At a young age women are not to mention or speak about their Reproductive health. Young girls are left with questions about their bodied and the changes they are going through. Due to this lack of knowledge they are exposed to illnesses, pregnancies at a young age and lack care during menstruation. The lack of information on reproductive care affects their decisions as young adults. Therefore, the controversy on reproductive care, the exposure of illnesses, and pregnancies at such a young age is due to the lack of knowledge that we receive as young girls. Women should be exposed and be able to speak out about what their bodies. If women come together to speak about reproductive care, experiences and knowledge, then there would be less controversy about reproductive care. As well as less exposure or illnesses and lack of proper care among young girls and young adults.
There are many controversies on women’s reproductive care. Not only affected by society but by many distinct cultures. In many cultures women productive care is something that many women cannot speak about to other people. This can build controversy, false information that is spread amongst people and can affect women from all culture. In the article “Guadalupe, the Sex Goddess” by Sandra Cisneros the author mentions that “So much guilt, so much silence, and such a yearning to be loved; no wonder young women find themselves having sex while they are still children, having sex without sexual protection, too ashamed to confide their feelings and fears to anyone (pg.2)”. This show that in the Latin culture it is not something common to be asking others for information on reproductive care such as how to take care of yourself when having intimacy.
Another topic about lack of proper reproductive health is teenage pregnancy. If young teenagers get informed and not just briefly made aware of proper care. Then there can be a meaningful change in the number of teenage pregnancies that are Reported. In the website Plan international they talk about teenage pregnancy and its causes. One of the causes of teenage pregnancy that they mention is how “lack of information about sexual and reproductive health and rights is the main cause of teenage pregnancy.” This show how having this information can have a positive outcome on the decisions teenagers make. The article also mentions “teenage pregnancies increase when girls are denied the right to make decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and well-being”. This ties into how cultures have an impact on the way teenagers handle their decisions on sexual and reproductive health.
What kind of illnesses?
Some illnesses women are exposed to due to a lack of reproductive care are infections, ectopic pregnancies, and infertility. In the source “sexual and reproductive health”, it states that “A lack of sexual and reproductive health services can also lead to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV”. This goes to show how it is important to obtain information about reproductive health to avoid issues like sexual transmitted diseases. Also, due to the lack of information and the lack of having a proper places where women can get the care they need, can also lead women to going to inappropriate places or doctors that can cause the more problems and issues instead of fixing their concerns.
To conclude the effects of people such as women not knowing enough information about their reproductive care at an early age but has affected them in their adulthood. The lack of information young women receive on reproductive care affects their decisions and exposure as young adults therefore they are prone to exposure of illnesses and lack of proper care. This goes to show how it is important for everyone to get educated about reproductive health to avoid controversy, wrong information and for proper care. As well as having the courage to speak up about questions and concerns they might have.
Cisneros, S. (n.d.). Guadalupe the Sex Goddess. https://doi.org/https://mrnittle.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/guadalupe-sex-goddess-cisneros.pdf
Nolitha, & Dindili. (n.d.). Communication barriers around sexual reproductive health (SRH) within families that lead to increase in teenage pregnancy and vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. Communication barriers around Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) within families that lead to increase in teenage pregnancy and vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/86317
Sexual & Reproductive Health. Health Poverty Action. (n.d.). https://www.healthpovertyaction.org/how-poverty-is-created/women-girls/sexual-reproductive-health/#:~:text=At%20Health%20Poverty%20Action%2C%20not,it%20in%20families%20and%20communities.
Teenage pregnancy. Plan International. (2025, March 3). https://plan-international.org/srhr/teenage-pregnancy/
