Why Women Need to Take Charge of Their Reproductive Health | Blush & Bloom Podcast Ep. 3
- Itode
- Apr 26
- 3 min read
Updated: May 9
Many women invest in skincare, fitness, and self-care, but often delay taking care of one of the most important parts of their health, their reproductive health.
Waiting until a problem shows up can make things more complicated. In this episode, Dr. Aisha Jaafar Muhammad, a medical doctor and founder of Health Blog, joins us to discuss reproductive health myths, fertility, menstrual health, and how women can take charge of their well-being earlier.
In This Episode, We Cover:
💡 Common reproductive health myths – Misconceptions about contraception, infections, and infertility that many women still believe.
💡 The reality of fertility struggles – Why infertility is not just a woman’s issue and how both partners need to be considered.
💡 Understanding menstrual health – Why painful periods, irregular cycles, and symptoms like acne or excess hair shouldn’t be ignored.
💡 The impact of lifestyle choices – How diet, exercise, and untreated infections affect reproductive health long-term.
💡 How culture and religion influence health decisions – Balancing faith with making informed health choices.
💡 Why early action matters – How routine checkups, education, and small lifestyle changes can prevent bigger problems later.
💡 Advice for overwhelmed women – What to do when you’re unsure where to start with managing your health.
This conversation is filled with practical tips, honest insights, and encouragement for women to prioritize their reproductive health. 🌸
Listen to the Full Episode
The Full Conversation: Why Reproductive Health Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought
When women think of taking care of themselves, reproductive health often doesn’t make the list, at least not until something goes wrong.
Dr. Aisha shared how cultural expectations, stigma, and lack of early education make it harder for women to get the help they need when it matters most.
Common Myths About Reproductive Health
In her work with thousands of women, Dr. Aisha often hears these myths:
✅ Hormonal contraception causes infertility (it doesn’t)
✅ Vaginal infections only happen to sexually active women (not true)
✅ A woman's worth is tied to her fertility and sexual performance (dangerous misconception)
✅ If a couple can’t conceive, it’s always the woman’s fault (wrong, male infertility is just as common)
Why Early Checkups Matter
Menstrual irregularities, painful periods, or symptoms like facial hair and persistent acne can be signs of deeper hormonal issues like PCOS or endometriosis.
Many women delay seeking help because they don't realize these symptoms aren't "normal." Regular checkups, honest conversations with doctors, and basic cycle tracking can make a huge difference.
How Lifestyle Affects Fertility
Healthy eating, regular exercise, and preventing infections are important not just for general health, but for preserving fertility too.
Issues like PCOS and insulin resistance are closely tied to inflammation and lifestyle.
And untreated sexually transmitted infections can lead to conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a leading cause of infertility.
Faith, Culture, and Health Decisions
While religious teachings often protect women’s rights to health and well-being, cultural norms can sometimes restrict women from seeking care.
Dr. Aisha explained how in some communities, women must navigate decisions where they don't have full autonomy over their health. Awareness, education, and supportive communities are critical.
Final Advice: Start Small, Start Now
Dr. Aisha's message is simple:
👉 Don’t wait until you're sick or struggling to start caring about your reproductive health.
👉 Get routine checkups, learn about your body, and make small changes now that can have big effects later.
Joining supportive communities and staying informed can help women feel less isolated and more empowered to make the best decisions for their bodies.
About Our Guest: Dr. Aisha Jaafar Muhammad
Dr. Aisha is a medical doctor passionate about empowering women through education.
After facing her own health challenges, she founded Health Blog, an online platform that offers monthly classes and resources on reproductive health, reaching over 15,000 women to date.
You can find Dr. Aisha on:
📌 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthblog.ng/
📌 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healthblog.ng
Resources & Next Steps
🔹 Track Your Menstrual Health – Start tracking your cycles, noting irregularities, and paying attention to symptoms.
🔹 Schedule a Health Checkup – Even if you feel healthy, a routine checkup can help you catch issues early.
🔹 Join a Supportive Community – Find spaces where you can ask questions, share experiences, and learn without judgment.
🔹 Learn More About Reproductive Health – Explore evidence-based resources to empower yourself with knowledge.
✨ Want to hear more?
Subscribe to Blush & Bloom on Spotify and YouTube for more conversations about women’s health and wellness.
💬 What’s one thing you wish you had learned earlier about reproductive health? Let us know in the comments!
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