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Title: Relationship between Fertility and Reproductive
Health
Ashik Mondal
ID : MSS 241622
MSS 1st Year, 1st Term
Sociology Discipline
Khulna University, Khulna
Course Title: Population, Politics and Development
Course No: 0314 16 Soc 5109
Meaning of fertility
• Fertility is the capacity of an individual to conceive offspring.
Reproductive health encompasses the ability to reproduce and the
freedom to choose whether, when, and how often to do so and a
pleasant and safe sexual life (Chowdhury,2023).
• Fertility is the ability to conceive a child. The fertility rate is the
average number of children born during an individual's lifetime and
is quantified demographically. Conversely, infertility is the difficulty
or inability to reproduce naturally.
• Fertility is the birth rate of a population (Merriam-Webster Dictionary,
2023).
• Fertility is a woman's ability to conceive a biological child.
Fertility determinants
Demographic Determinants
Proportion of Married
Women
Changing Pattern of
Marriage
Age at First marriage
Duration of Breast Feeding
Sex Ratio
• Social Determinants
Education
Employment
Income
Women Empowerment
Contraceptive revolution
Desire for Son
• Cultural Determinants
- Religion
Source: (Lal S, 2021),(Nabanita Majumder,2015)
Source: The Financial Times Limited 2024.
Reproductive Health
• Reproductive health implies that people are able to have a satisfying and
safe sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the
freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so.
• (Source: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/repro-health))
• Reproductive health refers to the condition of male and female
reproductive systems during all life stages.
• Reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social
wellbeing, and not merely the absence of reproductive disease or
infirmity (WHO,1994).
• Reproductive health refers to the condition of male and female
reproductive systems during all life stages
Reproductive Health Component and services
 Maternal health
 Neurological health
 Family planning
 financial health
 Maternal health
 Family planning
 sexual health
 Sexually Transmitted Diseases prevention and
management.
 Prevention and management of unsafe abortion.
Prevention of gender-based violence.
 Prevention of Harmful practices.
 Prevention and management of infertility.
 Family planning counseling, information,
education, communication and services.
 Information, education and counselling, on
human sexuality, reproductive health Source: https://www.vedantu.com/biology/reproductive-health
Fertility and Reproductive Health Program
United Nations Population Fund
(UNFPA)
The UNFPA is a key player in
global reproductive health
programs. It works to ensure
access to reproductive health
services, including family
planning, maternal health care, and
prevention and treatment of STIs.
The UNFPA also advocates for
gender equality and reproductive
rights (UNFPA, 2020).
World Health Organization
(WHO)
The WHO provides technical
guidance and support for
reproductive health programs
worldwide. It develops evidence-
based guidelines on various
aspects of reproductive health,
including family planning,
maternal health, and prevention
and management of STIs
(WHO,1994).
Family Planning 2020
(FP2020)
FP2020 is a global
partnership launched in 2012
to support the rights of
women and girls to decide
freely and for themselves,
whether, when, and how
many children they want to
have. It aims to expand access
to modern contraceptives and
improve family planning
services in low-income
countries (FP,2020).
Global Context
Global Fund to Fight AIDS,
Tuberculosis and Malaria
While not exclusively focused on
reproductive health, the Global Fund
plays a significant role in funding
programs to prevent and treat
HIV/AIDS, which is closely linked to
reproductive health issues. It supports
initiatives such as HIV prevention,
treatment, and care services, including
those targeting key populations at
higher risk, such as women of
reproductive age (Global Fund,2023).
The Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation
The Gates Foundation invests
heavily in global health,
including reproductive health
programs. It supports
initiatives to expand access to
contraceptives, improve
maternal and child health, and
develop new technologies for
family planning and
reproductive health (2011).
Marie Stopes International
Marie Stopes International is one
of the largest NGOs providing
sexual and reproductive health
services worldwide. It operates in
over 37 countries and offers a
range of services, including
contraception, safe abortion,
maternal health care, and STI
testing and treatment (MSI,2020).
ICPD
The ICPD Program of Action
has provided a guiding
framework for global efforts
to promote reproductive
health and rights, with
subsequent reviews and
conferences reaffirming and
updating its principles (1994).
