#WomensWeek: What health issues are specific or prevalent among women?

Last Updated on March 4, 2021

In celebration of Women’s Week this first week of March, we put more focus in addressing the unique healthcare needs of women and commit to addressing each one of them.

While both sexes contract various diseases and conditions, some health issues affect women differently and more commonly. Among the conditions that are specific or prevalent among women, the following pose considerable health risks.

1. Gynecological Problems

This includes menstruation and menstrual irregularities, urinary tract health issues like urinary incontinence and pelvic floor disorder and other disorders like bacterial vaginosis, vaginitis, uterine fibroids, and vulvodynia.

2. Breast Cancer

Since the 1980s, breast cancer ranks 1st among the top leading cancers affecting women in the Philippines. According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer incidence and mortality have increased steadily in many Asian countries, most notably among Filipino women as the Philippines now have the highest incidence of breast cancer in Southeast Asia. 

3. Pregnancy Issues

Pre-existing conditions can worsen during pregnancy, threatening the health of a mother and her child. Asthma, diabetes, and depression can harm the mother and child during pregnancy if not managed properly.

4. Disorders Related to Infertility

A 2011 study by market research company, Synovate, estimates that one out of 10 Filipinos is infertile. While male infertility comprises 25 percent of all infertility cases, it is being primarily attributed to the female.

5. Autoimmune Diseases

There are over 100 types of autoimmune diseases that predominantly affect women. Many autoimmune disorders tend to affect women during periods of extensive stress, such as pregnancy, or during a great hormonal change. 

6. Mental Health Issues

Evidence suggests that women are more prone than men to experience anxiety, depression, and somatic complaints – physical symptoms that cannot be explained medically.

7. Violence Against Women

According to the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, one in four Filipino women age 15-49 has experienced physical, emotional or sexual violence by their husband or partner.