In 2024, discussing relevant and new topics on reproductive health issues is essential for sexual wellness. Being aware and educated on research helps us progress and stay up to date on the most recent guidelines when it comes to reproductive health. So, what’s new in the world of reproductive health in 2024? Here we’ll talk about a few new topics that touch on some old topics that we still find relevant today.

Reproductive Health Issues In 2024

Birth Control Accessibility

One of the methods that healthcare providers have pushed to prevent unwanted or unplanned pregnancies is contraception. One of the biggest methods for pregnancy prevention. Today, contraception has become more widely available. It’s available not only nationally, but internationally. Organizations have worked over the years to make sure that all families have access to assistance for family planning.

In addition to access, education for women is essential. Women should have the opportunity to be educated about birth control and other options. They should also have access to OB/GYNs and other health experts. This guarantees proper health screens too. This is because the pill and other contraceptives do not prevent sexually transmitted diseases and other reproductive health issues.

HPV Rates Have Increased

The human papillomavirus (HPV) has become very common. Estimates suggest that nearly all sexually active men and women will contract the virus at some point in their lives. There is no cure for this virus but there are only a few strains that are harmful out of the 40 types of HPV out there. If you have HPV, it’s important to understand what strain you may have, and whether it puts you at risk for genital warts or cervical cancer.

As this virus is much more common, getting screening regularly is imperative to reproductive health. While checking in with your healthcare provider regularly and being screened for STDs, make sure you’re being proactive by using proper protection.

STDs – Gonorrhea and Chlamydia

These STIs should be treated promptly. When Gonorrhea and Chlamydia go untreated, they can cause pelvic inflammatory disease. This can lead to an infection of your reproductive organs and cause issues such as:

• Infertility
• Blocked fallopian tubes
• Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus)

STDs – HIV

Although today, we have advanced and powerful medications, there is no cure for HIV. However, this disease can be managed similarly to a chronic condition. HIV can impact fertility in both men and women, but many individuals manage the condition so well that they are able and eager to have a baby. With a carefully managed pregnancy, parents can have the option to have a healthy pregnancy with extremely low odds of transferring the virus to the baby.

Progress in Education on PCOS and Endometriosis

Advancements in education on PCOS and endometriosis are being made. This leads to improvements in screening for both conditions. For 2024, there will be an even larger push to make sure problems surrounding PCOS and Endometriosis are addressed.

Many studies have proven that conditions like endometriosis and PCOS go undetected because women’s reports of pain often aren’t taken seriously. Some women downplay their pain, assuming that their symptoms are a common experience for all women.

Endometriosis is when the tissue starts to grow outside of the uterus on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other areas near the uterus. These can cause growths that can lead to painful periods, pain with sex, or pelvic pain between periods.
With past technology, diagnosing Endometriosis took about 10 years. Now, we have groups like the World Endometriosis Organization working with physicians to understand how to screen for conditions like Endometriosis and PCOS.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Most women have no idea they even have PCOS until they try to get pregnant. PCOS is common, and normally related to a hormone imbalance that affects ovulation. This also can lead to:

• Cysts (fluid-filled sacs) on one or both ovaries
• Irregular periods
• High levels of hormones that can cause excess body or facial hair

If you have PCOS or need to screen for PCOS, ask your doctor what you can do to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy.

Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

For women under 40, POI can be an issue. POI can cause your ovaries to not work like they need to and cause menstruation to stop, or make your periods inconsistent. Women with POI may also deal with:

• Hot flashes
• Cranky mood
• Trouble concentrating
• Painful sex

Female Sexual Dysfunction

Female sexual dysfunction can manifest as a lack of interest in sex, unsatisfying experiences, or pain during intercourse. All of which can be a cause of infertility and a result of it.

When it’s hard to conceive, or if your sex life is lacking in one form or another, there’s a chance that these things could all be related. Talk to your doctor about your problems, which can help with pregnancy and help your sex life be more fun.

Women’s Pain is Often Overlooked.

Some women’s painful conditions go unnoticed, mostly because of the nature of the pain. However, Endometriosis isn’t the only gynecological condition that can cause pain that interrupts a woman’s life. Other menstrual disorders like premenstrual dysphoric disorder or fibroids can also affect the quality of life for women just like Endometriosis.

These conditions can go unnoticed because the subjective nature of a woman’s pain still isn’t taken seriously enough. This leads to key symptoms being dismissed, resulting in less effective treatment that is often based solely on a woman’s emotional response to pain.

Although the medical community is aware and actively trying to address this issue, there are things women can be proactive about and be aware of in their reproductive health. If you’re regularly missing work while on your period, or go through a bottle of pain meds in about a week, take into account that you may be suffering from a reproductive health issue. Talk to your gynecologist and ask questions about how you’re feeling in order to take control of your own health.

Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths found in your uterus. They’re extremely common with no symptoms and are found during most pelvic exams. While they don’t directly cause infertility, they can increase the risk of miscarriage, infertility, and other pregnancy-related complications for some women. If you have fibroids, talk to your doctor about treatment, if needed.

Products For Vaginal Health

The woman’s market is saturated with an excess of vaginal health products. If you go to any grocery store or pharmacy, you’ll find anything from wipes to washes, to spritzes. Research shows that these products are unnecessary, and there’s no evidence that women need them. In fact, most healthcare professionals advise against using them, particularly douching. This product only gained popularity after stores in the U.S. began stocking these products.

Most of these products claim to be a necessity or benefit to women and their intimate areas. However, some of these products are entirely unregulated, which means they are potentially harmful. It’s always best to let the vagina clean itself. If you’re concerned with the state and health of your vagina, talk to your doctor about safe educated decisions about the products you’ve considered using.

Obesity or Excess Body Weight

Excess body weight might seem insignificant, but it can significantly impact your reproductive health. Extra weight can raise your odds of miscarriage, infertility, and productive issues. If you’re struggling with obesity or extra pounds, shedding half your body weight isn’t necessary to make a difference.

Women undergoing fertility treatments who lost about 10% of their body weight had a higher chance of conceiving and delivering a healthy baby. This is compared to those who did not lose weight.

COVID-19 and Pregnancy: Should You Wait?

The biggest issue in previous years when it comes to pregnancy, is COVID-19. Should you wait to get pregnant because of COVID-19?

Although there are potential risks, it helps to think about your health when it comes to COVID-19. Pregnancy is a personal choice. Talk to your healthcare professional about the latest information about potential illness and exposure to COVID-19. It will also help to talk to your doctor about a plan when it comes to preventing exposure to COVID-19 during your pregnancy.

Pregnant women have been known to be at a higher risk for a more severe illness and death from COVID-19 than women who are not pregnant. This includes a higher risk for women who already deal with health conditions like obesity and gestational diabetes. These conditions put you at an even higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 when pregnant.

Although it’s rare, some recent studies have shown that COVID-19 can pass from mom to baby during pregnancy or delivery. Many women only visit their gynecologist for birth control, a routine Pap test, or a vaginal infection. However, gynecology embraces more than routine health care.

Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine’s OBGYN services focus on women’s wellness and provide expert diagnosis and treatment of all reproductive health issues no matter how routine or complex. We welcome women of all ages. If you have any questions or it’s time to schedule an annual exam, call our office in the Midtown East area of New York City or book an appointment online.