Where are the technological advances for women’s health?

In the UK, and honestly everywhere, it feels like our women’s health tech is shockingly outdated. I don’t understand – where are the technological advances for women’s health? I was in my mid-20s before I really understood even the basics of my own body. It feels like we’re more clued up about men’s bodies than our own, which is beyond frustrating. Men make a fuss about a single exam after 40, while we’re put through the wringer with cold speculums and doctors who sometimes barely listen. I keep an eye on new technology coming up – better designed speculums, better and easier breast exams – but it just doesn’t seem like those are  getting into routine practice or like investment prevents them from being made available.  There has been such amazing medical progress and technological advancements in the last few decades – keyhole surgeries or surgeries with a camera – why do women then still have to suffer hugely painful pelvic examinations, let alone the pain of IUD insertions or lack of true understanding of female cycles?  Our health, our well-being, deserves more advocacy and the very best in technology.

The solutions? There’s a desperate need for more education on the female reproductive system. It’s mind-boggling to think of women, like one who didn’t truly understand periods until 21! There are huge misconceptions and alot of non-science backed stuff out there targeted at women. There’s such a glaring gap in understanding women, both emotionally and biologically. We need more technological advancement in women’s health and investment in women-designed products that will make our lives better – so that we aren’t just putting up with the status quo.

AN, United Kingdom