National Context
Family Planning Program
Maternal and Child Health Program
Community-based Health Workers Program
Urban Health Program
Adolescent Reproductive Health Program
Safe Motherhood Promotion Project (SMPP)
National AIDS/STD Program
 Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)
Source: (Ainul, et al 2017), (Dwyer,2021)
Interconnection Between Reproductive Health and
Fertility
1.Access to Family Planning Services and
Birth Control:
a. Availability of contraception methods and
family planning services can significantly impact
fertility rates.
b. Access to contraceptives allows individuals to
make informed choices about when to have
children, spacing between pregnancies, and family
size.
c. Lack of access to family planning services may
lead to unintended pregnancies, contributing to
higher fertility rates (Yucel, et al.2020).
2.Maternal Health and Pregnancy
Outcome
a. Maternal health significantly influences fertility and
pregnancy outcomes.
b. Adequate prenatal care, nutrition, and access to
healthcare services during pregnancy can improve
maternal and fetal health, reducing the risk of
complications and promoting successful pregnancies.
c. Poor maternal health, such as untreated medical
conditions or lack of prenatal care, can lead to adverse
pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage, preterm
birth, or maternal mortality (Tanay ,2008).
A. Effect of Reproductive Health on Fertility
3. Management of Reproductive Tract Infections:
a. Reproductive tract infections (RTIs), including
sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can affect fertility
by causing damage to reproductive organs.
b. Untreated RTIs can lead to pelvic inflammatory
disease (PID) in women, potentially resulting in
infertility or complications during pregnancy.
c. Effective management and prevention of RTIs
through education, screening, and treatment are essential
for maintaining reproductive health and fertility.
Source: https://www.google.com/search?q=About+https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
B. Effect of Fertility on Reproductive Health
1.High Fertility Rates and Maternal
Health Risks:
a. High fertility rates can strain healthcare systems
and resources, particularly in low-resource
settings, leading to inadequate maternal
healthcare services.
b. b. Overburdened healthcare systems may result
in limited access to prenatal care, skilled birth
attendants, and emergency obstetric care,
increasing maternal health risks.
c. c. Addressing fertility rates through family
planning initiatives can alleviate pressure on
healthcare systems and improve maternal health
outcomes (Saur,2015).
2.Impact of Unplanned Pregnancies on
Reproductive Health:
a. Unplanned pregnancies can have significant
implications for reproductive health.
b. Lack of access to contraception or
misinformation about contraceptive methods may
contribute to unintended pregnancies.
c. Unplanned pregnancies may result in delayed
prenatal care, increased risk of maternal
complications, and psychological stress for
individuals and families (Gossenes,2016).
3.Sociocultural Perspectives on Fertility and
Reproductive Health:
• a. Sociocultural factors influence fertility desires,
behaviors, and access to reproductive healthcare
services.
• b. Cultural norms, religious beliefs, and societal
attitudes towards fertility and family planning can shape
reproductive health practices.
• c. Sociocultural barriers, such as stigma surrounding
contraception or reproductive health services, may
hinder individuals from seeking necessary care,
impacting both fertility and reproductive health
outcomes (Yael Benyamini & Irina,2017).
Lifestyle factors and reproductive health: taking control of
fertility
1. Impacts of diet and exercise
• Nutrition
• Weight
• Obesity
• Eating disorders and being
underweight
• Exercise
2. Psychological effects
3. Recreational and
prescription substances
• Cigarette smoking
• Drugs
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
4. Environmental and
occupational exposures
• Air Pollution
• Heavy metals
• Pesticides, endocrine
disruptors, and other
chemicals
• Radiation
5.Occupation and hobbies
Source: Rakesh, et al (2013) https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-11-66
Importance of Understanding the
Relationship
Physical Well-being
Reproductive health includes maintaining optimal physical health of the
reproductive organs, hormonal balance, and overall well-being, which are
essential for fertility. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),
endometriosis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can affect fertility if
left untreated.
Family Planning
Family planning services are an integral part of reproductive health care and
play a significant role in fertility management. Access to contraception allows
individuals and couples to plan and space pregnancies according to their
preferences and life circumstances, thereby influencing fertility rates.
Source: (Hammerberg,2014),(Pedro,2018)
Sexual Health Education
Comprehensive sexual health education is essential for promoting reproductive health and fertility.
