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1. WOMEN’SHEALTH
SyedaTamannaYasmin
PhD Research Scholar
&
Lecturer ( Microbiology), Dispur Paramedical & Nursing Institute

2. INTRODUCTION
 Being a man or a woman has a significant impact on health, as a result of
both biological and gender-related differences.
 Some of the sociocultural factors that prevent women and girls to benefit
from quality health services and attaining the best possible level of health
include:
Unequal power relationships between men and women;
Social norms that decrease education and paid employment opportunities;
An exclusive focus on women’s reproductive roles; and
Potential or actual experience of physical, sexual and emotional violence.
While poverty is an important barrier to positive health outcomes for both
men and women, poverty tends to yield a higher burden on women and
girls’ health due to, for example, feeding practices (malnutrition) and use of
unsafe cooking fuels (COPD).

4. Common
issues faced by
women
Malnutrition
 Nutrition plays a major role in and individual’s overall health, psychological and
physical health status is often dramatically impacted by the presence of
malnutrition.
 India has one of the highest rates of malnourished women among developing
countries.
 Maternal malnutrition has been associated with an increased risk of maternal
mortality and also child birth defects.
Lack of maternal health
 The lack of maternal health contributes to the economic disparities of mothers
and their children.
 Poor maternal health not only affects a child’s health in adverse ways but also
decreases a woman’s ability to participate in economic activities. Therefore,
national health programs such as the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)
and the Family Welfare Program have been created to address the maternal
health care needs of women across India.
 India contributes to nearly 20 percent of all maternal deaths worldwide between
1992 and 2006.
 For those states where there is higher literacy and growth rates tend to have
greater maternal health and also lower infant mortality.

5. Common
issues faced by
women
Suicide
 Suicide is a major problem in India. The suicide rate in India is five times
higher than that of the developed world. Furthermore, the rate of suicide
has been found to be higher in women as compared to men in India.
 The most common reasons for women's suicide is directly related to
Depression.
Anxiety
• Gender discrimination
 Domestic Violence
 Domestic violence is a major issues in India. Domestic violence is
defined as acts of physical, psychological, and sexual violence against
women is found across the world and is currently viewed as a hidden
epidemic by the World Health Organization.
 As per reports of India National Family Health Survey III (2005-2006), 31
percent of all women reported having been the victims of physical
violence in the last 12 months. The study found that the poorest women
faired worst among middle and high-income women.

6. Medical test
for women in
20’s and 30’s
• Weighing Weight: One should weigh regularly, as too much of
may puts you at high risk for developing a number of diseases later
in life.
• Blood Pressure: It's simple, it's cheap and it's quick.
• Cholesterol Profile: Age 20 and over should know their
cholesterol numbers, and get them checked at least once every five
years.
• For Women Only: Breast Exam, Pelvic Exam and Pap. A clinical
breast exam and 10 minutes of mild discomfort from the pelvic
exam pays big dividends in protecting from cancer and diseases
that can cause infertility.
• Eye Test. You may not have considered this, but at some point
before you're 40, visit an eye care provider for an exam.
• Checking for Immunizations: Update any immunizations that you
might need. Need of referring immunization schedule.

7. Medical test
for women
in 40’s
• Blood sugar: At at age 45, be sure to get a fasting blood sugar test,
and then again at least once every three years.
• Breast exam and mammogram: Most experts recommend having a
mammogram test done after age 40.
• Blood pressure: Blood pressure may rise with the increasing age that's
common. Fortunately, one can lower his/her blood pressure through
diet, exercise, and medication.
• Weighing weight: Taking care of weight is another factor as overweight
can put one at high risk for developing a number of diseases, including
diabetes and heart disease.
• Pelvic exam and pap: A women should get this test done especially if
she is sexually active.
• Looking for moles: Unusual moles or skin changes can leads to
cancer but these are curable. if diagnosed at an early stage.
• Eyes check-up: After 40 make sure to get eyes examined regularly
every two years until age 60 to check for common problems like
presbyopia, glaucoma, cataract and many more.
• Checking for regular immunizations: Ask your doctor if you need
a tetanus booster shot, flu shot, or pneumonia vaccine.

