Women's Health

Female reproductive and sexual health is distinctly different compared to that of malemales. Mortality rates for pregnancy and childbirth are exclusive to maternal women; they account for more than 250,000 deaths per year, with significant differences between developed and industrialized countries vs. underdeveloped countries. Other comorbidities that can contribute to higher mortality rates include cardiovascular diseases; preeclampsia; sexually transmitted infections (STI), which can transfer to the child from the mother; pelvic inflammatory disease; and more.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure comprised of partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia or other injuries to the genitals for non-medical purposes, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

FGM is performed on women and children to remove the pleasure organs that inhibit women from experiencing enjoyment during sexual intercourse, as that right is reserved for men in many cultures. It reflects a deep inequality between men and women and has no health benefits and causes significant damage that can be irreparable and cause lifelong pain and discomfort.

Females at the age of eleven or twelve will begin to receive HPV vaccines called Gardasil. The Gardasil vaccine protects women from HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. Type 6 and 11 are responsible for 90% of HPV-related genital warts, whereas 16 and 18 are responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases. The vaccine is a preventative measure to protect women from contracting the virus, which cannot be detected in men who are the primary carriers.

In 2015, the Gardasil vaccine was made available to male patients between the ages of sixteen and twenty-six to protect from genital warts and anal cancer and to help prevent the spread of HPV. Gardasil is not only beneficial for homosexualmen sleeping with men, who are at a higher risk due to anal penetration, but the vaccine is also useful in heterosexual males to prevent spread of illness to female partners in instances of unprotected sexual interactions.

Femtech is short for 'female technology' and is an industry directly aimed at developing technology for women and females. Technologies in this industry include mobile applications, wearables, period tracking, fertility tracking, at-home testing kits, and more.

Females at the age of 11 or 12 will begin to receive HPV vaccinesHPV vaccines called Gardasil. The Gardasil vaccine protects women from HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. Type 6 and 11 are responsible for 90% of HPV-related genital warts, whereas 16 and 18 are responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases. The vaccine is a preventative measure to protect women from contracting the virus which cannot be detected in men who are the primary carriers.

Educating women on bodily health functions has become more accessible through the development of applications that track periods, ovulation, and have educational features to teach women about their bodies. Various companies have developed tools for women to leverage to better track their bodily functions regarding female reproduction processes.

STIs in women can oftentimes be more harmful than they are in men as some, in extreme cases, can cause infertility or death if they go untreated. Accessibility to testing is of importance to prevent long-term adverse effects. Startups have developed approaches to provide at-home testing kits to women in need of affordable and accessible testing.

Colon cancer screenings are an important part of detecting cancer early when it can be treated effectively. It is recommended that black women begin screenings at age 45 and women of all other races begin at age 50. Black women are 20% more likely to develop colon cancer and 40% more likely to experience mortality, which is why screenings begin at a younger age. Colon cancer though prominent in women is more common in men. However, regular screenings remain of high importance.

At age 65 women require bone density scan checks to evaluate for osteoporosis. As women age, they are more prone to bone loss at younger ages than men. Men begin bone density testing at approximately age 70. Women are more prone to bone loss due to thinner and smaller bones than men, additionallyand with the decrease of estrogen production, bones weaken as itthe hormone previously provided additional bone protection. The likelihood of osteoporosis increases as a woman reaches menopause.

Preventative care, also known as prophylaxis, is administrated care to prevent the occurrence of disease. There are various forms of preventative care in female reproductive healthcare, including birth control, STI screening, pap smears, immunizations, breast cancer screening, hormonal testing, bone density testing, screening for colon cancer, and educational tools for self-examination and care.

At age 65 women require bone density scan checks to evaluate for osteoporosis. As women age, they are more prone to bone loss at younger ages than men. Men begin bone density testing at approximately age 70. Women are more prone due to thinner and smaller bones than men, additionally with the decrease of estrogen production, bones weaken as it previously provided additional bone protection. The likelihood of osteoporosis increases as a woman reaches menopause.

Papanicolaou test, also known as a papPap smear, is a test conducted on women to screen the cervix for irregularities. If irregularities are found, additional sensitive diagnostic procedures, and interventions if needed, are conducted to prevent a progression of abnormal cells to cervical cancer, which can be caused by the STI human papillomavirus (HPV).

Anna Marion Hilliard, invented the modernly used papPap smear procedure

The papPap smear test was invented in the 1920s by Georgios Papanikoloau and Aurel Babes but a more simple reinvention of the test was introduced by Anna Marion Hilliard in 1957.

In 20162015, the Gardasil vaccine was made available to malesmale aspatients wellbetween asthe femalesages of 16 and 26 to protect from genital warts and anal cancer. andGardasil is most beneficial for homosexual men who are at a higher risk due to anal penetration, but the vaccine is also useful in heterosexual males from spreading illness to female partners in instances of unprotected sexual interactions.

Pap smears are recommended to women typically starting at the age of 21 and continue on until approximately 65 years of age to monitor for signs of cervical cancer. Typically it is suggested a woman visit her OB/GYN annually or bi-annually to undergo the test. If a patient receives irregular results, they may have to repeat the exam within 6 to 12 months.

Females at the age of 11 or 12 will begin to receive HPV vaccines called Gardasil. The Gardasil vaccine protects women from HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. Type 6 and 11 are responsible for 90% of HPV-related genital warts, whereas 16 and 18 are responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases. The vaccine is a preventative measure to protect women from contracting the virus which cannot be detected in men who are the primary carriers.

In 2016, the Gardasil vaccine was made available to males as well as females to protect from genital warts and anal cancer and is most beneficial for homosexual men who are at a higher risk due to anal penetration, but the vaccine is also useful in heterosexual males from spreading illness to female partners in instances of unprotected sexual interactions.

Papanicolaou test, also known as a pap smear, is a test conducted on women to screen the cervix for irregularities. If irregularities are found, additional sensitive diagnostic procedures, and interventions if needed, are conducted to prevent a progression of abnormal cells to cervical cancer, which can be caused by the STI human papillomavirushuman papillomavirus (HPV).

Papanicolaou testPapanicolaou test, also known as a pap smear, is a test conducted on women to screen the cervix for irregularities. If irregularities are found, additional sensitive diagnostic procedures, and interventions if needed, are conducted to prevent a progression of abnormal cells to cervical cancer, which can be caused by the STI human papillomavirus (HPV).

Accessible birth control has not always existed, and previously was offered through OB/GYNs, primary care physicians, and clinics like Planned ParenthoodPlanned Parenthood, however various startup companies now offer telehealth services that allow women to obtain birth control online and through discrete mail delivery.