Reproductive Indices Research Articles

Effects of Refined Handling on Reproductive Indices of BALB/cJ and CD-1 IGS Mice.

Current mouse handling methods during cage change procedures can cause stress and potentially compromise animal welfare. Our previous study of breeding C57BL/6J mice found modest increases in pup production and a significant reduction in preweaning litter losses when mice were handled using a tunnel as compared with a tail-lift with padded forceps. The current study evaluated how these 2 handling methods affected reproduction by 2 additional mouse strains, BALB/cJ (a low- to intermediate-fecundity strain) and CD-1 IGS (a high-fecundity stock). We predicted that refined handling would have minimal effects on the high-fecundity line with a satisfactory production rate and greater effects on the low-fecundity line. Handling method (tunnel compared with tail-lift) was randomly assigned to monogamous breeding pairs of mice. Reproductive metrics (litter size at birth and weaning, numbers of litters, litter attrition, between-litter intervals, pup wean- ing weight, and sex ratio) were prospectively monitored for 80 BALB/cJ and 77 CD-1 pairs that were bred continuously for 6 mo. Both strains of mice were highly productive, exceeding previously published breeding data. However, neither strain demonstrated operational or statistically significant differences between handling methods for any reproduction metric. As we detected no negative effects in these 2 strains and the benefits are clear in other strains, refined handling should be considered for all breeding mice.

A simple and low-cost environmental enrichment program improves the welfare of Calomys callosus, a species that adapts to animal facilities.

An environmental enrichment protocol is essential for testing experimental models because it upholds animal welfare, aligns with ethical principles in animal experimentation, and reduces the number of animals needed. Calomys callosus, a South American rodent from the Cricetidae family, is bred in rodent animal facilities for its ease of handling, longevity, prolificacy, and effectively mimicking diseases like Toxoplasmosis, Leishmaniasis, Chagas, and Schistosomiasis. There are no reports on environmental enrichments for this species or their impact on reproductive parameters. This study aimed to analyze the influence of the Environmental Enrichment Program (EEP) on the reproductive and zootechnical performance of C. callosus kept in the Rodents Animal Facilities Complex of Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU). Two experimental groups were established: with environmental enrichment EE+ and without environmental enrichment EE-. The materials used in the experimental design were changed weekly and alternated between dietary, occupational, physical/cognitive, and non-enrichment items. After the inclusion of the EEP, an improvement in the reproductive indices of C. callosus was identified in the EE+ group. These improvements included increased female precocity, a decreased interbirth interval, and a higher number of pairs producing more offspring. The postpartum zootechnical indices were also better, such as the number of animals born alive, improved weaning rates, and a reduced average number of deaths from birth to weaning. After the inclusion of the EEP, the general health status of C. callosus improved, reducing cases of non-infectious lumbar alopecia. Therefore, EEP allows C. callosus to express natural reproductive behaviors and improves parental care.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp) Root as Growth and Profertility Agent on the Reproductive Indices of Clarias gariepinus Broodstock

The nutritional composition and dietary effects of medicinal plants on aquatic animals have been ascertained through the improvement of the sexual performance of the fish leading to the production of improved egg quality and enhancing the fertility of sperm. The study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Maca Root Meal (MRM) on the growth and pro-fertility agent of C. gariepinus broodstock. Eighty C. gariepinus (400±0.01g) were used for the experiment. They were fed 5 compounded diets at different inclusion levels (0.0, 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50%) and denoted as MRM1 – MRM5 respectively of 40% crude protein at 3% body weight with 8 fish (4 males and 4 females) per treatment, replicate twice for 56 days. Measurements were taken on growth performance and reproductive indices at the end of feeding trials. The results showed that body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and production productive index were significantly higher (P<0.05) in MRM 4 compared to the control and other treated groups. The reproductive indices such as milt volume, motility duration, sperm counts, the weight of ovary, relative fecundity, hatchability and percentage fertilization were significant higher (P<0.05) in the treated groups when compared to the control. MRM5 recorded higher hatchability and percentage fertilization of 81.78 and 84.27% compared to the control of 62.11 and 71.53% respectively and there was a significant difference (P<0.05) among the dietary groups. Conclusively, the study revealed the therapeutic potential of maca root as growth and pro-fertility agent and that inclusion of 50% maca root meal in the diet of C. gariepinus broodstock could increase weight gain and better reproductive indices in male and female C. gariepinus broodstock.