8. Medical
Conditions
that are of
great
concern
Heart Disease
Breast cancer
Osteoporosis Depression
Autoimmune Disease
Leucorrhea
High Blood Pressure
Ovarian cysts
UrinaryTract
Infections
Maternal Health Issues

9. Mammogram
What Is a Mammogram?
 A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast.
 Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer.
 Regular mammograms are the best tests doctors have to find breast cancer early.
How is a mammogram done?
 You will have to stand in front of a special X-ray machine.
 A technologist will place your breast on a plastic plate. Another plate will firmly
press your breast from above.
 The plates will flatten the breast, holding it still while the X-ray is being taken.
 You will feel some pressure. The steps are repeated to make a side view of the
breast.
 The other breast will be X-rayed in the same way.
 You will then wait while the technologist checks the X-rays to make sure the
pictures do not need to be redone.

12. Key factors
for wellness
Optimum nutrition
Balanced diet
Vitamin, minerals,
supplement
Adequate intake of
water
Exercise, meditation
Calm your mind
Deep relaxation
Adequate sleep
Strive for balance
Be good to yourself
Enhance
detoxification
Boost metabolism

13. Exercising
• Aim for 30 minutes of movement at least four days per week.
Aerobic, or cardio, exercise is best. This includes:
walking
jogging
dancing
Swimming
• Mix routines up and keep your exercise plans exciting by trying
different activities. Invite a friend to join you for accountability and
encouragement.
• Cardio alone isn’t enough for optimal health and fitness. It should be
combined with some type of strength training.
• Strength training builds muscle, boosts metabolism, and helps you
maintain stronger bones. This is especially important in
postmenopausal- women.

14. Eat a
balanced
diet
 A nourishing diet is the foundation of a healthy
lifestyle. Beyond weight loss and maintenance,
eating a balanced diet is crucial to a woman’s
overall health. Good foods provide vitamins,
minerals, and nutrients that are important for
growth, well-being, and development.
 Eating a balanced diet starts with avoiding
unhealthy foods. Packaged and processed
foods are often full of sugar, salt, unhealthy
fats, and calories.
 A balanced diet is a cornerstone of weight loss.
Carrying around extra weight can increase
your risk of several conditions, including
cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
 Opt for some good food stuffs.

15. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

16. Whole Grains

17. fiber-rich foods
Fiber-Rich Foods, Pulses

18. Fresh fish and sea foods

19. Fresh poultry / Meats

21. Dairy Products

22. Healthy
aging
 Aging is part of growing older and wiser.
 For women, healthy aging depends largely on healthy living.
That includes eating a healthy diet, staying active, and having
regular health screenings.
 Healthy aging also emphasizes things you shouldn’t do, such
as using tobacco products and drinking excess alcohol.
 You can also help slow aging by learning to manage stress and
cope with mental health issues
 To protect against wrinkles, age spots, and even cancer, slather
on sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
 Wear protective clothing and sunglasses and try to avoid the
sun entirely in the middle of the day.

23. A healthy
sex life
 In the beginning of your sexually active years, the emphasis of
sexual health falls primarily into these categories:
Protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Finding a birth control or family planning method that works for
you.
Having regular STI screenings, Pap smears, and pelvic exams
Low libido or sex drive.
Inability to reach orgasm.
Reduced response to sexual stimulation.
Not enough natural lubrication for sex.
Uncomfortable or painful sex.

