Q&A: Current Research Focuses On Women’s Reproductive Health Despite Other Disease Burdens
April 07, 2022
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Studies on women’s health have primarily investigated reproductive health topics, a trend that increased between 2010 and 2020, researchers said.
Their findings were from a quantitative analysis published in the Journal of Women’s Health.
The researchers reviewed 1,483 studies published in women’s health journals and general medicine journals. They categorized each by topic — including reproductive health, noncommunicable disease, communicable disease, injury and other — and stage of life ranging from adolescence to postmenopausal.
Their analysis revealed that 44% of studies examined reproductive health, and most focused on pregnancy and the reproductive years.
“While women’s life expectancies are generally longer than men’s, women have fewer healthier years and high rates of disability in older age, so it’s important to look at health and well-being across the life span and study diseases that are more common in old age, that might impact women more,” Laura Hallam, BMedChem(Hons), a PhD candidate and research assistant at The George Institute for Global Health at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, said in a press release.
Healio spoke with Hallam to learn more about trends in the current literature on women’s health and the importance of paying attention to medical topics that are not just limited to reproduction.
Healio: What prompted this study?
Hallam: Conducting research in women’s health, you can see that many people still equate women’s health with reproductive health. At The George Institute, we focus on a broader view of women’s health. We are interested in health across the whole life span of women and the ways that sex and gender influence health and disease, which allows for women’s experiences of non-sex-specific conditions to be understood. We were curious to see if the wider field of women’s health is also taking this broader approach, or if reproductive health still dominates. We decided to examine this by looking at the breadth of topics covered in published research on women’s health to take a snapshot of the field in order to identify gaps.
Healio: What specific gaps in research did you identify?
Hallam: We identified many leading causes of death and disability in women that are not being well addressed in women’s health articles, such as CVD, stroke, chronic lung diseases and infectious diseases, including COVID-19. We also found that there was very little research specifically focusing on older women, which is a huge gap. In particular, despite a large proportion of articles on reproductive health, there was very little research focused on menopausal women.
Healio: Were any of your findings surprising?
Hallam: While we did expect that a large proportion of the women’s health articles would be on reproductive health topics, we were surprised to see that this had increased substantially from 2010 to 2020, as we were expecting the opposite trend. With the burden of disease in women shifting to be dominated by noncommunicable disease, and increased conversation in the last decade about the importance of understanding the influence of sex- and gender-related factors on health and disease, we expected to see an increase in these topics being covered in women’s health articles rather than an increase in reproductive health coverage.
Healio: What should researchers study to close gaps in the current literature?
Hallam: Many researchers are studying the noncommunicable and communicable diseases that are the leading causes of death and disability in women. If they focus on women or consider the impact of sex- and gender-related factors on their work and provide sex- and gender-disaggregated data, then this will help fill the gap in understanding women’s specific experiences of these serious diseases. Additionally, women’s health journals and general medical journals need to make sure that they publish these types of studies alongside the important research on reproductive health.
Healio: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Hallam: It is important to acknowledge that there are wider factors that influence what research is conducted and published. National and international policies and initiatives, women’s health agendas and funding decisions all have an impact on where research funding is directed, which dictates what researchers can study and what journals can publish. The whole research sector needs to work together to ensure that the true breadth of issues that impact women’s health are being studied and reported.
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National Safe Motherhood Day: Maternal Care Under Reproductive Health Yet To Get Its Due
Modern medicine and advancements in technology have conquered many triumphs by improving people’s lives and increasing their lifespan. Be it cancer or COVID-19, technology has played a critical role in healthcare. It has addressed various disease areas and ongoing research and development can only assure us of improved health outcomes in spheres that are yet to emerge victorious. Amidst all other focus areas, maternal care under reproductive health is yet to get its due.
The Government of India has launched a number of interventions to safeguard the health of to-be mothers and their children. The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) and the Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) are two efforts to assure that dignified maternal care is a priority in the country. Despite these efforts, maternal mortality rate, or MMR, remains a primary cause of death among women.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) believes that a significant reduction in MMR in every country is essential to achieving the third goal of “Good Health and Well-Being”. As such, it aspires that in every 100,000 live births globally, not more than 70 mothers should lose their lives by 2030.
According to the most recent statistics, India's maternal mortality ratio (MMR) dropped to 103 per 100,000 live births in 2017-19, down from 113 per 100,000 live births in 2016-18. MMR has declined significantly in India over the years, but we still have a long way to go to meet the UN SDG.
The root cause for MMR is the mother’s health before and during the pregnancy and the lack of timely medical intervention. Certain ailments can be the reason of infertility in women while others can be life-threatening in those who have conceived.
For instance, in women with thyroid disorders, they may be diagnosed with anaemia during their term as well as see a spike in their blood pressure causing preeclampsia; in some cases, the mother may experience vomiting and dehydration. In case of the developing child, it may result in stillbirth or miscarriage, and a premature birth – endangering the child’s life too.