Education about reproductive anatomy, physiology, contraception, STI prevention, and healthy
relationships empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive
lives, which can impact fertility outcomes.
Infertility Services
Reproductive health services include diagnosis and treatment of infertility issues, which can affect
individuals' ability to conceive. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization
(IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and fertility medications are commonly used to address
infertility and enhance fertility rates.
Gender Equity and Rights
Gender equity and reproductive rights are critical aspects of reproductive health that influence fertility
patterns. Ensuring women's rights to education, employment, healthcare, and decision-making power
can positively impact fertility by empowering women to make choices about their reproductive lives.
Source: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139192736.016
Maternal and Child Health
Reproductive health services encompass maternal and child health care,
including prenatal care, skilled attendance at childbirth, and postnatal care.
Ensuring access to quality maternal healthcare services can improve pregnancy
outcomes and maternal health, which in turn can positively influence fertility by
reducing maternal mortality and morbidity.
Environmental and Social Factors
Environmental factors, such as exposure to pollutants, toxins, and climate
change, can affect reproductive health and fertility. Socioeconomic factors,
including poverty, access to healthcare, and social support networks, also play a
role in shaping fertility outcomes.
Source: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/fertility-and-reproductive-health.
Fertility and reproductive Care
Fertility evaluations
Fertility evaluations are
comprehensive
assessments conducted to
identify potential factors
contributing to difficulties
in conceiving a pregnancy.
These evaluations typically
involve both partners in a
couple and encompass
various medical
assessments and tests.
Fertility treatments
Intrauterine
insemination (IUI),
in vitro fertilization
(IVF) or
intracytoplasmic
sperm injection
Fertility preservation
Postpone pregnancy,
offers egg, sperm and
embryo freezing. This
allows to have
biological children
down the road, if
desired.
Source: UCLA Health,2024 (https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/obgyn/fertility)
Genetic counselling
Use techniques including
preimplantation genetic
diagnosis for
monogenetic/single gene
defects (PGT-M) to ensure
that don’t pass on a
hereditary condition to
baby.
Reproductive surgery
Conditions including
endometriosis, fibroids,
endometrial polyps and
uterine abnormalities may
affect fertility. diagnostic
testing, management and
surgery options to treat
underlying conditions and
help people succeed in getting
pregnant.
Male Fertility
Sperm Production,
Sperm Quality,
Sperm Transport,
Hormonal Balance,
Genetic Factors,
Medical Conditions,
Age
Source: UCLA Health,2024 (https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/obgyn/fertility
LGBTQ+ family planning
Same-sex couples may
desire fertility treatments.
Options including donor
sperm, intrauterine
insemination (IUI) and in
vitro fertilization (IVF) can
give LGBTQ+ couples more
options for starting a family
Oncofertility
Cancer treatments
such as
chemotherapy or
radiation can affect a
person’s fertility.
oncologists to offer
fertility preservation
or treatment options
to help build the
family after cancer
treatment.
Source: UCLA Health,2024 (https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/obgyn/fertility)
Artificial insemination
Artificial insemination was first performed in humans by the famous English
surgeon John Hunter.
It was reported by Everett Home, his nephew in 1799.
Artificial insemination (AI) is a fertility treatment technique used to facilitate
conception by placing sperm directly into a woman's reproductive tract. This
method bypasses certain barriers to conception, such as issues with sperm
motility or cervical mucus quality. Artificial insemination can be performed using
either partner's sperm (homologous insemination) or donor sperm (heterologous
insemination). There are two primary methods of artificial insemination:
Source:https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fptop.only.wip.la%3A443%2Fhttps%2Froyalsocietypu
blishing.
Challenges and Barriers
A. Lack of Access to
Reproductive Health Services
Geographical Barriers
Financial Barriers
Limited Healthcare
Infrastructure
Legal and Regulatory Barriers
B. Cultural and Societal
Stigma
 Stigma Surrounding
Contraception and
Family Planning
 Stigmatization of Sexual
Health
 Stigma Associated with
Infertility
C. Economic and
Educational Disparities
 Limited Health Literacy
 Educational Barriers
 Economic Constraints
Source: https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-022-14687-4
Conclusion
• Addressing the interconnection between reproductive health and fertility requires comprehensive
approaches that encompass research, policy reform, healthcare infrastructure strengthening,
education, advocacy, and global collaboration. By investing in evidence-based interventions,
promoting reproductive rights, and fostering partnerships between governments, healthcare providers,
communities, and civil society organizations, we can work towards improving reproductive health
outcomes, promoting fertility equity, and ensuring that all individuals have the ability to make
autonomous choices about their reproductive lives.