24. Deal with
stress
Many women are swimming in stress and responsibilities, which can
manifest more than just gray hairs. Excessive stress can translate to:
High blood pressure
Upset stomach or other gastrointestinal issues
Back pain
Relationship conflicts
Sleeping difficulties
Abdominal weight gain
Stress can be managed with relaxation techniques such as:
Therapy
Prayer
Meditation
Yoga or tai chi
Exercise

25. Avoid known
health risks
some conditions may be more common in women or impact women
differently than they do men. These include:
 Heart disease: Heart disease is the leading cause of death among
American women. Additionally, women are more likely than men to die
following a heart attack.
 Stroke: Women are more likely to have a stroke than men. Men and
women share many of the same risk factors for stroke, including high
blood pressure and high cholesterol. However, women have several
unique risk factors. These include:
Birth control use
Pregnancy
Hormone replacement therapy
 Urinary tract issues : Women have a shorter urethra, which means
bacteria have a smaller distance to travel before they reach your
bladder and start an infection. For that reason, urinary tract problems,
including infections and incontinence, are more common in women.

26. Vaginal
health
Increased vaginal discharge( leucorrhea)
An increase in vaginal discharge is one of the most noticeable vaginal
changes during pregnancy.
Change in the texture and colour of vaginal discharge.
It’s caused by high levels of estrogen and progesterone.
An increase in blood volume and blood flow can also contribute to
increased vaginal discharge.
Pregnancy discharge should be thin, white, and milky. It may get heavier
as your due date approaches.
Increased risk of vaginal infections:
 In some cases, increased vaginal discharge indicates infection.
 Vaginal infections are common during pregnancy because vagina’s pH-
balance.

27. Some common
vaginal
infections
during include
Yeast infections: During pregnancy, vaginal secretions contain more sugar, yeast’s meal of
choice. A yeast infection won’t unborn baby, but it’ll make life uncomfortable.
Symptoms of a yeast infection include :
• Vaginal itching,
• Vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese and smells yeasty, and
• Vaginal burning.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV): According to the American Pregnancy Association, 10-30 % of
pregnant women will get bacterial vaginosis.
The condition is caused by an imbalance of good and bad vaginal bacteria.
The main symptom of BV is a fishy-smelling, gray discharge.
• Untreated BV is linked to
• Pre-term labor,
• Low birth weight, and
• Miscarriage.
Trichomoniasis: This infection is transmitted by having sex with an infected person.
It may cause serious pregnancy complications, such as
• Water breaking too soon and
• Premature birth.
Symptoms of trichomoniasis include a
 Foul-smelling, yellow-green discharge,
 Vaginal itching and redness, and
 Pain during urination and sex.

28. Microscopic view of yeast
( Candida albicans)
Vaginal Yeast Infection
Microscopic view of bacteria
(Trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis)
Vaginal Bacteria infection

29. Vaginal
health
Vulvar varicose veins
 Vulvar varicose veins are caused by an increase in blood volume, and a decrease
in how fast your blood flows from your lower extremities.
 Vulvar varicose veins may cause pressure, fullness, and discomfort in your
vulva and vagina.
Vaginal bleeding
 Vaginal bleeding during first trimester isn’t unusual. It may be due to the
implantation of the fertilized egg to the lining of your uterus. It may also be
caused by increased blood volume.
 In some cases, vaginal bleeding is a sign of miscarriage, especially if it’s
accompanied by severe, menstrual-like cramping, and the passing of tissue
through your vagina.
 Vaginal bleeding during your second and third trimesters is concerning. You
should seek emergency medical care if your vaginal bleeding is caused by:
 Placenta abruption (when the placenta peels away from the uterine lining)
 Premature opening of the cervix
 Preterm labor
 Uterine rupture
 When labor begins, vaginal discharge mixed with pink mucous. This is normal and
is called Bloody show.

30. Anemia in
women
 Anaemia, caused primarily due to iron deficiency, is a condition which is
marked by low levels of haemoglobin in the blood.
 Poor dietary habits result in lack of iron deficiency that in turn leads to
anaemia. Not just this, anaemia is also caused due to hookworms that are
most common among children who play in mud and eat their food without
washing their hands,” said Dr Sudarshan Reddy.
 Anaemia is associated with poor cognitive and motor development in
children, and work capacity in adults, influencing country economic
development.
 Among pregnant women, iron deficiency anaemia is also associated with
adverse reproductive outcomes such as preterm delivery, low-birth-weight
infants, and decreased iron stores for the baby, which may lead to impaired
development.
 Failure to reduce anaemia may result in millions of women experiencing
impaired health and quality of life, and may impair children’s development
and learning. Anaemia is an indicator of both poor nutrition and poor
health.

