As a health care battle rages in our country, women continue to work tirelessly to guarantee their medical needs are met. Because of our genetic makeup, men and women have different health care needs. Some diseases end up overlooked in both sexes. However, wonderful things are on the horizon for women’s health care. More and more women are speaking out about what they need to stay happy and healthy. Maternal care continues to triumph while women bring new generations into our world. In some parts of the world, simple maternal care and STD prevention have never been an option, but through recent innovations, care can be provided even in developing countries. The amazing work that doctors, nurses, and researchers continue to pursue are helping guarantee women longer and happier lives.
Raising Our Voices
This work towards better women’s health care has been a journey. In the opinion of Michelle Berlin, a director of OHSU’s Center for Women’s Health, women are starting to speak up for their needs in medicine. In a political climate of Me Too and the potentially repeal of the Affordable Care Act, women cannot sit idly by and let the men in politics decide their future. This heightened awareness of rape culture and protecting reproductive rights encourages women to be the best advocates for their own health. Women are getting involved on all levels, from pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing program to simply protesting and participating in Women’s Marches across the country.
Maternal Care
No one can argue that far more information about giving birth can be found today than ever before. Whether you want to give birth with obstetrics and gynecology care in a hospital or at home in a birthing tub, so many options are available for the maternal care experience. The idea of a completely natural birth (without any medical assistance) doesn’t seem to be the norm anymore. In a study conducted in Austria, over a four-month period, only about 29 percent of women gave birth without inducing labor, an epidural, or a cesarean section. It seems that medically aided birth and maternal care may be trending in the world. With all the knowledge we have obtained over the years about giving birth and how to stay healthy throughout a nine-month pregnancy, it only makes sense that young or new mothers take advantage of this information.
Pregnancy and STD Prevention
Sexually transmitted diseases happen in men and women, but are often times harder to detect in women. However, STDs can be incredibly dangerous especially if untreated for a long time and if a women plans on having children. While vaginal disorders in women are vastly under-researched, researchers are developing new medicines for women around the world to prevent STDs. MPI Research is developing tablets than can prevent HIV in women in third-world countries as well as working on new forms of intravaginal rings to prevent unwanted pregnancy as well as STIs.
Also, despite politicians constantly trying to take away birth control for women, new developments in the world of birth control are occurring. With the threat of canceling affordable birth control, some women are opting for more long-term approaches in birth control. Something such as a vaginally inserted IUD has become a growing trend for women. These can last from three to 10 years. IUDs and other implants can keep you pregnancy-free for years without your needing to take a daily pill, so it saves you time and money as well. And for women who don’t like this option, condoms are always a good, easy option as well.