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5 Things You May Not Know about Reproductive Health

By HERWriter
 
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do you know these 5 facts of reproductive health? Lev Dolgachov/PhotoSpin

Recently while surfing the Internet, I came across a reproductive health test at the Huffington Post website. The sex-education refresher test offered some very interesting reproductive health information.

Here are five facts you may not know:

1) Urination after sex can help prevent a urinary tract infection

According to Planned Parenthood, urinating after sex can help fight off a urinary tract infection (UTI). Urinating after sex helps eliminate the bacteria that may enter the urethra during intercourse. Bacteria can lead to a painful infection.

If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:

• Pressure in your lower belly

• Feeling tired or shaky or having a fever

• Pain or stinging when you pass urine

• Urine that smells bad or looks milky, cloudy, or reddish in color

• An urge to pass urine a lot, but not much comes out when you go

2) You can get pregnant during your period

According to Parents magazine, "it is possible for a woman with a shorter cycle to have sex on the last day of her period, ovulate three days later and get pregnant, because sperm can live in a woman's body for up to five days."

3) Your hymen will not grow back

Some women are born without a hymen, some break theirs during tampon use or exercise. Others have their hymen broken during sexual intercourse. But once the hymen is broken it will never grow back.

4) The purpose of pubic hair is unknown, but ...

Medical experts are not sure why we have pubic hair but they think it serves a purpose. Some believe it is to keep the genitalia warm, some believe it relates to pheromones and acts as an “erotic aid”.

In an interview with Women’s Health Magazine, Dr. Linda Franks, Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the New York University School of Medicine stated, “Pubic hair exists to protect the sensitive skin and mucous membranes in the genital region and waxing it off strips away that layer of protection.”

5) Vaginas are acidic

Dr. Lauren Streicher, Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University's medical school, The Feinberg School of Medicine said that a vagina has a pH level of 3.5 to 4.5. The pH scale is between 0 to 14. Under 7 is considered acidic.

Medical experts warn against douching because it alters your pH level and can cause a bacterial infection. Your vagina naturally balances good bacteria and bad bacteria.

Sources:

Pearson, Catherine. "Surprising Reproductive System Facts: Test Your Know-How (QUIZ)." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 03 July 2013. Web. 06 July 2013.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/03/reproductive-system-women-quiz_n_2792858.html

"Urinary Tract Infection Fact Sheet." Womenshealth.gov. Web. 06 July 2013.
http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/urinary-tract-infection.cfm

Reviewed July 8, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.