Preventing disease and promoting overall health should be the top priority of the 21st century. That means identifying and addressing the unique needs of women. It means developing new strategies to eliminate environmental toxins and protect our nation’s future. We must ensure every child has a healthy start in life by protecting them from violence, tobacco, and drugs. Preventing disease is also essential to the advancement of women’s empowerment.
Menopause
While menopause and its accompanying symptoms are a natural part of the aging process, not all women experience it the same way. There are both modifiable and non-modifiable factors that influence menopause symptoms. The multi-ethnic Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation studied a cohort of 3302 women in midlife in the USA. It found that menopause symptoms can vary significantly, including vasomotor changes in men and women, and can persist for seven years or longer.
STIs
STIs and women’s health issues are related. While chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most common and easily treatable, some women may not know that these infections are also dangerous. The disease can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, cancer, and other problems. Therefore, it is vital to be tested for an STD when you suspect that you may be pregnant.
HIV/AIDS
A recent investigation into the relationship between HIV/AIDS and Cambodia’s sexuality and health practices revealed how a PWH project has significantly reduced the incidence of sexual violence and infection. The PWH project has lessened the burden of HIV on women in the country by encouraging them to participate in their own parliamentarians’ work and to use their political influence to move HIV issues up the legislative agenda. In Kenya, delegates emphasized the importance of involving people living with HIV in their parliamentary work and the use of women’s electoral power to push HIV issues to the top of the legislative agenda. Kenya’s Treatment Access Movement coordinates women’s health issues in parliament.
Preconception health
If you are planning on having a baby soon, it is important to be aware of preconception health issues. Women should avoid harmful activities and substances in the days and weeks before conception. While pregnancy lasts nine months, the first few weeks are vital to the development of a baby. Although it’s impossible to prevent all health risks, some habits are more difficult to break than others. Smoking during pregnancy is a major cause of low birth weight and preterm deliveries and is responsible for about ten percent of infant deaths.
Prenatal care
This study examined the perception of quality prenatal care among pregnant women across different settings and populations. The study sample consisted of 40 women and forty care providers. Its large sample size ensured that data were representative of the whole population. Research assistants were trained to ask pertinent questions and conduct in-depth interviews. Transcripts of initial interviews were reviewed by the principal investigator and a research coordinator. The feedback was then discussed with each research assistant. The study’s methods and findings were based on evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.
Birth control methods
During your lifetime, you might use different methods of birth control to prevent pregnancy and manage other conditions related to your menstrual cycle. Your provider at the University of Utah Health can help you choose a birth control method that will be the most effective for your lifestyle. They will also discuss the side effects of different methods and how convenient they are. If you have concerns about one method, ask your provider about an alternative.
Mental health
Research has shown that the mental health of women is often disproportionate to the number of men with similar conditions. This is due in part to physiological and social differences. Women are also less likely to seek help for mental health problems compared to men, and this difference has been attributed to the perception of women as strong and stoic individuals who put their family and community first. It has been shown that mental illnesses in women are often related to reproductive health problems, including infertility and depression.
Premenopausal health
Some women have to seek medical attention for their symptoms of perimenopause, while others do not. The symptoms may be subtle, and they may be related to the hormone fluctuations associated with the menopausal transition. Regardless of whether you have to see a physician for perimenopause or not, the symptoms may interfere with your life. If they begin to interfere with your daily routine, you should seek medical attention.
Postmenopausal health
There are several common postmenopausal health issues that women can experience, including vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and difficulty controlling your bladder. Many women report experiencing hot flashes and night sweats during this time. While estrogen is the most common treatment for hot flashes and night sweats, localized estrogen treatments are more effective. Women with certain risk factors for osteoporotic fractures should begin bone density screenings earlier than their age. Vitamin D and calcium are helpful in reducing bone loss. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death among women.
Detecting cancers early
Early detection of cancers is an essential part of the prevention and treatment process, because it improves the chances of successful treatment and ultimately cure. This is achieved through screening and early diagnosis programs. Screening programs aim to detect cancers before symptoms develop, and early diagnosis increases the chances of successful treatment, as well as improves the affordability and accessibility of care. This is particularly important for cancers of the mouth and larynx.
