How to Improve Reproductive Health Wellbeing: Advice for African Adults

Isma Butt, DPT, DLHA, Volunteer and Freelance Medical Writer. Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Ujah MB.BS. 

A seated couple in a city clinic, discussing family planning options with their doctor, bright daylight streaming through the window. Photo credit. Freepik.

 

Highlights:

• Reproductive health can be enhanced in Africa through improved community awareness and education on safe sex practices, family planning, low-cost access to reproductive healthcare services and products.

• Contraception and maternal care remain a necessity, and access remains a challenge to many. 

• Open communication, education, and addressing gender-based violence empower individuals and communities to make informed choices.

• Healthcare workers and the government must work together to ensure reproductive health services are convenient, of good quality, respectful, and accessible.

• Myths, poor lifestyle choices, and lack of community participation are major barriers to better reproductive health across Africa. These issues also need to be addressed.

 

Introduction

Imagine a society where everyone has the power to make informed choices about their body, family, and future. Reproductive health does not only mean having children; it is about living a good life, building a family, and protecting your health and dignity. 

Your reproductive health impacts every aspect of your life, not only as an individual but also as a member of a family and a community. It affects your relationship, your ability to bear children, and your health as you grow older. However, many people think about reproductive health only when something goes wrong.

For Africans generally, improving reproductive health is essential for creating healthier families and stronger communities. This article offers simple and clear advice backed by trusted public health data on what reproductive health really is, some of its issues in African societies, and what you need to do to take control of your sexual and reproductive health for a healthy and fulfilling life.

 

What is Reproductive Health?

According to the World Health Organization, reproductive health does not only mean being free of any disease or illness, but rather the total physical, mental, and social well-being of every individual in all matters relating to the reproductive system (biological structures involved in bearing children) and to its functions throughout all stages of life. It embraces all the aspects of the reproductive system, how they function, and includes:

• A safe and satisfying sex life
• The ability to decide freely if, when, and how often to have children.
• Access to accurate reproductive health information and quality services.
• Freedom from violence, abuse, and harassment in matters related to sex.

Reproductive health is important for everyone, irrespective of age, gender, or relationship status. It is about feeling well, being informed, and having control over your body and reproductive choices.

 

What are Reproductive Rights?

Some of your sexual and reproductive health rights. Click on image to enlarge.

 

Sexual and reproductive rights are essential components of human rights. These rights protect your ability to make informed, voluntary decisions about:

• Your body
• Access to information
• Access to family planning
• Access to safe abortion services (where they are legal) and treatment for the complications of unsafe abortions
• Safe pregnancy and childbirth
• Prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Safety from violence, harassment, and discrimination

Sexual and reproductive rights uphold your dignity, independence, and the freedom to make choices without any fear, stigma, or pressure. While these rights are universal, challenges in Africa make it harder for people to enjoy them fully.

Related:  Social Factors Shaping African Women’s Health

 

Why Reproductive Health Matters in Africa?

Maternal and infant death rates are still high in many African countries. Cultural beliefs, stigma, and lack of access to services are some of the factors that prevent people from getting the care they need. 

The neglect of sexual and reproductive health enables:

• Unwanted pregnancies
• Unsafe abortions
• Infections
• Gender based bias and abuse
• Cycle of family poverty
• Poor socio-economic growth
• Preventable maternal and infant deaths
• And more

For example, maternal deaths in Africa in 2020 are reportedly about 545 maternal deaths per 100,000 births, which is more than twice the global average, indicating how much work is still needed to be done to improve reproductive health in the region. 

Real change must, however, start with individuals learning about their options, making responsible choices, asking questions, demanding answers, and getting help when needed.

Related:

Unmet Need for Contraception in African Women

Unsafe abortion in Africa: Causes and Complications

 

Benefits of Improving Your Reproductive Health Knowledge and Practice

When you have good sexual and reproductive health knowledge and engage in safe practices, you are better placed to: 

• Avoid risky behaviours
• Prevent and treat infections such as HIV. 
• Protect your fertility
• Stay healthy into older age

When individuals stay informed and healthy, they contribute to building stronger and more flexible communities that better serve their physical, mental, and social well-being into the future.

 

Factors Holding Back Sexual and Reproductive Health in African Adults

Summary of some factors holding back safe sexual and reproductive health practice in African societies. Click on image to enlarge.

 

A lot of factors hold back good knowledge and practice of safe sexual and reproductive health within African communities. Here are some examples:

1. Low awareness: There is a wide gap within African societies regarding many aspects of sexual and reproductive health. These gaps include:
   1. Low knowledge base about the biological basis of reproduction
   2. Benefits of reproductive health services and products, and where to access them

2. Socioeconomic status: Poverty restricts access to health care services, nutritious food, and education. Most families are not able to visit doctors and travel to clinics.