33. POPULATION
EXPLOSION

34. Population
Explosion
 The rapid growth of the world's population over the past one hundred years
results from a difference between the rate of birth and the rate of death.
 The human population will increase by 1 billion people in the next decade.
This is like adding the whole population of China to the world's population.
 The growth in human population around the world affects all people
through its impact on the economy and environ-ment.
 The current rate of population growth is now a significant burden to human
well-being.
 The success in reducing death rates was attributable to several factors:
(1) in-creases in food production and distribution,
(2) improvement in public health (water and sanitation), and
(3) medical technology (vaccines and antibiotics), along with gains in
education and standards of living within many developing nations

35. Scenerio of
over-
population
 Overpopulation and poverty have long been associated with increased
death, and disease. 25 People tightly packed into unsanitary housing are
inordinately vulnerable to natural disasters and health problems.
 Poverty, is a major concern of humankind, because poverty everywhere
reduces human beings to a low level of existence.
 Poor people lack access to enough land and income to meet basic needs. A
lack of basic needs results in physical weak-ness and poor health. Poor
health decreases the ability of the poor to work and put them deeper into
poverty.
 Instead of allowing poverty to persist, it is important to limit our number
be-cause in dense populations too many lack adequate food, water, shelter,
education and employment.
 High fertility, which has been traditionally associated with pros-perity,
prestige, and security for the future, now jeopardizes chances for many to
achieve health and security.
 The world's current and projected population growth calls for an increase in
efforts to meet the needs for food, water, health care, technology and
education.

41. ActionsAnd
StrategiesThat
Can Be
DevelopedTo
SolveThese
Problems.
 Action plans and strategies can be developed to increase
public understanding of how rapid population growth limits
chances for meeting basic needs.
 The spirit of open communication, and empowerment of
individual women and men will be key to a successful solution
to many population problems.
 Collective vision about health care, family planning and
women's education at the community level build a basis for
action.
 The creation of action plans help to meet challenges to find
coop-erative solutions. Free and equal access to health care,
family planning and educa-tion are desirable in their own right
and will also help reduce unwanted fertility.

42. 1. Generously fund family planning
programs.
2. Make modern contraception legal, free
and available everywhere, even in
remote areas.
3. Improve health care to reduce infant
and child mortality.
4. Restrict child marriage and raise the
legal age of marriage (minimum 18
years)
Solutions to over-
population size

44. Reasons for
such health
issues
Alcohol intake
Men are more likely to abuse alcohol and become dependent upon it. However, the
impacts of chronic alcohol use are greater on women than men. These
complications include heart disease and breast cancer. Additionally, babies born to
women who drink alcohol during pregnancy may have a condition called fetal
alcohol syndrome. This can cause brain damage and learning delays.
Depression
Women are more likely to show signs of depression than men. From ages 14 to 25,
women are likely than men to have depression. That ratio narrows with age.
Osteoarthritis
While this common form of arthritis can occur in both men and women, it’s more
common in women over age 45.
Increased vaginal swelling
Hormonal changes and increased blood flow may also cause your vagina and labia
to darken and take on a bluish tint. In some cases, vaginal swelling is caused by
infection. If vaginal swelling is accompanied by redness, burning, and itching,
contact your doctor.

45. Breast feeding
 Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health
and survival.
 Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains
antibodies which help protect against many common childhood
illnesses.
 Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs
for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or
more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first
year, and up to one third during the second year of life.
 Breastfed children perform better on intelligence tests, are less likely
to be overweight or obese and less prone to diabetes later in life.
 Women who breastfeed also have a reduced risk of breast and
ovarian cancers.
 Inappropriate marketing of breast-milk substitutes continues to
undermine efforts to improve breastfeeding rates and duration
worldwide.

