ReproLand – A Fun Game About Reproductive Health
Infertility is a significant and steadily growing public health issue that arises from a complex interplay of genetic, hormonal, immune, and metabolic factors. It is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, and it may be primary or secondary. According to the WHO, it affects approximately 17.5% of the adult population, with causes occurring in men and women at roughly the same rate. In women, the most commonly identified causes include tubal disorders (36%), ovulatory dysfunctions (33%), endometriosis (6%), and idiopathic infertility (40%); however, it is often a combination of several factors. Deteriorating reproductive health is also driven by lifestyle factors, delayed parenthood, and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases.
Despite the seriousness of the problem, young people’s level of knowledge about the mechanisms of human reproduction remains insufficient. Adolescence is a critical period during which attitudes and behaviors that influence future fertility are formed. An important role is played not only by the education system, but also by the quality of parent–child communication, which can provide young people with a safe space to access reliable, verified information. This process, however, is often hindered by generational differences, feelings of embarrassment, or tension within relationships.
A major obstacle is also misinformation, which spreads across the entire field of reproductive health—from menstruation and contraception to induced abortion. Accepting false claims can lead to misconceptions and increased health risks, which is why access to scientifically evidence-based information is essential.
Modern educational approaches, including gamification and digital technologies, offer effective ways to make the topic of reproductive health accessible to young people in an engaging and understandable manner. These innovative methods can significantly contribute to prevention, earlier understanding of risk factors, and responsible decision-making in the area of reproduction.
Methods:
In the first phase of the ReproLand project, we conducted a quantitative online questionnaire survey aimed at identifying young people’s information needs, attitudes, and behaviors related to reproductive health. The questionnaire included 28 items—single-choice and multiple-choice questions, five-point Likert scales, and open-ended questions. It was distributed via social media and university email, and the project was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University (No. 20N/2024).
The second phase involved an infodemiological analysis using Google Trends, tracking 12 key Slovak-language terms related to reproductive health over the period 2012–2024. The results were correlated with the fertility rate and Slovakia’s happiness score, using Pearson correlation coefficients, and visualizations were produced in Python (version 3.12.7).
Results:
The survey results showed that among 261 respondents aged over 15 years, women predominated (76%), and the mean age was 26 ± 9 years. The largest group consisted of young adults aged 19 to 26, and 76% were university students. Most participants had completed secondary (71%) or tertiary (28%) education (Fig. 1).
Figure 1. Age structure of the survey respondents.
Open communication with parents about intimate topics such as menstruation, ejaculation, or fertility was difficult for 42% of respondents and impossible for 15%, pointing to generational barriers (Fig. 2). As the main source of information about reproductive health, 76% of respondents reported the internet, followed by professional literature (51%) and school-based education (42%). Less frequent sources included parents (27%), siblings or peers (37%), and healthcare professionals (23%) (Fig. 3).
Figure 2. Perceived difficulty of communicating with parents about reproductive health.
Figure 3. Respondents’ main sources of information on reproductive health.
Despite the predominance of the internet, 56% of respondents considered the information only partially sufficient, 35% considered it fully sufficient, and 9% rated it negatively—suggesting a need for more comprehensive and accessible information (Fig. 4).
Figure 4. Perceived adequacy of information on reproductive health according to respondents.
The infodemiological Google Trends analysis (2012–2024) revealed shifts in public interest in reproductive health topics. Terms such as “ejaculation,” “erection,” and “assisted reproduction” showed a decline, while “menstruation” and “ovulation” displayed an upward trend (Fig. 5). Correlation analysis showed a strong negative correlation between searches for the terms “infertility,” “assisted reproduction,” and “in vitro fertilization” and both the fertility rate (r = –0.87 to –0.93) and the happiness score (r = –0.74 to –0.93) (Fig. 6). Terms such as “ovulation” and “menstruation” showed positive correlations, suggesting higher awareness and more favorable conditions for reproductive health. The parallel development of the fertility rate and happiness score showed growth up to 2022 and a slight decline from 2023, which may be related to social, economic, or health factors (Fig. 7).
Figure 5. Average annual interest in reproductive health terms in Slovakia (2012–2024).
Figure 6. Correlation matrix between searched terms, the fertility rate, and Slovakia’s happiness score.
Figure 7. Parallel trends in the fertility rate and happiness score in Slovakia (2012–2024).
Conclusion:
The research showed that young people lack reliable education about reproductive health and sexuality, experience low levels of self-awareness, and feel uncertain about communication. This situation increases psychological distress and fear around intimate topics. At the same time, there has been a growing interest in terms such as “infertility,” while the fertility rate is declining, and the happiness score and fertility rate appear to move in parallel—hand in hand.
Based on these findings, we developed an approach that combines gameplay, education, and formats that resonate with young people. The game opens sensitive topics in a safe and natural way; the educational component doesn’t rely on lectures or moralizing, but on experience. It also uses modern formats—such as mobile apps and team-based dynamics—to make reproductive health accessible and engaging for the younger generation.
The ReproLand game was created in two design and content versions to reflect the different needs and values of young adults. The light version, intended for ages 16–25, carries the motto “Fun without censorship” and focuses on self-discovery, sexuality, reproduction, relationships, and communication. It opens up topics that are often taboo for young people—without moralizing, but with respect and a playful tone.
The dark version is intended for ages 25–35, with the motto “What people don’t talk about—but should.” It focuses on reproductive health, communication, sexuality, and fertility, offering a fun format even for the more serious topics of adult life, with an emphasis on interaction, learning, and open dialogue.
The game includes four types of cards:
- ReproKnow – reproductive health concepts presented as activities (Drawing, Charades, Storytelling)
- ReproGrow – self-reflective and psychological questions
- ReproFit – movement-based challenges
- ReproMyths – facts and myths about reproductive health
We are currently developing a digital prototype of the ReproLand mobile app, which brings the game experience from the tabletop version into a mobile environment. The app offers an integrated version of the game—interactive, educational, and fun—microlearning content that delivers a small daily dose of knowledge via notifications, and a couples mode. This mode helps partners learn about their partner’s cycle and needs, provides tips tailored to different phases of the menstrual cycle, and supports empathy, communication, and intimacy.
Our vision for the future focuses on increasing reproductive literacy and supporting the mental health of young people. Topics such as fertility, sexuality, relationships, and communication are presented in an engaging and sensitive way, and we measure impact through pre-/post-testing of knowledge and feedback from players.
The long-term social benefit lies in raising a generation that understands its body and respects others, and in preventing unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and delayed infertility care. The project fosters an inclusive, safe, and open space for discussion and has the potential to be expanded into schools, youth centers, and psychological counseling services.
ReproLand meets all three core criteria of Impact Ventures: it has measurable impact (tracked through knowledge testing and user feedback), it was created and is being implemented outside the Bratislava Region (in Košice), and it clearly aims for social change—it opens up discussion about taboo topics, helps prevent unintended pregnancies and delayed infertility care, and strengthens young people’s confidence and mental well-being. ReproLand isn’t just a game—it’s an innovative tool with the potential to positively influence an entire generation.