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) can play an essential role to determine and contribute in the treatment of such diseases before women set on the journey of motherhood. Every cycle begins with a specialist's consultation, which helps to create expectations for the operation. The couple is subjected to a series of panel tests. This includes blood tests to look for polycystic ovaries, diabetes, liver damage, sexually transmitted diseases, and hormone levels like prolactin in women.
Going through these tests help to unearth the cause of infertility as well as ascertain if there is any health condition that needs to be medically addressed before starting the ART cycle. If a woman seeking ART treatment is discovered to have severe diabetes that might influence pregnancy and result, she will be directed to an endocrinologist; if uterine fibroids are discovered, they will be removed by laparoscopy or surgery. While ART can help in the identification and timely remediation of underlying conditions, it is imperative to note that it is not required by all. Typically, couples who have been unable to conceive naturally for over a year, sometimes even decades, opt for such treatments.
Safe motherhood is ensuring that females receive the care they require to remain safe and healthy. Special attention must be paid especially during labour and delivery, which is the most vulnerable time for difficulties. Prioritizing maternity and child health services at the ground level should be the foundation in our way to build a healthy nation.
(Dr Kshitiz Murdia is CEO & Co-Founder-Indira IVF)
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Published on: Monday, April 11, 2022, 09:36 AM ISTLadies, Aim At These 5 Objectives For Better Reproductive Health
The well-being of women is of prime importance as many tend to neglect it due to family caregiving, professional commitments, and socio-economic conditions. In order to balance everything, health of a woman is left behind putting their health at risk. Women need to take utmost care of their reproductive health as it gets affected the most and goes unnoticed unlike physical woes. Sexual health problems, infertility, mental trauma, etc. Complications thus, can arise. But you can escape all this with attentiveness. Here are some wellness goals set by Dr. Surabhi Siddhartha, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital Kharghar in this below article and get going!
The reproductive system of women consists of the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina, vulva, mammary glands, and breasts. All of these organs play vital roles in the production and transportation of gametes and sex hormones. Good sexual and reproductive health is essential for a woman’s overall well-being. Many women at some point of time will encounter problems like irregular menstruation, infertility, pregnancy infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), health issues like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, HIV/AIDS, polycystic ovary syndrome) and menopause. Safe sex practices are vital for the sexual and reproductive health of women of all ages. Women need to regularly go for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, cervical screening tests, and screening for sexually transmissible infections. Likewise, women will have to take that much-needed care of their sexual and reproductive health. Here are some vital tips that women need to follow. Early diagnosis and preventive measures aid early recovery and healing.
#1 Stay Alert For Sexually transmitted diseasesIf you are sexually active, you must be watchful towards STDs and STIs. Women will have to take enough precautions to prevent themselves from getting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like Syphilis, HIV, Gonorrhoea which tend to spread through sexual intercourse. Stick to safe sex practices and go for regular screenings. This is a must is you have multiple partners as it gets easier to get STDs in such a case.
Also Read: Doctor Busts Stigmas Related to STD & STIs
#2 Track your periodsFor the uninitiated, menstrual health is an integral part of reproductive health. If there is heavy blood flow, spotting, absence of periods then you need to immediately consult the doctor to rule out any problems like endometriosis. You can also take the help of period tracking apps that will help the doctor get details about the cycles. This helps in warding off any underlying problem that can impact your reproductive health.
#3 Know About Birth Control Methods for Female
Did you know how many types of birth control methods for women are there? There are many types of contraception methods that are available can help the couple in the prevention of unwanted pregnancies. The couple can use any method whichever they feel suitable, but only after consulting the doctor. You can speak to your gynaecologist for the best feasible option for you that suits your requirement. Every method is not for everyone ans so, you should know about them all.
#4 Pay regular visits to a gynaecologistDo not go to gynaecologist only when you have some issue, pay regular visits to get yourself checked. Regular screening will aid in prevention and timely diagnosis of various conditions and diseases. Your goal should be to make sure that you are in top shape.
Additionally, do not forget to get HPV vaccination as recommended by the doctor. If you think regular vaccinations are only meant for kids, it is not. There are certain vaccines that women should get to keep several chronic risks & infections at bay.
Also Read: Gynaecological Tests That Women Must Get Done For Reproductive Health Screening
For holistic health, it is important that you upgrade your lifestyle. Lack of attention to physical and mental well-being is lead to hormonal imbalance. Follow a well-balanced diet, exercise daily, get enough sleep, avoid alcohol, smoking, and illicit drug use. These would strengthen your overall wellness.
The take-away message from Dr. Surabhi: “ Women should indulge in self-love and self-care, dedicate time for their physical and mental well-being. This can also help them improve their reproductive and sexual health.”
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