Every november, Reproductive Health Month is observed with the goal of raising awareness about the importance of caring for, understanding, and protecting our reproductive well-being. Far from being a topic only for those who want to have children, reproductive health is a pillar of overall well-being for women, men, and people with the ability to carry a pregnancy.
In this article, we’ll explore what reproductive health encompasses, its main challenges, what warning signs should never be ignored, and how at Ingenes we provide specialized support to those facing barriers to having a baby. Because talking about reproductive health is talking about decisions, rights, and opportunities.
What is reproductive health?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines reproductive health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system. This includes:
- The ability to have a satisfying and safe sex life.
- The possibility of freely deciding if, when, and how many children to have.
- Access to accurate information and appropriate reproductive health services.
It is not just the absence of disease, but having real and equal access to services that allow people to live reproduction freely, healthily, and safely.
Why is it important to talk about reproductive health?
From adolescence to menopause, reproductive health is present at every stage of life. Timely decisions, care, and diagnoses can make the difference between living fully or facing complications that could have been prevented.
Because many problems remain hidden
Various reproductive conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, low ovarian reserve, or azoospermia can go unnoticed for years. Often, they are only discovered when someone tries to have a baby and cannot.
Because fertility is also health
Despite common beliefs, fertility is not only an emotional or aesthetic concern: it is also a reflection of the body’s overall state. For example, irregular menstrual cycles, chronic pain, or recurrent infections can indicate that something is wrong.
Main challenges for reproductive health
In our experience at Ingenes, where every day we support people who have spent years trying to have a baby, we have identified some of the most common obstacles:
Misinformation and myths
There are still many misconceptions that delay seeking medical care, such as:
- “You can’t talk about infertility until you’ve tried for a year.”
- “Only the woman’s age matters.”
- “If my cycles are regular, everything is fine.”
These ideas create a false sense of security that can waste valuable time.
Delayed diagnoses
Many people with conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, PCOS, or even genetic disorders receive their diagnosis too late, when the damage has already significantly affected their fertility.
Lack of access to specialized care
Not all medical services have specialists in assisted reproduction, reproductive biology, genetics, or embryology. This lack of multidisciplinary care can limit the real chances of achieving pregnancy.
Warning signs you should not ignore
Detecting warning signs early is key to acting on time. Some signs that may indicate a reproductive health issue include:
- Irregular menstrual cycles (very long, very short, or absent).
- Severe pain during periods or intercourse.
- Unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
- Hormonal changes such as severe acne, excess hair growth, or hair loss.
- Unsuccessful pregnancy attempts for more than 12 months (or 6 months if you’re over 35).
- Recurrent miscarriages.
- Family history of genetic diseases or reproductive cancers.
How is reproductive health evaluated?
At Ingenes, we perform a comprehensive reproductive evaluation that includes:
Specialized medical history
A detailed interview with fertility specialists who analyze your gynecological, genetic, hormonal, and personal background.
Laboratory and hormonal tests
We evaluate hormones such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), FSH, LH, and estradiol, which are key to understanding ovarian reserve or testicular function.
Gynecological ultrasound
Essential to detect cysts, fibroids, endometriosis, and to assess follicular reserve.
Semen analysis
In men, this test evaluates sperm quality and quantity.
Caring for your reproductive health is caring for your future
Reproductive health is not limited to the desire to be a mom or dad. It also involves making conscious decisions about your body, your fertility, and your well-being. Some actions you can take now include:
- Regular gynecological or andrological check-ups.
- Preventive exams (Pap smear, colposcopy, STI screening).
- Learning about your ovarian reserve if you’re over 30.
- Consulting a specialist if you’ve been trying to have a baby for 6 to 12 months.
- Talking openly and without taboos about sexual and reproductive health.
Ingenes and Reproductive Health Month
For more than 20 years, at Ingenes we have supported people of all ages, diagnoses, and backgrounds to achieve their dream of having a baby at home. We have developed comprehensive solutions that combine science, cutting-edge technology, and a human, empathetic approach.
Some of our key differentiators include:
- Multi-Cycle Plus Programs with money-back options if you don’t achieve your baby.
- Exclusive technologies like IVF MORE®, Ovagen, and Endogen, opening new possibilities for those facing low ovarian reserve or advanced age.
- Advanced genetic testing, which allows us to detect abnormalities before embryo implantation.
- Emotional support provided by psychologists specialized in fertility.
- Personalized care at each of our 19 locations in Mexico and the United States.
This month, we invite you to reflect and take action. If you’ve felt something isn’t right with your reproductive health, if you’ve been trying to have a baby for some time, or if you simply want to learn more about your fertility: now is the time to listen to yourself and take the step
Conclusion
Reproductive Health Month is much more than a date on the calendar: it’s an opportunity to break myths, seek answers, and most importantly, prioritize our well-being. Every body is different, every story deserves to be heard, and every dream of starting a family can find a path with the right support.
At Ingenes, we are here to help you understand your reproductive health, explore your options, and design a solution tailored to you. Because taking care of yourself today brings you closer to the tomorrow you’ve always wanted.