge, fear of judgment, and financial limitations. The reproductive issue can be minimized if the kids are given proper attention and education in this area.
Types of Contraception
Various types of contraception can help in preventing pregnancy such as condoms, birth control pills, intrauterine devices(IUDs), and implants. Not only this it is necessary for the parents, teachers, and counselors to make the kids aware of its uses and side effects.
Mental Health and Sexual Health
Reproductive issues are not only caused by hormonal imbalance or sexual intercourse, they can also be caused due to bad mental and sexual health.
Interconnection
Mental health is connected with reproductive health indirectly. Mental health such as anxiety, stress, depression, and low self-esteem can affect sexual behavior and can also hamper decision-making. Here, kids may make some decisions that are not appropriate for them.
Hygiene and infection prevention
If proper hygiene in the pubic part and reproductive is not maintained then this can lead to various infections and discomfort in girls.
Vaginal Infection
Here vaginal infection means bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections, which often occur due to poor hygiene or hormonal changes or imbalances.
These were some of the common issues analyzed in teenagers. These issues can be addressed by the gynecologist and the team of specialists. If you don’t have your gynecologist to get a consultation then you can visit the best gynecologist hospital in Lucknow. There you can get some good suggestions through which you can obtain a better treatment.
In Summary
Reproductive issues in teenagers are not something a parent should ignore. Today it is discomforting your kid the other day it can lead to something hazardous, hence it is necessary to visit a doctor even if you have explored any minor issue in your child’s reproductive health.
Resources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4953229/
https://www.who.int/southeastasia/activities/adolescent-sexual-reproductive-health#:~:text=Adolescents%20are%20likely%20to%20face,transmitted%20infections%20including%20HIV%2FAIDS.
