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Learn about the environmental factors that can impact reproductive health, including smoking, chemical exposure, medications, and general health considerations. Understand how these factors can affect fertility, pregnancy, birth outcomes, and sexual health.
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FACTORS AFFECTING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH THE ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS • SMOKING • **Females who smoke: • are at risk for lowering folic acid, Vitamin C and beta-carotene levels which can lead to infertility, delay in conception and menstrual disorders. • have increased risk of spontaneous abortion • Will have a child lower in birth weight due to reduced nutrients and oxygen to the fetus in utero.
FACTORS AFFECTING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH THE ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS • SMOKING (CONT) • **Males who smoke: • May have the quality of their sperm affected. • Marijuana may cause sperm reduction
FACTORS AFFECTING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH THE ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS • ii) CHEMICAL EXPOSURE • There are approximately 25 chemicals known to result in permanent damage to the developing fetus. • Carbon Monoxide in car exhaust, kerosene heaters, and lead in paint strippers can result in low birth rate, still birth, and birth defects.
FACTORS AFFECTING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH THE ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS • iii) MEDICATIONS • Narcotics, tranquilizers, anti-depressants and blood pressure medications may cause erectile dysfunction in males. • Some drugs may affect sperm production or ovulation. • Some drugs may cause fetal defects (e.g. accutance treatment for acne, anti-coagulants, steroids).
FACTORS AFFECTING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NUTRITIONAL HEALTH • Healthy eating ensures proper nutrients required preconceptually and prenatally. • Anorexia and other eating disorders can cause loss of menstruation and infertility.
FACTORS AFFECTING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SEXUAL HEALTH HISTORY • Multiple sexual partners increases the risk for STIs • Women with multiple sexual partners are at risk to develop antibodies to sperm. • Chlamydia is the leading cause of preventable infertility. • 80% of women & 25% of men with chlamydia have no symptoms.
FACTORS AFFECTING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SEXUAL HEALTH HISTORY (CONTD) • 50% of women and 25% of men with gonnorhea have no symptoms. • HPV (Genital Warts) is often the precursor to Cervical Dysplasia • Cervical treatments may reduce fertility by causing scarring or damage to mucous-producing cells.
FACTORS AFFECTING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH HORMONE & GENETIC FACTORS • Can affect sperm quality, production and ovulation. • Congenital factors may impede the ability to conceive (e.g. born without uterus, etc)
FACTORS AFFECTING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH PHYSIOLOGICAL & PHYSCHOLOGICAL RESPONSE TO STRESS • Psychological stress (e.g. depression, difficulty sleeping, anxiety) and physiological stress (e.g. increased muscle tension, lack of energy, nervousness) affect libido. • Stress affects the ability to make healthy lifestyle choices (e.g. alcohol and substance use, smoking, decrease in physical activity, poor nutrition) which in turn affects fertility.
FACTORS AFFECTING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH GENERAL HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS • Endometriosis can cause scarring, tubal blockage and possible immune responses. • Tight clothing may affect sperm production (there is conflicting evidence here!)