References
• https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/obgyn/fertility
• Pedro, J., Brandão, T., Schmidt, L., Costa, M. E., & Martins, M. V. (2018). What do people know about
fertility? A systematic review on fertility awareness and its associated factors. Upsala journal of medical
sciences, 123(2), 71-81.
• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/fertility-and-reproductive-health
• Sharma, R., Biedenharn, K. R., Fedor, J. M., & Agarwal, A. (2013). Lifestyle factors and reproductive health:
taking control of your fertility. Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E, 11, 66.
https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-11-66
• Majumder, N., & Ram, F. (2015). Explaining the role of proximate determinants on fertility decline among
poor and non-poor in Asian countries. PloS one, 10(2), e0115441.
• Source: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/repro-health
• Moniz, M. H., Kirch, M. A., Solway, E., Goold, S. D., Ayanian, J. Z., Kieffer, E. C., ... & Chang, T. (2018).
Association of access to family planning services with Medicaid expansion among female enrollees in
Michigan. JAMA network open, 1(4), e181627-e181627.
• Bhuiya, I., Rob, U., Chowdhury, A. H., Rahman, L., Haque, N., Adamchak, S. E., ... & Khan, M. E. (2004).
Improving adolescent reproductive health in Bangladesh.
• Sauer, M. V. (2015). Reproduction at an advanced maternal age and maternal health. Fertility and
sterility, 103(5), 1136-1143.
• https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-022-14687-4
• Benyamini, Y., & Todorova, I. (2017). Women’s reproductive health in sociocultural context. International
journal of behavioral medicine, 24, 799-802.
• Gipson, J. D., Koenig, M. A., & Hindin, M. J. (2008). The effects of unintended pregnancy on infant, child,
and parental health: a review of the literature. Studies in family planning, 39(1), 18-38.
• Montgomery, M. R., & Lloyd, C. B. (1996). Fertility and maternal and child health. In The impact of
population growth on well-being in developing countries (pp. 37-65). Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin
Heidelberg.
• Gibson-Helm, M., Boyle, J., Cheng, I. H., East, C., Knight, M., & Teede, H. (2015). Maternal health and
pregnancy outcomes among women of refugee background from Asian countries. International Journal of
Gynecology & Obstetrics, 129(2), 146-151.

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Relationship between Fertility and Reproductive Health.pptx

  • 1. Title: Relationship between Fertility and Reproductive Health Ashik Mondal ID : MSS 241622 MSS 1st Year, 1st Term Sociology Discipline Khulna University, Khulna Course Title: Population, Politics and Development Course No: 0314 16 Soc 5109
  • 2. Meaning of fertility • Fertility is the capacity of an individual to conceive offspring. Reproductive health encompasses the ability to reproduce and the freedom to choose whether, when, and how often to do so and a pleasant and safe sexual life (Chowdhury,2023). • Fertility is the ability to conceive a child. The fertility rate is the average number of children born during an individual's lifetime and is quantified demographically. Conversely, infertility is the difficulty or inability to reproduce naturally. • Fertility is the birth rate of a population (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2023). • Fertility is a woman's ability to conceive a biological child.
  • 3. Fertility determinants Demographic Determinants Proportion of Married Women Changing Pattern of Marriage Age at First marriage Duration of Breast Feeding Sex Ratio • Social Determinants Education Employment Income Women Empowerment Contraceptive revolution Desire for Son • Cultural Determinants - Religion Source: (Lal S, 2021),(Nabanita Majumder,2015)
  • 4. Source: The Financial Times Limited 2024.
