Fertility is power
Fertility isn’t just about having children. It’s not just a “women’s issue.” The RHO Project invites everyone to explore how their body works, how their choices matter, and how they can make decisions that align with the kind of future they want, whether that includes parenting or not. Through practical tools, real conversations, and reflections, RHO helps young people think critically about their physical and emotional well-being.
Encouraging open dialogue between young people and the adults in their lives — including parents — this resource is designed not to divide generations, but to build bridges.
Whether in a school setting or within the family, RHO invites everyone to explore these complex questions together, with curiosity and mutual respect.
About
Why
Because fertility is part of overall health, not just your future plans. Most young people don’t get the chance to think critically about their reproductive health.
Beyond conversations about pleasure, consent, and protection, it’s just as important to include space for reflection on emotions, fertility, mental health in relation to intimacy, parenting, and long-term life choices. The RHO Project was created to fill that gap.
The Challenge
Young people are navigating the most connected and disconnected world at the same time — and they’re doing it with very little reproductive literacy.
i. Fertility rates in Canada are at a historic low.
ii. Social media is full of mixed messages about love, sex,
and identity.
iii. Conversations about parenting, infertility, or perinatal
mental health are still taboo.
iv. Emotional readiness and long-term consequences are
rarely discussed
v. Most youth underestimate the impact of lifestyle, age,
and environment on fertility
There’s a huge gap between what young people hope for… and what they’ve been told.
Our Solution
The RHO Project offers something different: awareness of how the body works and what may affect it over time,
a space to pause and think about relationships, timelines, and the kind of life you want to build. RHO encourages teenagers and young adults to reflect on the messages they receive, the habits they build, and the decisions that might shape not just tomorrow, but the years ahead.
The Workshop
Through questions, activities, and simple information, the workshop explores topics like:
How fertility works and what can affect it over time.
How everyday choices (food, sleep, stress, exposure) connect to reproductive health.
How social media, culture, and pressure can shape habits and beliefs.
What it means to think about parenting, relationships, and long-term well-being without judgment or urgency
RHO is not about telling them what to do.
It’s about helping them discover what matters most to them. And why.
Accompanied by a workbook designed to fill the gap and
complement the sex education received at school and at home.
Based on scientific research
Inclusive of all genders
Respectful of diverse cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds
For young people
Nobody ever told you that fertility was
part of the conversation.
Until now.
Okay, let’s be real.
You probably didn’t wake up today thinking:
“Hmm… I wonder how my choices right now
will affect my ability to have kids one day.”
And honestly? That’s totally fine.
Fertility isn't just about babies.
Fertility isn’t just about babies, it’s about how your body works, how it changes over time, and what it needs to stay in balance.
Whether or not you want children, understanding your body now can help you make better decisions later.
What you eat today could
Lack of sleep can mess with your fertility.
No sleep = hormone chaos. Stress and exhaustion can mess with ovulation, sperm count, and mood.
The chemicals in your
waterproof jacket might be
messing with your hormones.
PFAS — aka “forever chemicals” — are found in non-stick pans, food wrappers, and clothes.
They're in 99% of people’s blood and are linked to hormonal imbalance, liver desease and… yes! reproductive issues.
Your brain is your biggest sex organ.
Not your genitals. Your brain controls desire, connection, decision-making, and bonding.
Dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin — they’re running the show.
Smoking can literally shrink
your testicles.
And vaping isn’t harmless either. Both reduce testosterone and sperm quality, and increase oxidative stress.
But wait—testosterone matters for energy, motivation, and muscle tone in all genders.
Even if parenthood isn't your thing, protecting your hormonal health helps with mood, focus, and stamina.
Natural birth control isn’t just for religious folks.
Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM) track ovulation using your body’s natural signs—no hormones, no devices.
Used correctly, they’re up to 99% effective.
If hormonal contraception isn’t for you, this is a legit, science-based alternative that helps you know your body better—even if kids aren’t in the plan.
Your phone might be
messing with your fertility.
Keeping your phone in your front pocket or under your pillow? That exposes your reproductive organs (and your brain) to radiofrequency radiation—linked to reduced sperm count, lower egg quality, and hormonal disruption.
Even if you’re not thinking about having kids, reducing tech exposure = better sleep, sharper focus, and healthier hormone cycles.
For parents and teachers
Support starts with you.
Parents, educators, and community leaders play a key role in helping youth access reliable, respectful reproductive health information.
What your kids will find in the RHO workshop:
1. A safe space to reflect on their bodies and future — without pressure.
RHO doesn’t tell youth what to think or do. It helps them pause, ask big questions, and connect their bodies to their real-life choices.
2. Science-based, shame-free information about fertility and reproductive health.
They’ll learn how fertility works, what can affect it (age, stress, lifestyle), and why it matters — whether they want children or not.
3. Real talk about relationships, emotions, and the mental side of intimacy.
RHO goes beyond biology to talk about emotional responsibility, boundaries, and how connection impacts well-being.
4. Tools to think critically about social media and cultural messages.
They’ll explore how media and platforms influence beliefs about beauty, sex, love, and identity — and learn how to step back and reflect.
5. A chance to explore big life questions — without being told what’s right.
What do I want?” “What matters to me?” “What kind of future am I building?”
RHO invites them to think deeply, not just follow trends.