Improvement of the reproduction and gonado-somatic index of Archachatina marginata with a medicinal plant (Thymus vulgaris) in the Equatorial Zone of Cameroon

A study was carried out to assess the reproduction and gonado-somatic index of Archachatina marginata with a medicinal plant (Thymus vulgaris). Three hundred adult snails were randomly partitioned into four treatments and six replicates of 15 comparable snails. The Treatment T0 (control) received only the experimental diet. The other treatments (T0.25, T0.5, and T0.75) received, in addition to the experimental diet, Thymus vulgaris powder at 0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75% respectively. The results showed that the lowest value of egg weight (1.33 0.66) was registered in animals receiving 0.5% of Thymus vulgaris in the diet compared to other treatments. In contrast, the lowest value of egg length (14.68 1.14) was recorded in the control group. The lowest (16.25 0.00) number of clutches per treatment was registered in animals that received 0.5% of thymus vulgaris in the diet compared to the control group and other treatments. The hatching and fertilization rate values increase with increasing Thymus vulgaris in the diet, while the reverse was observed for the mortality rate. The highest value of gonadosomatic index (0.020.00) is recorded in animals receiving the highest level of thymus vulgaris (T0.75) in the diet, followed by animal in the control group (T0). The total protein and triglyceride increase significantly (p<0.05) with increasing Thymus vulgaris in the treatment that is receiving Thymus vulgaris in the diet. Contrarily, the total cholesterol decreases significantly (p<0.05) with increasing level of Thymus vulgaris in the diet. In conclusion, Thymus vulgaris at 0.75% can be used in the diet of breeding snails.

Mycoloop: Modeling phytoplankton–chytrid–zooplankton interactions in aquatic food webs

A dynamic model is proposed to describe a mycoloop in aquatic food webs. The model consists of phytoplankton, chytrids and zooplankton. It characterizes that zooplankton consume both phytoplankton and free-living chytrid spores, and that chytrids infect phytoplankton. The dynamics of the model are investigated containing the dissipativity, existence and stability of equilibria, and persistence. The ecological reproductive indexes for phytoplankton or zooplankton invasion and basic reproduction numbers for chytrid transmission are derived. The parameter values of the model are estimated based on experimental data. Numerical simulations explore the effects of the mycoloop on phytoplankton blooms and chytrid transmission. This research reveals that the mycoloop structure increases or reduces phytoplankton blooms, and controls the spread of chytrids among phytoplankton.

Toxic effect of nicotine on sperm Morphology in adult male albino rats: Protective potential of Thymus vulgaris Aqueous Extract

Smoking is one of the most problems that cause oxidative stress and affect the health of humans. That affected Fertility in males which nicotine has a toxic effect on spermatogenesis. Thyme extract is shown to have some beneficial effects such as antioxidant properties. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antagonistic ability of thyme extract against the toxic effect of the nicotine on epididymal sperm defects in male adult rats, there were divided into four groups;G1: normal saline, G 2: 0.6mg/kg nicotine, G 3: 0.5g/kg thyme extract, G4: 0.6 mg/kg nicotine and 0.5g/kg thyme extract, Treatments lasted for 28 days. Sperms morphology was assessed for fertility. It was significantly (P<0.05) increased in the nicotine-treated group, compared with control (P<0.05). However, co-administration of nicotine with thyme extract significantly decreased the values of sperm defects as compared to that observed in nicotine group (P<0.05). The findings suggest that the thyme extract possibly ameliorates the deleterious effects of nicotine on some reproductive indices in male albino rats.

Maternal or Paternal Antibiotics? Intergenerational Transmission and Reproductive Toxicity in Zebrafish.

Despite the known direct toxicity of various antibiotics to aquatic organisms, the potential chronic impact through intergenerational transmission on reproduction remains elusive. Here, we exposed zebrafish to a mixture of 15 commonly consumed antibiotics at environmentally relevant concentrations (1 and 100 μg L-1) with a cross-mating design. A high accumulation of antibiotics was detected in the ovary (up to 904.58 ng g-1) and testis (up to 1704.49 ng g-1) of F0 fish. The transmission of antibiotics from the F0 generation to the subsequent generation (F1 offspring) was confirmed with a transmission rate (ki) ranging from 0.11 to 2.32. The maternal transfer of antibiotics was significantly higher, relative to paternal transfer, due to a greater role of transmission through ovarian enrichment and oviposition compared to testis enrichment. There were similar impairments in reproductive and developmental indexes on F1 eggs found following both female and male parental exposure. Almost all antibiotics were eliminated in F2 eggs in comparison to F1 eggs. However, there were still reproductive and developmental toxic responses observed in F2 fish, suggesting that antibiotic concentration levels were not the only criterion for evaluating the toxic effects for each generation. These findings unveil the intergenerational transmission mechanism of antibiotics in fish models and underscore their potential and lasting impact in aquatic environments.

