Women have distinct physiologies and are susceptible to gender-specific conditions and diseases, making women’s health an area of study which aims to offset any imbalance caused by bias towards male anatomy and physiology in medical research and treatments.
Understanding your body and knowing when it is time to consult a professional are keys to good vulva and vaginal health.
Reproductive Health
Female reproductive systems play an essential role in conception and carrying babies to term, as well as being instrumental in wider health outcomes. Therefore, care for gynecological and obstetric health bears significant ramifications on wider social development goals.
As such, improving women’s reproductive health requires taking an interdisciplinary approach that embraces patient-centricity and human rights principles. For example, decreasing maternal mortality might involve providing quality prenatal and obstetric care, encouraging adolescents to obtain HPV vaccinations, and organizing regular cervical cancer screening programmes.
As well, it is also important to address the causes of poor reproductive health, such as lack of access to healthcare services, poverty and low levels of medical knowledge. Diet, sexual practices, lifestyle factors and societal/religious beliefs all play an important part in women’s ability to conceive and sustain healthy pregnancies; conversely they may obstruct open discussion of sexual/reproductive issues as well as limit women’s access to healthcare services.
Sexual Health
Sexual health encompasses numerous dimensions that span emotional, psychological, social and cultural wellbeing. Sexuality is an intimate topic with vast implications that is difficult to discuss without feeling uncomfortable; yet sexual health experiences play an integral part of everyday human life and should not be neglected or disregarded by healthcare providers.
Sexual health should be part of healthcare conversations with patients and promoted throughout their lifespan, including its inclusion as part of patient education programs for enhanced compliance with treatment and prevention strategies.
Good sexual and reproductive health encompasses physical, mental and social well-being associated with sexuality as well as being able to enjoy a satisfying sex life and reproduce successfully, all while protecting and fulfilling people’s sexual rights. This means being able to make informed decisions regarding one’s sex life as well as access information and services that help avoid unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
Physical Health
Care of one’s body requires physical activity, nutritious eating and staying hydrated; and being aware of any illnesses or injuries you might be suffering from. Women and girls face unique obstacles to their physical wellbeing due to gender discrimination and sociocultural factors which impact health outcomes; thus regular well-woman exams with primary care providers who can conduct screening tests such as pap smears or breast exams are necessary for optimal physical wellbeing; it may also be beneficial to visit a gynecologist for additional screening tests which could detect conditions like fibroids and polyps.
Mental Health
Mental illness affects everyone, yet women in particular may be particularly affected by issues like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. There may be connections between certain disorders and hormones; and differences in symptoms between males and females.
Though psychiatric treatment is essential to feminine health, the root causes must also be considered. Poverty, sexual and domestic violence and economic pressures all play a part in contributing to women experiencing psychological distress.
Studies have also demonstrated that women are more prone to depression and anxiety than men, which can worsen when experiencing job loss. Therefore, it’s essential for them to access reliable employment programs and support services when needed as well as getting regular checkups and medication dosage recommendations to maintain mental wellbeing.