46. Menstrual
health
 Menstrual health is defined as complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing in relation
to the menstrual cycle.
 The definition reflects the multifaceted nature of menstruation and the many ways the
lives of those who menstruate can be affected by their ability to properly manage their
menstrual health.
 Achieving good menstrual health is not just a matter of ensuring access to menstrual
products but also relies on individuals having the resources they need to participate fully
in all spheres of life during their menstrual cycle.
 These resources might illustratively include information, supplies, sanitation facilities,
supportive environments (including sensitized teachers and work supervisors), and
accessible health-care workers trained in menstrual health disorders.
 Millions of women and girls worldwide experience period poverty, described as limited
access to period products, menstrual education, or adequate water sanitation and
hygiene facilities.
 n addition, cultural norms, stigma, and taboos surrounding menstruation create further
barriers to achieving menstrual health. Although people's experiences of period poverty
are varied and unique, the social determinants of health and structural determinants of
gender inequality act as key drivers of period poverty across the globe.
 Through experiencing these barriers to achieving menstrual health, all those who
menstruate are being denied their basic human rights. Many of these human rights have
shaped the development framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including
poverty, education, health, water and sanitation, and gender equality; therefore,
addressing menstrual health is crucial to reaching these goals by 2030.4

47. Action for
achieving
menstrual
health.
 First, there is a strong need to provide an enabling sociocultural environment
for those who menstruate to manage their menstrual needs with dignity and
comfort.
 Second, shift the focus away from principally one of access in relation to period
products. Across many countries seeking to address menstrual health,
distributing period products is the priority; however, interventions should
augment these efforts by providing affordable quality materials, and
information on different types of products, so that individuals can make an
informed choice about the product that best suits their needs.
 Third, we need to ensure the provisioning of adequate sanitation facilities,
water, changing and bathing spaces, and work with governments to support the
development of waste management systems that support the disposal of used
menstrual materials.
 Fourth, health workers should be better trained on menstrual health, menstrual
disorders, and gender-responsive approaches to understanding the needs of all
the individuals who menstruate, including girls and women, people with
disabilities, transgender people, and gender non-binary individuals.
 Lastly, individuals who menstruate are often neglected, including those in
emergency contexts, which directly affects their rights to health, education,
non-discrimination, and gender equality. There is a need to recognize menstrual
health as a key right within the right to health.

48. Sanitary pads
and health
risks
 One of the most commonly used feminine hygiene products is
sanitary napkins.
 These are convenient and affordable consumables that serve women
during their menstrual cycle.
 Sanitary Napkins are seriously harmful to your health.
 They carry BPA and other chemicals which can cause cancer over
time and can interfere with the reproductive system as well.
 The presence of pesticides and herbicides in pads can directly enter
your bloodstream to affect your internal organs.
 To prevent the smell of menstrual blood sanitary napkins are
equipped with deodorants and fragrances which can cause infertility.
 Menstrual cups are a perfect alternative to prevent yourself from the
health hazards of sanitary napkins as these are safe, economical, and
are recommended by gynecologists too!

50. Understanding
sexually
transmitted
diseases and
infections
Barrier methods can help protect you and your partner from STIs
such as:
• HIV
• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Trichomoniasis
• Hepatitis A, B, and C
Examples of STIs transmitted via skin-to-skin contact include:
• Syphilis
• HPV (human papilloma virus)
• HSV (herpes simplex virus)

51. Conclusion
 The bottom line
 Vagina plays a key role in pregnancy and childbirth, so it deserves
special attention. Here are some tips for keeping your vagina healthy
during and after pregnancy:
Dry your vaginal area with a hair dryer on a low, cool setting after
bathing or swimming.
Wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom.
Don’t douche or use scented sanitary pads or tampons.
Avoid feminine hygiene sprays or perfumed personal care products.
Wear looser clothing or underwear.
Eat yogurt regularly.
Reduce your sugar intake.
Stay hydrated.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet and get regular exercise.
Practice responsible sex.
Consult your doctor when in doubt about vaginal discharge or other
vaginal concerns. Some vaginal symptoms may be a sign of a serious
problem, so it’s best to be cautious.