Sexual Health Health Center

Reproductive health: Reproductive health conditions, such as infertility, have distinct symptoms and outcomes. Infertility is the inability to become pregnant after one year of consistent trying or the inability to successfully carry a child to term. Infertility may be caused by a variety of factors — it may be a single identifiable problem or a combination of factors.

Contraception: Contraception is meant to prevent pregnancy in those who are sexually active. Certain forms of contraception are associated with side effects. Hormonal birth control — such as birth control pills, injections, skin patches, vaginal rings and implants — work by releasing hormones into a woman's body to interfere with the fertility process by preventing ovulation. This influx of hormones may cause side effects that should be discussed with a doctor before using. Possible symptoms and side effects of hormonal birth control may include weight gain, moodiness or feelings of being ill.

STDs: Because there are many different STDs, there also are many possible symptoms. Some common symptoms of STDs include unusual discharge from the penis or vagina, sores or warts on the genital area, burning while urinating, itching, redness or pain in the genital area and anal itching, soreness or bleeding. Alert your doctor about these symptoms or any other abnormalities in your genital region.

Male reproductive health: There are many possible symptoms of abnormalities in the male reproductive system. You should alert your doctor of anything that appears or feels wrong to you. The most notable symptom may be erectile dysfunction.

Female reproductive health: Menstruation is the vaginal bleeding that occurs monthly for women after the start of puberty. This monthly "period" may be accompanied by symptoms such as bloating, irritability or moodiness and abdominal cramps. The most common sign of pregnancy is the absence of a period. Other signs of pregnancy symptoms can include nausea, sore breasts or nipples, fatigue, food cravings or aversions, mood swings and frequent urination.