Vermi degradation of different dietary supplements mediated on the reproduction and metabolic profile of earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae

Earthworm growth and reproduction is influenced by the environmental variables such as temperature, moisture, substrate and nutrient content in vermibed materials. By using different kind of dietary supplements with the conventional vermibed materials raise the development and reproductive potential of the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae. The current study evaluated on particular periods such as 10th, 45th, and 90th day in vermibins with dietary supplements in the ratio of 1:1 the 50% Ficus religiosa leaf litters + 50% cow dung (T1); 50% Lawsonia inermis leaf litters + 50% cow dung (T2); 50% sugarcane bagasse + 50% cow dung (T3) was used and 100% cow dung serves as control (C). Among these vermibins, T3 vermibin treated earthworms had the highest growth, reproduction, highest sperm count in the seminal vesicle, hatching success, and also increased the metabolic profile of earthworms such as protein, carbohydrate, and lipids in tissues and seminal vesicle. Compared to the other nutritional supplements, the present study result revealed that cow dung and sugarcane bagasse together have a significant positive impact on earthworm growth and reproduction. This study emphasized on the enhancement of the reproductive capacity of the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae by incorporating different dietary supplements with the traditional vermicomposting methods. This also helps to analyse the influence of the metabolic profile in the growth and development and even on the reproductive index of the earthworm which is been observed on three different period: 10th, 45th and 90th day of experimentation. In the current research multi output can be ensured by integrating with production of crops, vermicompost, earthworm growth and waste management. This present study also represents that the open dumping of such a huge quantity of dung materials and plant and animal wastes will create environmental pollution and benefits for soil fertility improvement.

Phospholipid-supplemented diet impacts on growth, blood metrics, reproductive indices, and fatty acid profiles of Pangasianodon hypopthalmus

This study explores the effects of phospholipid inclusions in the diet of Pangasianodon hypopthalmus young adults on growth and physiological parameters. Commercial diet was subdivided into four groups and top coated using phospholipid (food grade Soy Lecithin) at 0%, 2%, 6%, and 10%, of feed dry weight resulting in an equivalent of 5%, 7.39%, 11.93% and 15.88% total crude lipid levels in the experimental diets. After 90 days of the feeding trials, the phospholipid inclusion at 6% (total crude lipid 11%) significantly improved blood parameters, while inclusion of phospholipid at 10% resulted in a decrease in white blood cells (WBCs) and its associated components, suggesting it may have been above the optimal level required by the fish. Reproductive hormones; 11-ketotestorone and 17β-estradiol that were observed showed an increase in direct proportion following the increase of phospholipid inclusion. Fatty acids composition of the muscle, liver, and gonads show a similar trend with the dominance of C16:0, C18:1n-9, and C18:3n-3 in the tissues. Also, the hierarchy of the fatty acids in the tissues were in the order of SFA > MUFA > PUFA. However, the composition of MUFA decreased with increase in the phospholipid inclusion These findings suggest that dietary phospholipid inclusion can enhance growth and physiological parameters of P. hypopthalmus.

Applicability of three indices to evaluate the reproductive capacity of Rhipicephalus microplus engorged female ticks in acaricide efficacy trials

This study aimed to analyze the applicability of three different indices to evaluate the reproductive capacity of engorged females (RCEF). The indices, RCEF1, RCEF2 and RCEF3, were proposed as alternative to the count of the exact number of unhatched eggs and larvae in in vivo and in vitro acaricide efficacy trials that involve the use of engorged females to estimate the effect of a drug on their reproductive capacity. A comparison of the values of the reproductive efficiency index (REI) and the fertility efficiency index (FEI) of ten engorged females calculated from the count of the exact number of unhatched eggs and larvae and from the application of the proposed indices was performed. The absence of differences in the values obtained by both methods support the reliability and validate the use of the RCEF1, RCEF2 and RCEF3 indices to assess the RCEF.

