Why is sexual and reproductive health important for women?

This article was updated February 2025

Just for women!

You know what’s empowering for women? Learning about our sexual and reproductive health. I’m here as an advocate at ThriVe. 

First off, let’s celebrate the fact that this is a pro-woman conversation. How cool is that? At ThriVe, you’re part of a community that promotes the “just for women” health movement. We’re making self-care cool again. So why is reproductive and sexual health important for women? What even IS sexual and reproductive health? Admittedly, this is a big subject. The topic of sexual and reproductive health includes public health issues like preventing STIs (sexually transmitted infections) like HIV, STD testing, medically-accurate information about abortion, contraception / family planning, fertility cycles, and healthy relationships.

We’re all about empowering you with the info you need. We believe you deserve access to sexual and reproductive information that’s medically-accurate. You should be able to learn about your body so that you can make the right sexual and reproductive health choices for yourself. Taking charge of this is huge for your overall well-being.

So, let’s break it down into three key areas:

• understanding menstrual cycles,

• monitoring reproductive health through STD testing,

• making healthy sexual decisions.

Understanding your menstrual cycles can be a game-changer for lots of women. It’s great to know when your period is due. But you can also learn your own patterns, understand your body’s unique rhythm, and discover the beauty of your reproductive cycle. Since ThriVe is just for women our blog section is a resource to answer your questions and be your companion on this journey of understanding your sexual and reproductive health.

The Basics: 

A big part of understanding your sexual and reproductive health is understanding your body, including your cycle. So, what exactly is a menstrual cycle? It’s a routine your body follows every month in preparation for a potential pregnancy. Typically lasting around 28 days, though it can vary from person to person, it’s a unique journey your body takes.

• Menstrual cycles are counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next period. 
• Every month, a woman’s body goes through a process called “ovulation,” where one of her ovaries releases an egg.
• Her body’s hormones change during this time to get the uterus prepared for a pregnancy. If the woman’s egg doesn’t meet up with a man’s sperm (called fertilization), the uterus’ lining is shed and flows out through the vagina. 

Then, the process repeats all over again.¹ 

Why Is Reproductive and Sexual Health Important?

Understanding your menstrual cycle goes beyond predicting your period. Changes can tell you potential insights into your overall health. Regular cycles are a positive sign, while irregularities might be signalling potential health problems to discuss with your doctor. Some women just have irregular cycles as a normal part of their experience. It’s a good idea to also visit a health center that’s just for women, like ThriVe.

STD testing

We know. No one wants to talk about STDs.  But testing is like a shield for your sexual and reproductive health. It helps catch infections early, ensuring prompt treatment. Getting tested isn’t just about the here and now. You’re safeguarding your future and protecting against real, painful diseases. ThriVe offers support, information, and a non-judgmental space for you to take charge of your sexual health. You can also get tested at no-cost at our centers offering medical services.

Making healthy sexual decisions is about setting boundaries that you’re comfortable with. The best definition of “safe sex” is  to wait  until you’re ready to become a parent. Having sex  puts you at  risk for unintended pregnancies, and you might not feel ready for that. We’re here to support you. We really are a safe space.

ThriVe: Just For Women

So why is reproductive and sexual health important, and why is ThriVe a great source for this information? At ThriVe, we’re women. We get it. When it comes to your sexual health, you should feel confident and informed every step of the way.

Taking charge of your sexual and reproductive health is an empowerment. Understanding your menstrual cycles, prioritizing regular STD testing, and making healthy decisions are all super important. ThriVe is your ally, here to provide information, support, and a sense of community. Let’s embrace our health and well-being together – because you deserve it!