How the Pandemic May Impact Reproductive Health Care

Reproductive health care made its way into the spotlight during the lockdowns that have happened across the country as well as around the world.  The COVID-19 crisis changed the way many of us think about wellness. 

Reproductive Health Care is Always Important

Although many people became hesitant to pursue reproductive health care as a result of the pandemic, it is important to remember that it remains very important. Doctors across the country have been encouraging people not to avoid seeking the consultations, tests and treatments they need for their everyday wellness. 

Everything from obtaining birth control to visiting a gynecologist for routine testing such as a pap smear are important to your wellness.  Still, many Americans have hesitated to pursue reproductive health care throughout this time.  They have watched elective surgeries and procedures being cancelled.  This has made them hesitant to make doctors appointments that don’t consider to be necessarily urgent.

Changing Trends

That said, the reproductive health care trends have started changing since certain areas have started to open up from lockdowns and stay-at-home orders.  Despite the fact that these medical services remained available, it isn’t until now that the trend has turned in a powerful direction.

Suddenly, clinics are reporting that they need to hire more staff to keep up with the demand for reproductive health services.  This includes everything from the pill to pap smears and from PrEP for HIV prevention and even home STI test kits.  It has also included a demand for a spectrum of family planning and prenatal care services.

Value Your Health

Doctors are reminding patients across the country that regular checkups are just as important now as they were before the pandemic.  Preventative health care and testing to detect issues early remain just as much a part of caring for yourself as always.  This includes reproductive health care. 

If you have questions about whether or not you should try to make an appointment or if there are services, consultations or even tests you can take from home, it’s a good idea to call your doctor to find out. There may be more options available for you than you realize. They can include everything from home test kits to apps and telehealth video consultations. These can help you to find out what you need from home.  That way, there will be fewer requirements for you to visit in-person and there will be fewer people there when you do.