  • 5. Reproductive Health • Reproductive health implies that people are able to have a satisfying and safe sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so. • (Source: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/repro-health)) • Reproductive health refers to the condition of male and female reproductive systems during all life stages. • Reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of reproductive disease or infirmity (WHO,1994). • Reproductive health refers to the condition of male and female reproductive systems during all life stages
  • 6. Reproductive Health Component and services  Maternal health  Neurological health  Family planning  financial health  Maternal health  Family planning  sexual health  Sexually Transmitted Diseases prevention and management.  Prevention and management of unsafe abortion. Prevention of gender-based violence.  Prevention of Harmful practices.  Prevention and management of infertility.  Family planning counseling, information, education, communication and services.  Information, education and counselling, on human sexuality, reproductive health Source: https://www.vedantu.com/biology/reproductive-health
  • 7. Fertility and Reproductive Health Program United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) The UNFPA is a key player in global reproductive health programs. It works to ensure access to reproductive health services, including family planning, maternal health care, and prevention and treatment of STIs. The UNFPA also advocates for gender equality and reproductive rights (UNFPA, 2020). World Health Organization (WHO) The WHO provides technical guidance and support for reproductive health programs worldwide. It develops evidence- based guidelines on various aspects of reproductive health, including family planning, maternal health, and prevention and management of STIs (WHO,1994). Family Planning 2020 (FP2020) FP2020 is a global partnership launched in 2012 to support the rights of women and girls to decide freely and for themselves, whether, when, and how many children they want to have. It aims to expand access to modern contraceptives and improve family planning services in low-income countries (FP,2020). Global Context
  • 8. Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria While not exclusively focused on reproductive health, the Global Fund plays a significant role in funding programs to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, which is closely linked to reproductive health issues. It supports initiatives such as HIV prevention, treatment, and care services, including those targeting key populations at higher risk, such as women of reproductive age (Global Fund,2023). The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation The Gates Foundation invests heavily in global health, including reproductive health programs. It supports initiatives to expand access to contraceptives, improve maternal and child health, and develop new technologies for family planning and reproductive health (2011). Marie Stopes International Marie Stopes International is one of the largest NGOs providing sexual and reproductive health services worldwide. It operates in over 37 countries and offers a range of services, including contraception, safe abortion, maternal health care, and STI testing and treatment (MSI,2020). ICPD The ICPD Program of Action has provided a guiding framework for global efforts to promote reproductive health and rights, with subsequent reviews and conferences reaffirming and updating its principles (1994).
  • 9. National Context Family Planning Program Maternal and Child Health Program Community-based Health Workers Program Urban Health Program Adolescent Reproductive Health Program Safe Motherhood Promotion Project (SMPP) National AIDS/STD Program  Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Source: (Ainul, et al 2017), (Dwyer,2021)
  • 10. Interconnection Between Reproductive Health and Fertility 1.Access to Family Planning Services and Birth Control: a. Availability of contraception methods and family planning services can significantly impact fertility rates. b. Access to contraceptives allows individuals to make informed choices about when to have children, spacing between pregnancies, and family size. c. Lack of access to family planning services may lead to unintended pregnancies, contributing to higher fertility rates (Yucel, et al.2020). 2.Maternal Health and Pregnancy Outcome a. Maternal health significantly influences fertility and pregnancy outcomes. b. Adequate prenatal care, nutrition, and access to healthcare services during pregnancy can improve maternal and fetal health, reducing the risk of complications and promoting successful pregnancies. c. Poor maternal health, such as untreated medical conditions or lack of prenatal care, can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage, preterm birth, or maternal mortality (Tanay ,2008). A. Effect of Reproductive Health on Fertility
  • 11. 3. Management of Reproductive Tract Infections: a. Reproductive tract infections (RTIs), including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can affect fertility by causing damage to reproductive organs. b. Untreated RTIs can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, potentially resulting in infertility or complications during pregnancy. c. Effective management and prevention of RTIs through education, screening, and treatment are essential for maintaining reproductive health and fertility. Source: https://www.google.com/search?q=About+https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
  • 12. B. Effect of Fertility on Reproductive Health 1.High Fertility Rates and Maternal Health Risks: a. High fertility rates can strain healthcare systems and resources, particularly in low-resource settings, leading to inadequate maternal healthcare services. b. b. Overburdened healthcare systems may result in limited access to prenatal care, skilled birth attendants, and emergency obstetric care, increasing maternal health risks. c. c. Addressing fertility rates through family planning initiatives can alleviate pressure on healthcare systems and improve maternal health outcomes (Saur,2015). 2.Impact of Unplanned Pregnancies on Reproductive Health: a. Unplanned pregnancies can have significant implications for reproductive health. b. Lack of access to contraception or misinformation about contraceptive methods may contribute to unintended pregnancies. c. Unplanned pregnancies may result in delayed prenatal care, increased risk of maternal complications, and psychological stress for individuals and families (Gossenes,2016).