3. Cultural beliefs and Practices: Traditional views sometimes prevent conversations about sexual health, family planning, and reproductive rights. Some harmful practices still exist, which harm reproductive health.

4. Gender Roles and Inequality: Women and girls usually face challenges in making decisions about their health due to a lack of equal power in families and communities.

5. Health infrastructure: A significant number of African countries, especially in rural areas, still do not have access to trained health workers, an adequate supply of essential medicines, and standard primary care clinics. 

6. Infectious diseases: HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to be huge challenges, directly affecting reproductive health and causing indirect harm.

7. Lifestyle: Healthy eating, physical activities, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and drinking too much alcohol all affect reproductive health outcomes.

Related: Social Factors Shaping African Women’s Health

 

Key Ways to Improve Reproductive Health Well-Being in African Adults

Here are some ways to improve sexual and reproductive health in African adults  generally:

1. Reproductive health education

Education is the first step towards promoting good reproductive health. With the right information, you can make better decisions and protect your health. 

Why does reproductive health education matter?

• Through education, you learn how your body functions, how infections spread, and the benefits of family planning. 
• It also clears up myths and reduces fear around sensitive topics. 
• Health conversations led by caregivers, parents, and local leaders within the communities provide individuals with a safe learning environment where they can ask questions. 
• Adopting culturally sensitive methods helps break stigma and clear up misinformation. 
• Educating young people on reproductive health at an early age prepares them for healthy adult lives.

2. Family Planning and Contraception 

Family planning helps you decide if and when to have children. Using contraception is not only good for your health; it also allows you to plan your future confidently. 

Modern contraception methods that should be readily available and affordabe include:

• Pills
• Injections
• Implants
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Barrier products ( e.g., Male and female condoms and diaphragms, which protect you against infections as well)
• Others

Image showing different types of contraceptives. Click on image to enlarge. Image credit: Freepik

Related: Why family planning is essential to Nigerian women of reproductive age?

3. Preventing and Treating STIs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV, gonorrhea, and syphilis, continue to affect a lot of individuals. But you can protect yourself.

Steps you can take:

• Practice safe sex, especially with new or multiple partners.
• Use condoms correctly and consistently.
• Get regular testing and treatment.
• Know that HIV is manageable with antiretroviral therapy (ART).

With proper care, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives and reduce the likelihood of transmitting the virus to partners.

An info poster showing tips on how to prevent STI transmission. Click on image to enlarge.

Related: 

How to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Tips on Safe Sex Practice for African Adolescents and Young Adults

4. Safe Pregnancy and Maternal Health Services

Pregnancy can be a joyful experience, but it also comes with risks. Good care can prevent complications. 

Key actions you can take: 

• Attend regular antenatal care.
• Give birth with a skilled health professional present.
• Receive postnatal care to support recovery for mother and baby.
• Eat well, rest, and seek family support.

These steps improve health outcomes for both the mother and the baby.

Related: Maternal Mortality in sub-Saharan Africa: A Call to Action

5.  Reproductive Cancers and Screenings Services

Cervical and breast cancer are some of the major concerns for women, while prostate health is essential for men. 

Keep yourself protected by:

• Getting regular screenings such as Pap smears and breast exams.
• Seeking early treatment if any symptoms appear.
• Consulting your local clinic for information on available programs.

Early decisions save lives.

6. Stop Harmful Practices

A red bakground visual with caption saying: Stop Female Genital Mutilation. click on image to enlarge. Image credit: Freepik

 

Here are some examples of how to stop harmful practices:  

• The most important thing in maintaining a good sex life is respect and consent. Every person is entitled to say no and feel safe.

• Gender-based violence harms physical and emotional health. 

• Speak up against harmful practices. Help stop female genital mutilation (FGM), early marriage, and stigma.

• In case any abuse happens to you or someone you know, it is best to contact trusted community leaders, healthcare workers, or organizations for help. 

• Talking openly about these matters creates safer homes and a safer community.

Community education and codified laws for legal consequences would be helpful to promote body autonomy.and its contravention.

Related: 

Impact of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on African Women and Girls

Roles of Education and Media to End Female Genital Mutilation

National and Community Efforts to End Female Genital Mutilation

Global National and Community Efforts to End Female Genital Mutilation

7. Enhance Access to Services

• Governments should make the reproductive healthcare services accessible, available, and affordable. This includes family planning, STIs testing, parental care, and counselling. 

