February marks Reproductive Health Month, with February 12th dedicated to Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness. But, do we really need it?
Optimum sexual health is crucial to overall health and well-being. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises sexual health as every person’s right and as important as physical and mental health.
Yet, stigma, misinformation, and cultural taboos often prevent open discussions, leading to unaddressed health issues and barriers to care.
This observance serves as a reminder of the importance of education, access to healthcare, and the right to make informed choices about one’s body.
The rising crisis in reproductive health
Sexual health goes beyond the absence of disease—it involves a positive and respectful approach to sexuality, relationships, and reproductive rights.
The truth is: reproductive health issues are on the rise. Factors like lifestyle changes, environmental influences, and lack of awareness are the main reasons. Here are some common sexual health issues:
Infertility
Infertility has become a major global health concern, impacting 1 in 6 people globally. It is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse.
For women, infertility can result from conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, or hormonal imbalances. In men, it is often linked to low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or erectile dysfunction.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
STIs are a growing public health concern, with millions of new cases reported annually. Infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis can have severe consequences if left untreated.
Women with untreated STIs are at risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to chronic pain and infertility. In men, STIs can cause testicular infections, reduced sperm quality, and long-term complications.
Reproductive cancers
Cancers affecting the reproductive organs, such as cervical, ovarian, testicular, and prostate cancer, are also a major health concern. Cervical cancer, primarily caused by HPV, is one of the most common cancers in women, while prostate cancer is a leading cause of death among men.
Many of these conditions are preventable or manageable with timely medical intervention, proper education, and healthier living habits.
The role of technology in reproductive healthcare
Fertility treatments are more advanced than ever
For couples struggling to conceive, science has come a long way. Procedures like in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) make it possible for many to start a family.
Now, AI-powered tools can even help doctors select the best embryos, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy. Egg freezing has also become more common, allowing women to preserve their fertility for later in life.
Smart apps and wearables help track reproductive health
Many people now use mobile apps to track their menstrual cycles, ovulation, and fertility. Apps like Flo, Clue, and Natural Cycles predict the best days to conceive or avoid pregnancy naturally.
Some wearables, like smart rings and watches, monitor body temperature and hormone levels, making fertility tracking even more precise.
Better and smarter birth control options
Technology has led to the creation of long-lasting birth control methods like hormonal implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs), which protect for several years.
Scientists are also working on male contraceptive pills and even smart birth control options that can be activated or deactivated with a smartphone. These innovations are giving people more control over family planning.
AI is helping doctors detect problems early
Artificial intelligence (AI) is now being used to predict fertility trends, diagnose reproductive health issues, and create personalized treatment plans. It helps doctors analyze patient data more accurately, leading to better decision-making.
AI is even used to select the healthiest sperm and embryos for IVF, improving success rates for couples trying to conceive.
Healthtech startups transforming reproductive healthcare
Given the continuous rise in awareness of reproductive healthcare, numerous startups have emerged in this sector. Some of them are as follows:
Grace Health
Grace Health is a Stockholm-based health tech startup revolutionising reproductive healthcare through its digital clinic. Founded in 2017, the app enables users to track their menstrual cycle and access medical experts or fertility coaches for personalised guidance. With a lightweight 7.5MB app, it aims to make healthcare accessible to 1.2 billion women with mobile phones.
Clue
Founded in 2012, Clue is a health tech startup that helps users monitor their periods and fertility with AI-powered predictions. It empowers women with personalised insights into their health. Today, the company is backed by $64.7M in funding to innovate menstrual and fertility tracking further for women.
Kindbody
Kindbody is a fast-growing health tech startup founded in 2018 and headquartered in New York. The company offers fertility services like egg freezing, IVF, donor support, and more. It is backed by $306.3 million in funding and is expected to redefine fertility care with a modern, patient-first approach.
Emm
Emm, a UK-based biotech startup, is developing a smart menstrual cup that automatically logs your menstrual metrics, alerts you to empty it, and makes you aware of any irregularities.
Emm smart menstrual cup is a bio-wearable cup made of medical-grade silicon, containing biosensors. It makes the menstrual experience comfortable with its out-of-the-box features and sleek design. The smart cup is in the beta testing phase and will hit the market very soon.
These are just a few. Several more startups and companies are making an impact in the reproductive health space.
Looking ahead with reproductive health month
With technology and innovation improving accessibility, diagnosis and treatment, the future of reproductive healthcare is promising. Raising more awareness has the potential to break down stigmas and empower individuals with knowledge and better healthcare options.
Whether through AI-driven fertility solutions, smart wearables, or improved access to care, the landscape of reproductive health is evolving rapidly. By continuing to support advancements and open conversations, we can ensure a healthier future for all.
This Reproductive Health Month, let’s all break the stigmas and taboos and have more open conversations about sexual health!
-By Rinkle Dudhani and the AHT Team
