Women’s Health Cannot Grow Without Funding

Just like any industry, there needs to be funding in order for it to grow successfully. Whether it is the technology or education sector, changes and advancements cannot be made on its own. In order to put things into motion, there needs to be funding because these days everything costs. When it comes to the healthcare industry there is no exception, and it can actually be a deciding factor on the type of care patients receive. Without funding, research comes to a halt and this can mean peoples’ health is put at a risk. 

This is especially true for women’s health, which has historically been put on the back burner. In order for women’s health to grow and become more accessible, there needs to be a higher interest in research and an increase in funding. Women’s health is part of healthcare and there needs to be an equal opportunity for women to get the care they deserve. 

Healthcare is Not Just for Men

There are two major positives to investing in women’s health: women will live healthier lives and the economy will face a major economic boost. Of course women and their health is the top priority for funding. Studies show that women spend 25% more of their lives in worse health conditions than men do. Women typically live longer than men with their life expectancies surpassing 80 years on average. This shows that there is a huge difference between women and men, which means there needs to be research done on both sides. 

When it comes to the research on human anatomy and biology, most diseases and illnesses are funded and researched in the male body. Not only does this apply to women’s sexual health such as menstruation, fertility, and menopause, but to women’s health as a whole. Women’s bodies are researched mainly for things that are life-threatening, but diseases that could lead to disability are put on the back burner. Because men and their bodies are the focus of research, this leaves women behind. How can they get the help they need if there is not enough money allocated for research? By funding women’s health research and initiatives, this will help women live up to their full potential.  

Funding Makes Care Accessible 

Funding does not just help women get the care they need, but it also helps prioritize health education. For example, menopause is a leading example of how a lack of education can put women at risk. Studies show that 94.1% of women were never actually taught about menopause and how their bodies will change in school. 49% did not feel like they were informed at all on the subject. Not only does this leave women in the dark about their health, but it can cause them to suffer longer than they need to. 

Currently, symptom management is the main way for women to get care for perimenopause and menopause. There is no cure for this, as it is a natural part of a woman’s life, but it doesn’t mean women have to be in pain. But if women do not know what menopause is and what signs to look out for, they are prolonging their pain. Education should start early on in schools, and funding can help schools and healthcare organizations implement more resources to guide girls before they reach this stage of their lives. 

Funding for the Greater Good 

There is an immediate return on investment for funding women’s health. Helping the industry grow and getting women the care they need is the ultimate priority, but it also helps the economy grow as well. Because women will be taken care of to a higher standard, this means they have the opportunity to contribute to the workforce for longer than they would if they were out sick. Not only does this help them feel a sense of accomplishment and independence over their health, but they can be more involved in helping businesses grow which creates adverse economic impacts. Funding could potentially boost the economy around $1 trillion dollars annually by the year 2040.

The more people put into women’s health, the more they get out of it. If investors are looking for a way to make money, funding women’s health initiatives can create a chain reaction of positivity. 

Looking Ahead to the Future

The future of women’s health is unknown, but it’s a fact that funding women’s health can only help women get the care they have been looking for for so long. Women’s health has traditionally been put on the back burner, and the industry needs more funding in order for it to grow. Whether it is in regards to women’s sexual health or just their health as a whole, something needs to be done to give them the highest level of care possible. Right now, men are the priority, and there needs to be equal treatment across the industry. Without funding, women’s lives are being put at risk every day.