Morphological justification of the risk of mastopathy in cattle

Mastopathy, as it is known, is one of the fundamental reasons for the decrease in dairy productivity of cows, sanitary and technological properties of milk, as well as premature culling of animals. The purpose of this study was to present a morphological justification of the risk of mastopathy in cattle. The research was carried out on the basis of the Department of Anatomy and Histology of Animals named after Professor Alexey Filipovich Klimov of the Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology – MBA named after K. I. Scriabin" and the breeding plant "Povadino" of the Moscow region. The object was Holstein cows. To conduct the study, an experimental group of animals (n=102) was selected from a herd of 1200 heads according to the principle of analogues, taking into account breed, body weight, age, number of lactations, reproduction index, which included clinically healthy animals (n=51, control) and experimental animals (n=51, mastitis). A comprehensive methodological approach was used, including a visual assessment of the state of the somatic systems of the animal body, macroscopic morphometry in order to determine the type of their constitution, the somatotype index and linear indicators of the mammary gland. Based on the conducted studies, anatomical and echographic parallels of the state of the mammary gland in the studied animals were established. In cows with mastitis, an increase in the circumference of the gland in comparison with the control group is accompanied by destructive changes in its excretory system in the form of massive fibrin overlays in the area of milk passages represented by heteroechogenic sites.The results obtained are basic in improving the methods of diagnosis and prevention of breast pathologies in cattle.

Evaluation of the efficacy of acetone-dried common carp pituitary during induced breeding of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) after an extremely long-term storage

Hypophysation is the oldest and most widely used method of induced fish breeding. In practice, common carp (Cyprinus carpio) pituitary is one of the most commonly used agents to induce ovulation. The active ingredients of pituitary (glycoprotein) are very susceptible to fast degradation, therefore the glands must be preserved immediately after collection. Preservation is usually carried out in acetone which dehydrates and defattens the glands.The aim of our experiments was to investigate the efficacy of an extremely long-stored batch of pituitary gland collected in 1967. The biological potential of the glands was assessed through reproductive indices recorded during induced breeding of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). The experiments were performed in October 2020. One group of females was treated with acetone-dried carp pituitary collected in 1967 and the other group was injected with pituitary collected in the year prior to the experiments. To assess the effectiveness of the pituitary treatment the following reproductive traits were determined: ratio of ovulated females, relative weight of the stripped eggs and the residual ovary, fertilization and hatching rates. The statistical methods used did not indicate a significant difference between the two groups for any of the reproductive indices, which means that the pituitary gland collected in 1967 remained effective after 53 years.

Anemia in pigs

Anemia, as a multifactorial syndrome, is often registered in farm animals' pathology, especially with nutritional origin and less often with different other causes (systemic or organ diseases). It is defined as a decreasing in the number of red blood cells (erythrocytes), the hematocrit and the hemoglobin concentration, respectively. The physiopathological and, respectively, the clinical consequences are directly corelated with the severity of the anemia and the responsible mechanism, expressed by pallor of the mucous membranes, weakness, tachycardia and/or tachypnea and, indirectly, by the reduction of productive and reproductive indices. Nutritional/deficiency anemias are widespread in intensive breeding, with economic repercussions not to be neglected, and the knowledge and application of curative-prophylactic principles at the ages of maximum vulnerability considerably reduce the incidence and the unfavorable economic impact.

Seasonal changes in the reproductive cycle and condition index of the surf clam Mactra stultorum (Mollusca: Bivalvia) in the Gulf of Gabes, Tunisia

The reproductive biology of Mactra stultorum from the Gulf of Gabes was investigated monthly during a oneyear period (2017). This study is the first study examining its reproductive biology during one-year in the south of Tunisia. The overall samples presented a balanced sex ratio, with males dominating among smaller individuals (< 22 mm) and females predominating in larger size classes (> 34 mm). The obtained total sex ratio (F:M) was equal to 1.03:1. The size at first maturity (SL50%) was 20.43 and 22.10 mm for males and females, respectively. The seasonal variations assessed through macro- and microscopic characteristics in the gonads of both sexes indicated a clearly defined annual reproductive cycle with a principal spawning peak during summer and a resting period during December and January. The reproduction of M. stultorum was strongly influenced by fluctuations in the seawater temperature, as reflected through the temporal variation in the gonadal cycle, condition index (CI) and tissue weight rate (TiWR). If managed properly, M. stultorum is expected to meet the domestic market demand through artisanal fishery. The adoption and implementation of rules, such as limiting the size of clams, is required to protect this new exploitable fishery resource.

In vitro evaluation of the acaricidal efficacy of aqueous extract and essential oil of <i>Momordica charantia</i> L. against <i>Rhipicephalus (boophilus) annulatus</i> ticks.