  • 13. 3.Sociocultural Perspectives on Fertility and Reproductive Health: • a. Sociocultural factors influence fertility desires, behaviors, and access to reproductive healthcare services. • b. Cultural norms, religious beliefs, and societal attitudes towards fertility and family planning can shape reproductive health practices. • c. Sociocultural barriers, such as stigma surrounding contraception or reproductive health services, may hinder individuals from seeking necessary care, impacting both fertility and reproductive health outcomes (Yael Benyamini & Irina,2017).
  • 14. Lifestyle factors and reproductive health: taking control of fertility 1. Impacts of diet and exercise • Nutrition • Weight • Obesity • Eating disorders and being underweight • Exercise 2. Psychological effects 3. Recreational and prescription substances • Cigarette smoking • Drugs • Alcohol • Caffeine 4. Environmental and occupational exposures • Air Pollution • Heavy metals • Pesticides, endocrine disruptors, and other chemicals • Radiation 5.Occupation and hobbies Source: Rakesh, et al (2013) https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-11-66
  • 15. Importance of Understanding the Relationship Physical Well-being Reproductive health includes maintaining optimal physical health of the reproductive organs, hormonal balance, and overall well-being, which are essential for fertility. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can affect fertility if left untreated. Family Planning Family planning services are an integral part of reproductive health care and play a significant role in fertility management. Access to contraception allows individuals and couples to plan and space pregnancies according to their preferences and life circumstances, thereby influencing fertility rates. Source: (Hammerberg,2014),(Pedro,2018)
  • 16. Sexual Health Education Comprehensive sexual health education is essential for promoting reproductive health and fertility. Education about reproductive anatomy, physiology, contraception, STI prevention, and healthy relationships empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive lives, which can impact fertility outcomes. Infertility Services Reproductive health services include diagnosis and treatment of infertility issues, which can affect individuals' ability to conceive. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and fertility medications are commonly used to address infertility and enhance fertility rates. Gender Equity and Rights Gender equity and reproductive rights are critical aspects of reproductive health that influence fertility patterns. Ensuring women's rights to education, employment, healthcare, and decision-making power can positively impact fertility by empowering women to make choices about their reproductive lives. Source: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139192736.016
  • 17. Maternal and Child Health Reproductive health services encompass maternal and child health care, including prenatal care, skilled attendance at childbirth, and postnatal care. Ensuring access to quality maternal healthcare services can improve pregnancy outcomes and maternal health, which in turn can positively influence fertility by reducing maternal mortality and morbidity. Environmental and Social Factors Environmental factors, such as exposure to pollutants, toxins, and climate change, can affect reproductive health and fertility. Socioeconomic factors, including poverty, access to healthcare, and social support networks, also play a role in shaping fertility outcomes. Source: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/fertility-and-reproductive-health.
