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Reproductive Health
Reproductive Health
Reproductive Health
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Sexual Comfort
A number of problems can affect the ability to have or enjoy sex. In fact, about 4 in 10 women have problems with sex at some point during their lives. While sexual discomfort can require a consultation with your gynecologist or other healthcare provider, there are some OTC solutions to consider.
Personal Lubricants
Usually, sexual excitement leads to natural vaginal lubrication. But dryness and irritation may become a problem due to hormonal changes during menstruation and menopause, aging, or taking certain medications. A personal lubricant may help prevent itching, burning, chaffing, and other discomfort. You can buy lubricants online or at your local drugstore.
Common OTC personal lubricant brands:
- GoodSense®
- K-Y® Jelly
If you are considering having a baby, you have likely wondered how long it will take to get pregnant, when to have sex, and how often. For most couples, the odds that a woman will become pregnant are 15-25% in any given month. However, factors like age, irregular menstrual cycles, and medical conditions can affect a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant. There are several OTC products available to help plan and detect a pregnancy.
At-Home Ovulation Tests
At-home ovulation tests help to determine the time in a woman’s menstrual cycle when becoming pregnant is most likely. They work by detecting a rise in luteinizing hormone (LH) through a urine sample, as a rise in this hormone signals a woman’s ovary to release the egg. This is when pregnancy is most likely to occur.
Common at-home ovulation test brands:
- Clearblue®
- e.p.t.®
At-Home Pregnancy Tests
Perhaps your period is late, or maybe you are experiencing early pregnancy symptoms such as tender breasts. One way to find out if you are pregnant is by taking an at-home pregnancy test. These tests work by measuring your body’s level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that is only produced during pregnancy, through a urine sample. If the results are positive, you should make an appointment with your doctor to have the pregnancy confirmed. If the results are negative, wait another week and if you still haven’t started your period you should complete the test again.
Common at-home pregnancy test brands:
- Clearblue®
- e.p.t.®
- First Response™
Pregnancy Prevention
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines reproductive health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being” in all matters related to the reproductive system. This includes having a satisfying and safe sex life, with the freedom to decide if, and when, you want to have children (or get pregnant).
Understanding your options for pregnancy prevention is essential for your reproductive health. From male and female condoms to spermicides and emergency contraception, there are several OTC contraception (or birth control) options available to women who want to prevent pregnancy until they are ready.
- Male condoms are a widely used barrier method that not only prevents sperm from entering the vagina but also offers protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), although they have a typical use failure rate of 14-15%.
- Female condoms, which are inserted into the vagina, serve a similar purpose but have a slightly higher typical use failure rate of 21%.
- Spermicides, available in various forms like gels and films, are a barrier form of birth control that is placed deeper inside the vagina and assists in preventing pregnancy by stopping and killing sperm before they can reach an unfertilized egg. They contain nonoxynol-9 to kill sperm, but are less effective on their own, with a typical use failure rate of 28%. Instructions and effectiveness rates differ for each type of spermicide, so make sure to read and follow the label carefully before use.
- For those preferring an oral contraceptive, the progestin-only pill Opill® is now available OTC and is 98% effective when taken correctly, though it doesn’t protect against STIs.
- Emergency contraception, also known as the “morning-after pill” or “Plan B” emergency contraception, works by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary. It is most effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or birth control failure and has an 87% effectiveness rate.
Each method has its benefits and considerations, so consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best option for your needs.
Safe Use Tips & Takeaways
Always read the Drug Facts label carefully. The label tells you everything you need to know about the product, including the ingredients, what you are supposed to use it for, how much you should use, and when you should not use the product.
Do not use a condom past its expiration date. Never reuse a condom. This increases the risk of pregnancy and passing on STIs. Never use a male condom with a female condom, as this can cause tearing. Spermicide products are for vaginal use only and are not for rectal (anal) use. Do not use a spermicide product past its expiration date.
Emergency contraception products will not protect against STIs. Do not use emergency contraception if you have ever had an allergic reaction to levonorgestrel. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking efavirenz (HIV medication), or rifampin (tuberculosis treatment), or medication for seizures (epilepsy). These medications may reduce the effectiveness of levonorgestrel. If irritation or discomfort occurs when using a lubricant, discontinue use and consult a doctor or other healthcare provider.
If you have any questions on how to use reproductive health products, please consult a doctor or other healthcare provider. Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
