Women’s Health: A Board Term.

What does women’s health mean to you?

Why talk about it on my Blog?

Well thats because Women’s health is a HUGE part of my life. I have built my career around this topic and the reason I have worked so hard in this area of healthcare is because I know there is a lot of misinformation, judgement and taboo when it comes to women’s health. Sure, with the rise in social media more and more health professionals and specialists in many areas of women's health have surfaced and provide strong, evidence based education. This is fantastic for building women’s, men’s and non-binary person’s health literacy on the women's health. However, social media has also surfaced people’s opinions (that may not be backed with any evidence) which can influence impressionable audiences. A person’s lived experience is very important and its wonderful that there is a platform to share online but as health professionals we often see how an individual has learnt and made choices solely on the opinion of another without researching themselves. This is where misinformation, uninformed or wrongly informed decision-making, and confusion can impact a woman individually or as a population.

Many people think of women’s health as gynaecology or obstetrics which of course many aspects of a woman’s health do revolve around function and disease associated with her reproductive organs and the stages throughout pregnancy and birth. But, one could argue that Women’s Health is far more complex than that. It encompasses more than just physical well-being. Because as most women would believe (myself included) that women’s health also touches emotional, mental, spiritual, and social aspects to shape overall health. As a woman in her thirties, a new mum and Registered Nurse (that happens to work within an area of women’s health) I can appreciate that health overall as a woman can change drastically throughout different stages of life and isn’t confined to one factor. This can have a profound effect on a woman’s identity, self-esteem, self-worth and confidence.

Women’s health is holistic

What health professionals should consider when caring for women

When I think of women’s health in relation to me (and my clients), I consider:

1. Physical Health:

   • Includes general health conditions such as cardiovascular health, reproductive/gynaecological health (e.g., menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, breast health, PCOS, Endometriosis, Pelvic floor, incontinence etc), digestive health (such as nutrition, bowel function, intolerances, etc), bone health (e.g., osteoporosis), skin health (dry skin, skin conditions, etc).

   • Preventive care screenings like Cervical Screening (CST’s), self breast checks and mammograms, skin checks,

   • Exercise - moderate intensity, resistance training, yoga to maintain muscle mass to support regular function.

2. Mental Health:

   • Ability to manage or identify symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress management, and how that may relate to self-esteem or self-worth.

   • Influenced by external factors (e.g., work stress, relationships) and internal factors (e.g., self-perception, coping skills)

3. Spiritual Health:

   • This might involve a person’s sense of purpose, connection to something greater than themselves, or alignment with their values.

   • Practices like mindfulness, meditation, prayer, or engagement with a community or faith can nurture spiritual health.

4. Social Health:

   • Relationships with family, friends, and community.

   • Social well-being involves having a support network, feeling connected, and having a healthy work-life balance.

5. Sexual and Reproductive Health:

   • A woman’s sexual health includes factors like fertility, reproductive rights, contraception, sexual pleasure, and the management of any sexually transmissible infections (STIs).

   • This also intersects with mental and emotional health, as sexual well-being is deeply tied to self-esteem and personal agency.

Given that women's health is not just about the absence or presence of disease, but a holistic perspective of well-being, it’s essential to consider how one area may impact another and so on. When a health professional considers all aspects of a woman’s health they then can effectively diagnose, educate, treat and implement cares according to that woman’s individual needs. Ultimately improving her quality of life.

Education is power

I feel all women only benefit from health education. Especially when it is unbiassed and evidence based. It’s like a protective armour that you can use to advocate for yourself when receiving healthcare. My goals as part of my blog is to provide evidence based women’s health education. Because a woman’s health is important.