One in five women in the United States does not use their preferred method of contraception, and this number is even higher among uninsured women. This is due to the lack of affordable access to contraceptive methods and the lack of awareness about public programs that provide such services.
Biological differences
There are biological differences between men and women regarding sexual and reproductive health. While men and women may experience many of the same health problems in early childhood, striking sex differences emerge in adulthood. Women are disproportionately affected by reproductive ill-health, and most of the disease burden is concentrated in developing regions. In developing countries, three of the top ten disease causes for women aged 15-44 are related to reproductive conditions. These illnesses are a major cause of DALYs, and most of the disease burden is preventable.
In addition to behavioral differences, women’s reproductive systems have specific needs. Since women’s reproductive organs are highly complex, they are susceptible to disease before and after conception. While men and women experience many of the same diseases, their disease patterns are different and are best served by a gender-specific approach to health care.
Sex and gender are closely related and can impact someone’s general health. Depending on their gender identity, women have different needs in terms of sexual and reproductive health. Therefore, it is important to screen transgender people for sex-specific illnesses like prostate and cervical cancer.. However, the Guttmacher Institute warns of the disastrous consequences of neglecting women’s reproductive health and sexual needs such as the use of adult toys like a vibrator with clit stimulator. According to their study, even a ten percent decline in the use of contraception could lead to 49 million women without access to contraception and unsafe abortions.
Societal factors
Historically, poor communities have had limited access to reproductive health services. This is often a result of a lack of affordable housing, a lack of education, and employment opportunities. As a result, women with few resources are often forced to choose between family planning and food. As a result, these women are often more likely to experience anxiety and depression. In addition, there are large disparities in behavioral health care among low-income communities.
The study also found that cultural beliefs and practices often limited knowledge about sexual health. Women interviewed in Dallas County reported that their churches discouraged discussions about sexual health and contraception, but a handful of churches organized events to promote HIV prevention. Formal, comprehensive sex education for women may be needed in a conservative community. Many women in abusive relationships experience reproductive coercion and cannot make informed decisions about their health. As a result, they end up having multiple children.
The study also found that poor sex education left many women and girls little information about sexual and reproductive health. While most states require sex education in schools, only half of them teach about abstinence or contraception. This lack of knowledge contributes to the high rates of teen pregnancy and STIs.
Intimate partner violence
Intimate partner violence is a serious health issue for women, and the effects are significant. Among its consequences are unintended pregnancy, induced abortion, and HIV infection. It also leads to diminished reproductive autonomy and a higher risk of contracting an STI, a dangerous disease that can lead to serious health consequences. Additionally, IPV during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage and low birth weight.
Research shows that about 30% of women will experience some form of abuse during their relationships. While most prevalence estimates are based on physical violence, IPV may include psychological, financial, and social abuse. Many of these types of abuse are caused by a desire for power and control.
However, few studies have examined the relationship between IPV and women’s health outcomes. Only one study examined the relationship between IPV and reproductive health outcomes in Ghana. That study used national representative cross-sectional data from 2,289 ever-married women. It used multilevel modeling to estimate individual and community-level effects. It found that women with a history of physical or sexual violence were more likely to report unwanted pregnancy, and those who had experienced both were more likely to report experiencing pregnancy loss.
Access to quality sexual and reproductive health services
Access to high-quality sexual and reproductive health services is crucial to women’s overall health. The Affordable Care Act expanded Medicaid and private insurance coverage, making these services more affordable and available. This law also made it easier for private insurance providers to cover recommended preventive services, such as contraception and STI testing, without any cost-sharing for the patient.
It is imperative to ensure that women everywhere have access to quality sexual and reproductive health services, regardless of income or family status. The lack of access is especially devastating for women from low-income and minority backgrounds. Governments and the private sector must invest in health systems to ensure equal access for all. The WHO study highlights the importance of understanding the causes of unintended pregnancies and providing adequate health services to prevent unintended pregnancies.
STI and HIV testing are key for women. About one in four women have taken an STI or HIV test in the past year. This information is crucial for early treatment and disease transmission to sexual partners. Under the Affordable Care Act, private insurance plans must cover Pap smears and HIV tests without cost-sharing for women. Medicaid programs must also cover these tests. However, only about half of uninsured women have had a Pap smear.