Ticks are a significant threat to livestock production, and the synthetic acarcides used to control them have had negative effects on the environment, non-target organisms and the animals being treated. As a solution to this problem, it is necessary to explore alternatives that are safer for humans, animals, and the environment. The use of medicinal plants offers a promising solution. In this study, the acaricidal efficacy of Momordica charantia, a medicinal plant, was evaluated using the adult immersion test (AIT). The aqueous extract and essential oil (EO) of M. charantia leaves were evaluated. A positive control (2% cypermethrin) and negative control (distilled water) were used. Different concentrations (2.5, 5, 10, and 20%) of both aqueous and EO of plant were tested with 10 ticks per group. Tick mortality, reproductive index (RI), and inhibition of oviposition (IO %) were measured at 24 hours, 7 days, and 14 days post-treatment (PT). Statistical analysis was conducted using the probit method, with a significance level of p < 0.05. The results showed that both the aqueous extract and EO of M. charantia exhibited low acaricidal activity. Even at the highest EO concentration (20%), only 45% tick mortality was observed. The effect on oviposition was negligible, as the aqueous extract did not inhibit oviposition in live engorged female ticks. Consequently, M. charantia may not be a suitable alternative to synthetic acaricidal agents available on the market.

Ecotoxicological effects of co-exposure biodegradable microplastics polylactic acid with cadmium are higher than conventional microplastics polystyrene with cadmium on the earthworm

Microplastics (MPs) are plastic fragments with particle sizes <5 mm, ubiquitously distributed in terrestrial environments. However, the negative effects of MPs, such as joint-pollution with heavy metals on soil fauna remain controversial. This study investigated survival rate, growth, reproduction, avoidance behavior, histology, biochemical assays, comet assay, qPCR, Cd content, and IBR index. We found that six types of traditional MPs (PC, PP, PVC, LDPE, PET and PS, and PLA (a biodegradable microplastics)) had no adverse effects on earthworm growth, survival and reproduction. Moreover, we found that earthworms exhibit an avoidance behavior towards PLA. Both PS and PLA can exacerbated Cd pollution, leading to loose circular muscle layer, DNA damage in coelomocytes, and impaired antioxidant system due to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). mRNA level of HSP70 increased under joint-pollution of both PS and Cd or PLA and Cd compared to Cd treatment alone. MPs enhanced Cd accumulation in earthworms in Cd-contaminated soil. Notably, the Integrated Biomarkers Response index revealed that the toxicity of joint PLA and Cd was greater than the joint effect of PS and Cd, which might violate the original intention of biodegradable plastics having non-toxic influence on the soil fauna. Our findings provide new insights into the ecotoxicological effects of MPs, the joint ecotoxicological effects of MPs and Cd on earthworms, and the ecological risks of MPs to soil fauna.

Impacts of artisanal fishing on the reproductive biology and population structure of tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus) in the Ume Basin of Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

AbstractFisheries studies concerning the related impacts of fishing on the aquatic environment have mostly dealt with industrial fisheries. Concerted large‐scale exploitation can lead to stock declines and potentially species extinction. Hydrocynus vittatus is a piscivore and popular recreational fish species that can grow up to 70 cm fork length and weigh up to 15 kg. Hydrocynus vittatus is also a fish of importance in Lake Kariba as local communities along lake shorelines depend on it for both income and food. There is an insufficient understanding of the impacts of artisanal fishing on tigerfish, H. vittatus population parameters and reproductive biology in Lake Kariba. Hence, this study investigated life history traits and population dynamics of H. vittatus in the Ume Basin of Lake Kariba, north‐eastern Zimbabwe. Scales were used to estimate the age of tigerfish and the Bertalanffy growth curve used to estimate the growth parameters. A gonadal reproductive stage determination index was used to determine sexual maturity and the logistic growth curve was used to estimate size at 50% sexual maturity (L50). Using the gonadal maturation index, the L50 for males was estimated ranging between 120 and 149 mm. On the other hand, L50 reached between 250 and 299 mm in females. Females had a higher average mean length (335 mm), compared to that of males (289 mm). The length‐at‐age data from scales had relatively few outliers and moderate scatter. Parameters for the von Bertalanffy growth curve were (L‐infinity = 641.5, k = 0.517, t0 = 3.07). This study highlighted the negative impacts (male‐biased sex ratio and small size at maturity) that artisanal gillnet fishing has on the population structure and reproductive potential of tigerfish in the Ume Basin of Lake Kariba. These impacts are a direct result of both legal and illegal fishing activities of the fishers operating in the Ume Basin and based at Musamba Fishing Camp. There is, therefore, an urgent need for the regulatory authority, the Matusadona Conservation Trust, to engage the fishers in developing long‐term strategies to reverse the observed unhealthy population status and allow the tigerfish stock to replenish itself.

