Women live longer than men in most countries around the world. But life expectancy does not always correlate with its quality. In this article, we will analyze the main threats to women’s health, talk about disease prevention for women, and ways to stay healthy at any age.
Risk factors for women’s health
Many common causes of death are statistically more harmful to women than to men. These include cervical cancer, breast cancer, pregnancy complications, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. As a result, nearly a quarter of all deaths in women of working age are caused by cancer. According to the Russian Federal Statistics Service, women under 60 are more likely to develop cancer than men, while women aged 20 to 40 are more than twice as likely as men.
Experts believe one reason is a shortage of doctors. In the United States and Europe, breast and cervical cancers can be detected and successfully treated at an early stage, but there are not enough specialists to treat these patients.
How to Maintain Women’s Health: Disease Prevention
Cancer is the most common disease that threatens women’s lives today. According to the Ministry of Health, the most deadly type of tumor for women aged 30-35 is cervical cancer. Almost 100% of cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Testing and preventing this virus can reduce the likelihood of cancer by 90%. If you experience any worrying symptoms, such as pain, discharge, or irregular periods, you should see a doctor.
Additionally, from the moment you start having sex and 1-2 times a year, you should get preventive exams and tests for sexually transmitted infections, including a Pap smear (a smear test that detects cancer-causing HPV).
Self-examination and consultation with your doctor can help prevent breast cancer. The following factors increase your risk of developing this type of cancer:
- first pregnancy after 30 years,
- absence of childbirth,
- early menstruation,
- late menopause,
- Obesity,
- alcohol abuse,
- use of estrogen contraceptives for 4 years or more,
- age over 40 years.
Healthy women without any discomfort symptoms should undergo breast cancer screening every 2-3 years, starting at the age of 40. If your close relatives have had breast cancer, you should start screening 10 years earlier than the age at which the tumor was discovered.
Cardiovascular disease tends to kill women more than men. The main risk factors are smoking, being overweight, and a lack of physical exercise. To keep your heart healthy, pay attention to your mental health and check your blood pressure regularly. Stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep increase your risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack, and other diseases.
Reproductive health: risk factors and methods of protection
Doctors consider reproductive health issues separately. If a couple has been trying to conceive for a year or more and has been unable to do so, they are diagnosed with “infertility.” Worldwide, infertility issues affect at least 15% of marriages. At the same time, the incidence of infertility in women and men is also quite high.
Female fertility begins to decline as early as age 30. But problems can appear earlier. Female infertility is caused by endocrine disorders and pathological conditions of the reproductive system caused by sexually transmitted infections, failed abortions, tumors, and other diseases. Women who plan to have children in the future should be regularly examined by an endocrinologist and a gynecologist to prevent diseases that cause infertility.
What else should be done to prolong women’s health?
Doctors’ advice to women has not changed over the years.
Avoid dieting. Nutrition should be comprehensive and varied. It’s okay to have sweets or snacks sometimes, but the most important thing is to know the limits.
Try to reduce stress. If your job is stressful, try to get more sleep, learn techniques to fight anxiety, and see a psychologist.
Exercise more. Aerobic exercise and strength training should be done regularly—3-5 times a week or more.
Do not overdose on vitamins and minerals. Consult your doctor first.
Get rid of bad habits. Studies show that smoking and drinking are more destructive for women than for men.
Consult your doctor regularly. This is not only about women’s health but also other body systems. Annual checkups and women health care Products will help you reduce your health concerns about your condition and increase your confidence.