Women's health

Overview of women's health issues and concerns

Women's health refers to the branch of medicine that focuses on the treatment and diagnosis of diseases and conditions that affect a woman's physical and emotional well-being. Women's health encompasses a wide range of issues, including reproductive health, menstrual cycle, contraception, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause.

Overview

Women's health is a broad field that covers a variety of health issues specific to women. It includes the study of conditions that are unique to women, more common in women, or that manifest differently in women than in men. Women's health also involves the social, economic, and cultural factors that influence women's health outcomes.

Reproductive Health

Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality

Reproductive health is a crucial aspect of women's health, encompassing a wide range of issues such as family planning, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, and maternal health. Access to reproductive health services is essential for women's autonomy and empowerment.

Family Planning

Family planning in Malaysia

Family planning allows individuals and couples to anticipate and attain their desired number of children and the spacing and timing of their births. It is achieved through the use of contraceptive methods and the treatment of involuntary infertility.

Maternal Health

Maternal health care

Maternal health refers to the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Ensuring maternal health is critical for reducing maternal mortality and improving the health of mothers and their children.

Menstrual Health

Menstrual health is an important aspect of women's health, involving the management of menstruation and related conditions such as dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, and menstrual disorders.

Menopause

Symptoms of menopause

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycles. It is diagnosed after 12 months without a menstrual period and typically occurs in women in their 40s or 50s. Menopause can cause various symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes.

Violence Against Women

Violence against women is a significant public health issue that affects women's physical and mental health. It includes domestic violence, sexual assault, and female genital mutilation (FGM).

Female Genital Mutilation

FGM and childbirth

FGM prevalence map

FGM involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is a violation of the human rights of girls and women and has no health benefits. FGM can lead to severe health complications, including chronic pain, infections, and complications in childbirth.

Access to Healthcare

Access to healthcare is a critical issue in women's health. Barriers to healthcare access can include economic, social, and cultural factors, as well as geographic and systemic barriers.

Healthcare in Developing Countries

Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital

In many developing countries, women face significant challenges in accessing healthcare services. These challenges can include a lack of healthcare facilities, trained healthcare providers, and financial resources.

Advocacy and Policy

Advocacy for women's health involves promoting policies and practices that improve health outcomes for women. This includes efforts to increase access to healthcare, improve healthcare quality, and address social determinants of health.

Gender Equality

Girl Summit on gender equality

Gender equality is essential for improving women's health outcomes. Efforts to promote gender equality include addressing gender-based violence, improving access to education, and ensuring equal opportunities in the workforce.

Related Pages

• Men's health
• Reproductive rights
• Maternal health
• Gender equality