Types, Risks, and Prevention of Women’s Health Problems
Women's health is defined as the health of women, which varies a lot from that of men in many unique ways. Women's health is an example of population health, where health is determined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as "a state of entire physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of either infirmity or disease." Just often treated as women's reproductive health, larger groups argue for a broader definition of the women's overall health, which can be expressed better as "The health of women". These types of differences are further exacerbated in the developing countries where women, whose health includes their experiences and risks, are further disadvantaged.
[Image will be uploaded soon]
Women are much likely susceptible to disease than men and are quite different from men and in biological terms. There are specific health issues that are unique to them. These health issues primarily involve complications during abnormal menstruation, pregnancy, and other diseases related to particular female organs such as breasts, ovaries, and others.
A health initiative log of women can be represented below.
[Image will be uploaded soon]
Many other diseases are similar in both genders, but they affect differently for women. For suppose, heart diseases affect women more severely than men, as do Osteoarthritis and sexually transmitted infections, to name a few.
Types of Women's Health Issues
[Image will be uploaded soon]
Women are required to be more careful and aware of their health, and it's particular issues. Let us look at some significant health problems that are faced by women nowadays.
1. Cancer in Women
Studies say that there are two forms of cancer. They are Cervical cancer and Breast cancer, which are responsible for even the death of women about a million every year, especially in third world countries where the scope of early detection and awareness is shallow, and the state of women's health care is dismal. Both cancers could be either cured or stalled if they are detected at their early stages.
Different factors could lead to breast cancer. It could be by abnormal menstruation, genes, obesity, radiation, medication, and breast biopsy.
2. Depression in Women
Many pieces of research have revealed that women are more prone to depression and other psychological disorders than men. One such recent survey has also revealed that every year, around 12 million women are hit by the depression, which is almost double the number of men suffering from a similar ailment. The suicide rate in women is significantly more than men by depression and stress.
These types of depression caused in the women could be detected by the changes in their hormonal levels, during and after pregnancy, especially and also menopause. Other reasons are medication, heart diseases, marital problems, other fatal diseases, drugs, other substance abuse, work pressure, and much more.
3. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Similar to many other diseases, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) also affect women more severely and frequently than men. There are various sexually transmitted diseases, among which a few are potentially fatal. HIV+ or AIDS is the most common and deadly STDs in women. Other sexually transmitted infections and diseases include Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, and Herpes. The symptoms and treatment for all these diseases are quite different, but if identified in the early stage, they could be stalled or cured.
A healthy woman is productive, and if so, it is a good thing for society. Providing proper health care and awareness to them is of utmost importance so that unnecessary, unhealthy, and death lives could be prevented.
Other Women Issues
In addition to these, there can be some other women's health issues that can be explained below.
Infertility
In the United States region, infertility affects 1.5 million couples. Many of the couples seek assisted reproductive technology (ART) for infertility. In 2010, in the United States, 147,260 IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) procedures were carried out, resulting in 47,090 live births. In 2013 also, these numbers had increased to 160,521 and 53,252. However, about half of IVF pregnancies result in multiple-birth deliveries, which are associated with an increase in both the mother and infant mortality and morbidity. The causes behind this include premature birth, increased maternal blood pressure, and low birth weight. Furthermore, more women are waiting longer to conceive and seeking ART.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease is a non-reproductive health issue and the leading cause of death (30%) and chronic disease amongst women in the United States, affecting nearly 40%. The onset happens at a later age in women than in men. For example, the incidence of stroke in women under 80 is less than that in men but higher in those aged over 80. The overall lifetime risk of stroke in women exceeds that of men. The risk of cardiovascular disease among smokers and diabetes is also higher in women than in men. Many cardiovascular aspect diseases vary between women and men, including prevalence, risk factors, symptoms, physiology, response to intervention, and outcome.
FAQs on Essential Guide to Women’s Health in Biology
1. What is the broader definition of 'women's health' beyond reproductive issues?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), women's health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This broad definition goes beyond just reproductive health to include all aspects of a woman's overall health, acknowledging that many diseases affect women differently than men.
2. What are the major types of cancer that predominantly affect women?
The two most significant forms of cancer affecting women globally are breast cancer and cervical cancer. These diseases are a leading cause of mortality, especially in developing nations. Early detection is crucial, as both can often be cured or managed effectively if identified in their initial stages. Risk factors for breast cancer can include genetics, obesity, and hormonal changes.
3. How do common conditions like cardiovascular disease impact women differently than men?
Cardiovascular disease presents differently in women and is a leading cause of chronic illness. Key differences include:
- Later Onset: The onset of heart disease typically occurs at a later age in women.
- Higher Risk Factors: The risk of cardiovascular disease is higher in women who smoke or have diabetes compared to men with the same conditions.
- Stroke Risk: While the incidence of stroke is lower in women under 80, the overall lifetime risk of stroke is higher for women.
4. Why are women often more susceptible to mental health conditions like depression?
Women are at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, and other psychosomatic issues due to a combination of biological and social factors. A primary reason is the fluctuation in hormonal levels during key life stages such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Additionally, women often metabolise medications used for treatment differently than men.
5. What are common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and why are their consequences often more severe for women?
Common STDs include HIV/AIDS, Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, and Herpes. The consequences of these diseases are frequently more severe and frequent in women. This is because women's anatomy can make them more susceptible to infection, and the symptoms can be less obvious, leading to delayed diagnosis and more severe complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility.
6. How does infertility and the use of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) present unique health challenges for women?
Infertility affects millions of couples, and many turn to ART methods like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). While effective, this presents unique challenges for women's health. ART procedures are associated with a higher rate of multiple-birth pregnancies, which increases risks for both mother and infant, including premature birth, low birth weight, and increased maternal blood pressure.
7. Why is focusing on women's health considered a vital indicator of a society's overall well-being?
Focusing on women's health is crucial because a healthy woman is more productive, which benefits her family, community, and the larger society. Providing proper healthcare access and awareness prevents unnecessary illness and death, leading to stronger families and more stable communities. Therefore, the status of women's health serves as a key indicator of a nation's overall development and social progress.
