Women’s health

Historically, women’s health has been significantly sidelined, with various aspects of it being under-researched and underfunded. Despite women making up half of the global population, their specific health needs have often been overlooked in medical research and healthcare delivery. This neglect has led to substantial gaps in care, particularly in areas like preconception care and menopause.

Preconception care  refers to the health of women (and men) during their reproductive years, before and between pregnancies, and it is crucial for leading to healthier pregnancies, babies, and mothers. However, it has not been a significant focus in healthcare. Nearly 45% of pregnancies worldwide are unplanned, leading to a higher risk of preterm births and maternal complications. Additionally, many women/couples are unaware of the importance of preconception care and the steps they should take to prepare for a healthy pregnancy.

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles, yet it has not received the attention it deserves. Approximately 1.2 billion women worldwide are expected to be postmenopausal by 2030. About 75% of women experience hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms, which can severely affect their quality of life. In the United States alone, menopause-related productivity losses cost businesses an estimated USD 150 billion annually.

Economic impact of sidelining women’s health

The neglect of women’s health issues has profound economic implications. Conditions such as menstrual disorders, endometriosis, and menopause can lead to significant productivity losses. For instance, endometriosis alone is estimated to cost the global economy USD 78 billion annually in lost productivity and healthcare costs. Women’s health issues also result in higher healthcare expenses due to delayed diagnosis and treatment. For example, the annual cost of treating ovarian cancer is significantly higher than that of other cancers because it is often diagnosed at a later stage. Additionally, health issues can lead to decreased workforce participation among women, impacting their economic stability and the overall economy.

Women’s healthcare in Bhutan

Blessed with Article 9, Section 21 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan, which mandates the state to provide free basic public healthcare both in traditional and modern medicines, Bhutan has made significant strides in improving the health and wellbeing of women through various services, support systems, and programs. Overall, Bhutanese women’s healthcare and support system shows commendable progress and aligns well with global standards in many areas, often exceeding the global average in maternal health indicators and contraceptive prevalence.(see Table 1). Bhutan is also well on track with the SDGs related to health and wellbeing (Goal 3) and gender equality (Goal 5).

However, like many countries, there is huge room for improvement. Continued initiatives, investments and innovations are needed to further improve the health and wellbeing of women in Bhutan. And Femtech is one such initiative. Advent of Femtech

The term “Femtech,” short for female technology, was coined in 2016 by Danish entrepreneur Ida Tin, co-founder of the menstrual health app, Clue. It describes the intersection of women’s health and technology. Femtech encompasses a range of products and services designed to improve women’s health through technological innovations. These include period-tracking apps, fertility solutions, pregnancy and nursing care, women’s sexual wellness products, reproductive system healthcare, diagnostics, and specialized software.

covering a broad spectrum of categories including preconception, menstrual health, sexual health and wellbeing, menopause, fertility, supplements, diagnostic tests and screenings, medical devices, research, and more. 

Promise of femtech

Femtech is today looked up to as a revolution in women’s health and wellbeing. The future of femtech is bright, with endless possibilities. Femtech aims to address the existing disparities by leveraging technology to improve women’s health. Here are some key areas where femtech is making a significant impact:

Menstrual health

Innovations in menstrual health include apps that track menstrual cycles, providing valuable data for both women and healthcare providers. Products like menstrual cups and period-proof underwear offer sustainable alternatives to traditional menstrual products. These advancements not only improve women’s health but also promote environmental sustainability.

Reproductive health

Femtech solutions in reproductive health range from fertility tracking apps to at-home fertility tests. These tools empower women with knowledge about their reproductive health, enabling them to make informed decisions about family planning. Companies like Modern Fertility offer affordable and accessible hormone testing, providing insights that were previously only available through expensive and invasive procedures.

Maternal health

Maternal health is another critical area where Femtech is making strides. Telehealth platforms provide pregnant women with remote access to healthcare providers, ensuring they receive timely care regardless of their location. Wearable devices monitor vital signs and fetal health, alerting women and their doctors to potential issues before they become serious.

Menopause Management

Femtech companies are developing products and services to help women manage menopausal symptoms. From hormone replacement therapy (HRT) delivered through personalized treatments to apps that track and provide advice on managing symptoms, these innovations offer much-needed support to women navigating menopause.

Sexual Health

Sexual health is an often overlooked aspect of women’s health. femtech is breaking down taboos and providing solutions for issues like sexual dysfunction and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Products like vibrators and lubricants designed with women’s health in mind are gaining acceptance, and apps offering STI testing and treatment are making sexual health care more accessible.

Mental Health

Mental health is intricately linked to physical health, and femtech is addressing this by providing mental health support tailored to women’s needs. Apps offering therapy, meditation, and stress management techniques help women manage their mental health, which is crucial for overall wellbeing.

FemTech Association Asia

Founded by Lindsay Davis, FemTech Association Asia is the region’s first and largest specialist advisory and industry network for femtech founders, professionals, and investors, united by a core focus on improving women’s health through technology solutions. The organization aims to drive collaboration to accelerate the creation of more healthcare solutions

for more women, serving as the gateway to the femtech industry in Asia. Its vision is accessible, available, and affordable women’s healthcare for all women across the region. Key services provided by FemTech Association Asia include advisory, community-building, thought leadership, amplification, and programming, all designed to support and promote the femtech industry in the region.

Including Bhutan, FemTech Association Asia is now in ten countries in Asia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The Role of the Brand Ambassador

The Brand Ambassador represents the FemTech Association Asia in Bhutan, creating awareness for the organization’s products, services, and values, and expanding the FemTech Association Asia network. I am dedicated to advancing this cause and helping women in our community to have access to innovative, culturally-relevant, and holistic health solutions. By fostering collaboration, breaking down stigmas, and leveraging technology, we can make substantial progress in improving women’s health and wellbeing.

I am committed to collaborating with local stakeholders, including the government, UN organizations, international and regional bodies, civil society organizations, individuals, and communities. Together, we aim to bring accessible, culturally relevant femtech solutions that comprehensively address women’s health needs. Our collective efforts will further enhance the quality of life and wellbeing for women in Bhutan, aligning with the nation’s values and aspirations for holistic health and Gross National Happiness (GNH).

Together, we can build a future where women’s health is prioritized, understood, and celebrated.

contributed by

Dorji Dhradhul, Brand Ambassador, FemTech Association Asia in Bhutan.