  • 18. Fertility and reproductive Care Fertility evaluations Fertility evaluations are comprehensive assessments conducted to identify potential factors contributing to difficulties in conceiving a pregnancy. These evaluations typically involve both partners in a couple and encompass various medical assessments and tests. Fertility treatments Intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection Fertility preservation Postpone pregnancy, offers egg, sperm and embryo freezing. This allows to have biological children down the road, if desired. Source: UCLA Health,2024 (https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/obgyn/fertility)
  • 19. Genetic counselling Use techniques including preimplantation genetic diagnosis for monogenetic/single gene defects (PGT-M) to ensure that don’t pass on a hereditary condition to baby. Reproductive surgery Conditions including endometriosis, fibroids, endometrial polyps and uterine abnormalities may affect fertility. diagnostic testing, management and surgery options to treat underlying conditions and help people succeed in getting pregnant. Male Fertility Sperm Production, Sperm Quality, Sperm Transport, Hormonal Balance, Genetic Factors, Medical Conditions, Age Source: UCLA Health,2024 (https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/obgyn/fertility
  • 20. LGBTQ+ family planning Same-sex couples may desire fertility treatments. Options including donor sperm, intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) can give LGBTQ+ couples more options for starting a family Oncofertility Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation can affect a person’s fertility. oncologists to offer fertility preservation or treatment options to help build the family after cancer treatment. Source: UCLA Health,2024 (https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/obgyn/fertility)
  • 21. Artificial insemination Artificial insemination was first performed in humans by the famous English surgeon John Hunter. It was reported by Everett Home, his nephew in 1799. Artificial insemination (AI) is a fertility treatment technique used to facilitate conception by placing sperm directly into a woman's reproductive tract. This method bypasses certain barriers to conception, such as issues with sperm motility or cervical mucus quality. Artificial insemination can be performed using either partner's sperm (homologous insemination) or donor sperm (heterologous insemination). There are two primary methods of artificial insemination: Source:https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fptop.only.wip.la%3A443%2Fhttps%2Froyalsocietypu blishing.
  • 22. Challenges and Barriers A. Lack of Access to Reproductive Health Services Geographical Barriers Financial Barriers Limited Healthcare Infrastructure Legal and Regulatory Barriers B. Cultural and Societal Stigma  Stigma Surrounding Contraception and Family Planning  Stigmatization of Sexual Health  Stigma Associated with Infertility C. Economic and Educational Disparities  Limited Health Literacy  Educational Barriers  Economic Constraints Source: https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-022-14687-4
  • 23. Conclusion • Addressing the interconnection between reproductive health and fertility requires comprehensive approaches that encompass research, policy reform, healthcare infrastructure strengthening, education, advocacy, and global collaboration. By investing in evidence-based interventions, promoting reproductive rights, and fostering partnerships between governments, healthcare providers, communities, and civil society organizations, we can work towards improving reproductive health outcomes, promoting fertility equity, and ensuring that all individuals have the ability to make autonomous choices about their reproductive lives.
  • 24. References • https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/obgyn/fertility • Pedro, J., Brandão, T., Schmidt, L., Costa, M. E., & Martins, M. V. (2018). What do people know about fertility? A systematic review on fertility awareness and its associated factors. Upsala journal of medical sciences, 123(2), 71-81. • https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/fertility-and-reproductive-health • Sharma, R., Biedenharn, K. R., Fedor, J. M., & Agarwal, A. (2013). Lifestyle factors and reproductive health: taking control of your fertility. Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E, 11, 66. https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-11-66 • Majumder, N., & Ram, F. (2015). Explaining the role of proximate determinants on fertility decline among poor and non-poor in Asian countries. PloS one, 10(2), e0115441. • Source: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/repro-health • Moniz, M. H., Kirch, M. A., Solway, E., Goold, S. D., Ayanian, J. Z., Kieffer, E. C., ... & Chang, T. (2018). Association of access to family planning services with Medicaid expansion among female enrollees in Michigan. JAMA network open, 1(4), e181627-e181627.
  • 25. • Bhuiya, I., Rob, U., Chowdhury, A. H., Rahman, L., Haque, N., Adamchak, S. E., ... & Khan, M. E. (2004). Improving adolescent reproductive health in Bangladesh. • Sauer, M. V. (2015). Reproduction at an advanced maternal age and maternal health. Fertility and sterility, 103(5), 1136-1143. • https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-022-14687-4 • Benyamini, Y., & Todorova, I. (2017). Women’s reproductive health in sociocultural context. International journal of behavioral medicine, 24, 799-802. • Gipson, J. D., Koenig, M. A., & Hindin, M. J. (2008). The effects of unintended pregnancy on infant, child, and parental health: a review of the literature. Studies in family planning, 39(1), 18-38. • Montgomery, M. R., & Lloyd, C. B. (1996). Fertility and maternal and child health. In The impact of population growth on well-being in developing countries (pp. 37-65). Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg. • Gibson-Helm, M., Boyle, J., Cheng, I. H., East, C., Knight, M., & Teede, H. (2015). Maternal health and pregnancy outcomes among women of refugee background from Asian countries. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 129(2), 146-151.