The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services, has information for women regarding their reproductive health. This can include topics on infertility, different contraception methods available, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV/AIDS and teens reproductive health. The CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health conducts all types of research, not only studying various biomedical issues and consequences, but looking at behavioral effects on reproductive health as well. The CDC works with many diverse groups, including women in prison, women in managed care facilities and women of different ages, races and sexual orientation. This enables the researchers to get a wide cross section of the population in order to achieve the most comprehensive results.
The CDC wishes to help women protect their reproductive system, noting that this is one of the most delicate systems in a woman’s body and is prone to infection or injury. Without taking care of problems when they first occur, it can turn into a problem you might have for the rest of your life. There are precautions women can take to help prevent health problems. For instance, you can avoid sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS by knowing who your partner is and if he or she already is infected with a disease. However, many women don’t even know that they have an STD since the symptoms aren’t visible. So it’s important to go to the doctor or clinic for regular checkups and testing for STDs.
The CDC is there to help you have control over your own body and reproductive system. That means understanding the importance of birth control and what options are available, so you don’t have an unwanted pregnancy. This is especially important for sexually active teens. Many types of birth control are available, including IUDs, pills, a contraceptive ring, patches, injections and female and male condoms.