Reproductive Biology and Condition Index of Meretrix meretrix in Marudu Bay, Malaysia: Implications for Conservation and Management

Reproductive Biology and Condition Index of Meretrix meretrix in Marudu Bay, Malaysia: Implications for Conservation and Management

Reproductive systems and hybridization of Lymania species (Bromeliaceae) endemic to Northeast Brazil threatened with extinction

Reproductive systems among the Bromeliaceae family are very diverse at the species level, including allogamous, autogamous, cleistogamous, agamospermic or mixed plants. Hybridization allows the creation of new genotypes with different combinations of shapes and colors to meet the ornamental plant market's demand for novelty. Knowing the reproductive strategies of the species makes it possible to obtain these new materials with ornamental potential, in addition to being essential to define better conservation strategies. Little is known about the reproductive biology of Lymania species. In addition, at least 60% of these species are on the Brazilian National List of Species Threatened with Extinction. The purpose of this study was to identify the reproductive systems, the possible interspecific hybridizations, and the possible reproductive barriers of nine Lymania species based on the germination of pollen grains and the corresponding growth of the pollen tube in the pistil by using fluorescence microscopy with ultraviolet filtering. Natural and controlled pollinations of the nine species were carried out. The reproductive strategy was defined according to the autogamy index (AI), self-incompatibility index (SII), and reproductive efficiency index (REI). All species were self-incompatible except for L. smithii, which was autogamous. Agamospermy was not observed in any of the studied species. Forty-one hybridization combinations between species were performed, resulting in a 54% success rate, with incongruity in only 12 combinations. The main incongruence phenomena identified after interspecific crosses were: poor germination of pollen grains on the stigma surface; inhibition of pollen tube growth along the style; coiling of pollen tubes along the style; pollen tubes inside the ovary but without penetration into the micropyle; and reticulate deposition of callose in the pollen tube, among others. We suggest that self-incompatibility of the species is gametophytic, preventing self-fertilization. Results showed that it is possible to perform hybridization with some species. However, morphological, genetic, and molecular studies are needed to confirm the potential of these species. Seeds generated in the different reproductive systems, as well as in the hybridizations, had germination rates above 94%. The results presented here make important contributions to the conservation of species, seed generation, and hybridization of Bromeliaceae.

Sexual and reproductive health problems among women with mental illness attending tertiary care psychiatric outpatient clinic in India: A cross-sectional study.

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a vital concern among women with mental illness (WMI) due to the increased risk for unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and poor obstetric outcomes. Objective of the study was to explore the current use of family planning (FP) methods, symptoms of STIs and sexual dysfunction among WMI. This descriptive study involved 404 WMI of reproductive age (18-49 years) attending tertiary care psychiatric outpatient clinics in India. During face-to-face interviews, centers for disease control and prevention (CDC)-reproductive health assessment toolkit-FP questionnaire, STI questionnaire and Female sexual function index (FSFI) were used to collect the data. Of 404 WMI, 261(64.6%) were users, and 137 (33.9%) were non-users of FP methods. About 6(1.5%) WMI did not respond FP methods question. Female sterilization was the highest among the users, 244(93%). Among non-users, 100 (73%) were unaware of choosing the effective method of FP. Most of the WMI, 377(93.3%), were unaware of STIs. The symptoms of STI reported include unusual genital discharge 62(15.3%) and genital ulcers/ sores 58(14.4 %). Most of them, 76(63.3%), were not on any treatment. The most common reason for not taking treatment was feeling ashamed 70(92.1%). Female sexual dysfunction was reported in 176(43.6%). Most of the WMI had difficulties in the arousal domain 288(71.3%), followed by low desire 233(57.7%) and dissatisfaction 186(46%). Most WMI underwent sterilization. Non-users of FP methods were not aware of choosing the effective method. Awareness about STIs was poor, and feeling ashamed was the primary reason for not availing of medical help. Nearly half of the WMI reported sexual dysfunction, among which arousal difficulties, low desire and dissatisfaction were common. Health professionals need to increase awareness about FP methods and symptoms of STIs among WMIs. Women require appropriate counselling regarding SRH and treatment for sexual dysfunction.