• When discrimination in the healthcare system is minimized, more individuals feel safe to seek help. 

• Training more healthcare workers strengthens the support people receive.

8. Live a Healthy Lifestyle

• Eat a balanced and healthy diet, which consists of a lot of high fibre containing carbohydrates, proteins, fruits, and vegetables. 

• Engage in regular physical exercise and avoid smoking or alcohol consumption. 

• Manage stress and treat mental health> These do affect reproductive outcomes.

• Avoid multiple sexual partners.

Related: More sexual partners ups your reproductive cancer risks, study says

 

Additional Ways to Improve Reproductive Health Well-Being

Role of Governments:

Government leaders can do a lot to help by:

• Creating rules that protect reproductive health.
• Investing funds in healthcare, education, and raising awareness campaigns.
• Collaborating with communities and countries all over the world to exchange knowledge and resources.
• Including reproductive health in bigger plans to improve health and reduce poverty.

A good example is the African Demographic Dividend and Sexual and Reproductive Health (A2DSRH) Programme, which aims to improve health and access to services for young people that contribute to the development of Africa.

Role of healthcare workers and caregivers:

Healthcare workers and caregivers play an important role. They must:

• Be respectful, adopt confidentiality, and be supportive when discussing sensitive reproductive health matters with their clients.
• Keep learning so that they can offer the best advice and treatment.
• Help patients understand their choices so that they are satisfied with their decisions.

Busting Myths:

There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding reproductive health and contraceptives, which hold people back from getting the help they need. 

Many believe contraceptives cause infertility or that the practice is against their culture and religion. To change these, reproductive health stakeholders must engage the community in the following ways:

• Use facts and have an open conversation to clear up false ideas.
• Include community and religious leaders to promote accurate information.
• Enhance general education to enable every person to understand their health better.

 

Overcoming Barriers to Good Reproductive Health

Most individuals face challenges when trying to access quality reproductive health care. Some reasons include:

• Clinics are too far away, particularly in rural areas.
• Health services or costs are unaffordable without health insurance or a social subsidy.
• Cultural or religious restrictions prevent people from discussing sexual health.
• Women have fewer choices because of gender roles.
• Misinformation and stigma bring about shame.

But new solutions are making a difference:

• Health information is shared privately via mobile phone messages.
• Community health workers are bringing the services to previously poorly accessed areas.
• Young people are welcomed in youth-friendly clinics, and their privacy is respected.
• Local leaders educate their communities and challenge harmful beliefs.

Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength. Share what you learn with other people. Break the silence and be supportive of positive change.

 

Conclusion 

Your reproductive health plays a key role in your future. It helps you take care of yourself, build a healthier family, and contribute to the development of your community. Every decision you make today for yourself will strengthen the foundation of your physical, mental, and social well-being tomorrow. 

Here are examples of simple steps or decisions you can take today, this week, or this year (as applicable) to improve your reproductive health and wellbeing:

• Abstain from sex until you’re ready to start having children.
• Visit your local clinic and learn about the contraceptive options available to you. Request for free condoms if available and you need them.
• Use barrier contraception on each occasion that you have sex if you’re not ready to start having children.
• Commit to not having sex with multiple partners.
• Have open discussions about family planning with your partner without shame, and educate yourself and those around you. Encourage your friends and family to do the same. 
• Get regular health check-ups to detect sexually transmitted infections early for prompt treatment.

Remember, every action you take matters. With combined efforts, a future where everyone has the knowledge, respect, and control they need to protect their reproductive health can be achieved. Support your friends and family in making reproductive health a reality for all.

 

Sources:

1. World Health Organization (WHO). Sexual and Reproductive Health. [Internet, n.d]. Cited July 28, 2025. Available from here.

2. World Health Organization (WHO). Sexual and Reproductive Health Fact Sheet [internet, n.d]. Cited July 28, 2025. PDF. Available from here.

3. UNAIDS. Global HIV and AIDS Facts Sheet. [Internet, n.d]. Cited July 28, 2025. Available from here.

4. World Health Organization (WHO). Accelerating Universal Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health. [Internet]. 2023. [Cited July 28, 2025]. PDF. Available from here.

5. Marie Stopes South Africa. Reproductive Health Rights in South Africa. [Internet]. March 11, 2015. [Cited July 28, 2025]. Available from here.

6. African Union. Continental Policy Framework on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. [Internet]. 2006 July. [Cited July 28, 2025]. PDF. Available from here.

7. UNFPA. Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Programme Guide. [Internet]. 2017. [Cited July 28, 2025]. PDF. Available from here.

 

 

Published: August 14, 2025

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