COMMON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CONCERNS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW

Your reproductive health is an essential part of your overall well-being. It’s not just about having children, but about how your body functions throughout your life. From your first period to menopause and everything in between, there are certain issues that tend to pop up more often than others. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common concerns women face, and what you can do about them.

Endometriosis happens when tissue, similar to the uterine lining, starts growing where it doesn’t belong—like on the ovaries or fallopian tubes. It can be incredibly painful, especially during your period, and may cause fertility problems for some women.

Look out for: Heavy or painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, and discomfort during sex.

Tip: If your symptoms are interfering with your daily life, take the time to talk to your doctor. Be prepared that you may have to be persistent to get your concerns taken seriously.

Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop in the uterus. Many women don’t even realise they have them, but when symptoms do show up, they can be disruptive.

Look out for: Heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure, frequent urination, or pain during intimacy.

Tip: Not all fibroids require treatment, but regular check-ups can help keep a check on them. Some fibroids may impact on your reproductive health. Check with your doctor if you are trying to get pregnant.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women of reproductive age. It often shows up as irregular periods, acne, unwanted hair growth, or trouble getting pregnant.

Look out for: Weight gain, thinning hair on the scalp, or cysts on the ovaries.

Tip: PCOS can impact long-term health too, increasing the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help you manage your PCOS symptoms and your long-term health.

Although rare, cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancers may not always cause noticeable symptoms early on, which makes regular screenings extra important.

Look out for: Unusual bleeding, bloating, pelvic pressure, or changes in bathroom habits.

Tip: Ensure that you have regular cervical smear tests and HPV tests as requested by your doctor and don’t delay in reporting any concerns you may have.

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for over a year (or six months if you're over 35) without success, you’re not alone. Fertility issues affect millions of women, and men too.

Look out for: Changes to your menstrual cycle, hormone imbalances (like PCOS or thyroid issues), blocked fallopian tubes, age-related egg decline and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Tip: Having a healthy lifestyle optimises your reproductive health and the ability to conceive. If you are still struggling, talk to your doctor as there are many treatments available, from medication to fertility treatments, to help you create your family.

Sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and HPV are common, especially in younger women. Untreated, they may cause reproductive health problems. Some STI’s, such as, Chlamydia may be symptomless.

Look out for: Abnormal discharge, bleeding after sex, spotting or pelvic pain

Tip: Use condoms, avoid multiple sexual partners, get your HPV vaccine, and schedule regular STI screenings (especially if you are changing partners).

Every woman, or those defined female at birth, will transition through the menopause. The average age of the menopause in the UK is 52, however symptoms can start several years before. This is termed perimenopause. Some women will experience early menopause before the age of 45.

Look out for: Changes to your menstrual cycle, menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, brain fog, loss of concentration or genito-urinary issues.

Tip: There are many ways to manage your symptoms and long-term health during the menopause, from lifestyle, HRT and other medications. Speak to your doctor about the options for you.

Let’s not overlook the emotional side of reproductive health. Depression and anxiety often accompany hormonal shifts, like with conditions such as PCOS, when trying to conceive and during the menopause.

Look out for: Changes in your mood, anxiety or problems sleeping

Tip: Talking to a therapist, joining support groups, or seeking medical help when needed can help you proactively manage your mental and emotional health.

• Stay on schedule with screenings like smear tests and STI checks.

• Speak up if something feels off—your pain and symptoms are valid.

• Fuel your body with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sleep.

Build a support team you trust, including friends, relatives, in-person and online support groups and professional support.