Women play a crucial role in maintaining healthy families and utilize the health care system more frequently than men, both for themselves and their children. Many become pregnant and give birth, which is one of the significant health events, and then typically become their child’s primary caregiver. This role has a substantial impact on their overall health and plays a major role in maintaining a healthy household. [1] [4]
Health Conditions Affect Both Men and Women Differently
In addition to the fact that both men and women contract various diseases, it should be noted that some health conditions affect women differently and more frequently. In addition, many women’s health conditions go undiagnosed, and women are rarely used as test subjects in drug trials. Despite this, women face unique health concerns, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, menopause, hormonal issues, and pregnancy. In addition, women have a higher mortality rate from heart attacks than men. As a result, anxiety, and depression are more prevalent in females. Urinary tract disorders are more prevalent in women, and sexually transmitted diseases are more harmful to women. [1]
The following conditions are among the most prevalent among women and pose significant health risks:
Cancer in Females
Breast and cervical cancers are two of the most prevalent types of cancer affecting women. Early detection of both cancers is crucial for keeping women alive and healthy. The most recent global statistics indicate that approximately half a million women die annually from cervical cancer and breast cancer. The vast prevalence of these deaths occurs in low- and middle-income countries where the screening, prevention, and treatment of cancer are almost non-existent, and in such cases, vaccination against human papillomavirus must gain traction. [1]
Anxiety, Stress, and Depression
Many pieces of research suggest that women are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and somatic complaints as compared to males. Depression is the most prevailing mental health issue among women, and suicide is the leading cause of death for women under the age of 60. Educating women about mental health issues is crucial and gives them the confidence to seek help. [2]
Gynecological Well-Being
Normal menstrual cycle symptoms include bleeding and discharge. However, additional symptoms during menstruation may indicate health problems, and atypical symptoms, such as bleeding between periods and frequent urination, may mimic other conditions.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or cancer of the reproductive tract may also manifest as vaginal symptoms. Medical professionals may easily treat mild infections, but if left untreated, they can cause disorders such as infertility or kidney failure. [1]
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases occur when immune system cells, such as those that eliminate viruses, attack healthy cells. As the prevalence of this condition continues to rise, researchers remain baffled as to why women are disproportionately affected. While there are numerous distinct autoimmune diseases, the majority share symptoms including:
- Vertigo
- Skin inflammation
- Pain in the affected area
- Mild fever
- Exhaustion.
Consequently, many individuals with this condition have turned to natural healing methods, such as:
- Taking in less fat
- Reducing toxin consumption.
- Reducing stress
- Consuming less sugar.
However, early diagnosis of the root cause is the best defence against autoimmune disease. [3]
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them susceptible to fracture. The condition primarily affects women and can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Steroid usage
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Malnutrition
- Low body mass
- Lack of activity
- Increasing age
- Genetics
- Certain prescriptions
- Alcoholic beverages.
Healthcare providers measure bone density via X-ray or ultrasound to diagnose the condition. Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, physicians can prescribe treatment to slow down the disease’s progression, such as dietary supplements, healthy lifestyle choices, or prescription medication. [1] [2] [3]
Non-communicable Diseases
According to data from experts in 2012, approximately 4.7 million women died from non-communicable conditions before the age of 70, while major deaths occur in low- and middle-income nations. They died due to road traffic accidents, harmful use of tobacco, abuse of alcohol, drugs, and substances, and obesity – more than half of women in Europe and the Americas are overweight. The main factor in living a long and healthy life is encouraging young girls and women to adopt healthy lifestyles. [2]
Pregnancy Issues
Pre-existing conditions can worsen during pregnancy, endangering both mother and child’s health. Also, untreated asthma, anxiety, stress, diabetes, and depression during pregnancy can be harmful to both mother and child.
Pregnancy can decrease the number of red blood cells in a healthy mother, a condition known as anemia, and cause depression. Further gestation is rendered impossible when a reproductive cell is implanted outside of the uterus. Obstetricians can help to manage and treat common and uncommon medical issues during pregnancy. [1][2]
Being Young
Teenage girls face a variety of sexual and reproductive health issues, including STIs, HIV, and pregnancies. Every year, approximately 13 million adolescent girls (under 20) give birth. Pregnancy and childbirth complications are the leading cause of death for these young mothers. Many are negatively affected by unsafe abortions. [3]
Increasing Age
As women frequently work at home, older women may have fewer pensions and benefits and less access to health care and social services than their male counterparts as they age. Combining the more significant risk of poverty with other ailments of old age, such as dementia, increases the risk of abuse and general poor health among older women.
Technology for Women’s Health
Soon, new technologies will be developed to aid in the treatment of women’s health conditions. Researchers have created innovative medical treatments, including a patient-operated device that prepares women for breast reconstruction using carbon dioxide instead of needles and a blood test that can detect whether pregnancy has begun outside the fallopian tubes. Other developing medical technologies include a self-administered Pap smear and a saliva-based pregnancy test. With healthy behaviors and regular doctor visits, women can reduce their risk for cancer and other common illnesses. [2] [4]
Reference
- https://online.regiscollege.edu/online-masters-degrees/online-master-science-nursing/womens-health-nurse-practitioner/resources/health-issues-specific-womens-health/
- https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/improving-womens-health-2013.aspx
- https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/ten-top-issues-for-women’s-health
- https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/womenshealth/conditioninfo/whatconditions
