In an effort to better understand and address various aspects of women’s reproductive health, women across England are being encouraged to participate in a government-initiated survey. This move follows a commitment by ministers to seek women’s perspectives on issues spanning menstrual health, contraception, fertility, pregnancy, and menopause as part of the broader women’s health strategy.
The comprehensive survey, set to launch on Thursday, aims to garner valuable insights into women’s reproductive health experiences over time and utilize this data to inform government health policies. The Department of Health and Social Care underscores the importance of making healthcare more accessible and adaptable to the needs of women and girls.
Prof Dame Lesley Regan, Women’s Health Ambassador, emphasized the need for healthcare services to align with the lives of women and girls. She stated, “There’s no point bolstering services if they can’t be accessed, or the support available doesn’t work for them and meet their needs. That’s why we’re asking women and girls to share their experiences, whether it’s about periods, menopause, or endometriosis. We need your voice to shape a new system of healthcare that gives women what they need.”
The survey, conducted in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), is open to all women in England aged between 16 and 55. It will remain accessible for six weeks from the launch date.
Dr. Rebecca French, an Associate Professor of Sexual and Reproductive Health Research at LSHTM, emphasized the importance of informed decisions throughout a woman’s reproductive journey, which spans nearly 40 years from the first period to menopause. She noted that women should have the ability to make informed choices about their reproductive health, including family planning and accessing appropriate support and treatment.
Historically, women have faced challenges in accessing reproductive health services, including contraceptive supplies, fertility treatments, and gynecological appointments. Often, healthcare services are disjointed, resulting in multiple visits and delays. The women’s reproductive health survey offers an opportunity to comprehensively understand the support required and the best ways to address these issues.
Last summer, government ministers pledged to address long-standing gender health inequalities through a 10-year women’s health strategy, which included commitments to launch this survey on reproductive health, mandatory women’s health training for doctors, increased cancer screenings, and the establishment of “one-stop shop” hubs within the NHS. The strategy, originally slated for release in 2021 and later postponed to spring 2022, was eventually published in July of the same year.
Maria Caulfield, Minister for Women’s Health Strategy, stressed the importance of women’s voices in shaping healthcare. She encouraged every woman to participate in the reproductive health survey and ensure their concerns and experiences are considered in policy decisions.
