The Department of Health and Social Care have launched a landmark survey to shape future reproductive health policies by speaking to women directly.
The survey, which was launched yesterday, questions women in England – aged between 16 and 65 – about their experiences and opinions on subjects including menstrual health, contraception, fertility, pregnancy, and menopause.
In addition, respondents will be quizzed about painful periods, how they prefer to access contraceptive services and how satisfied they are with any support they received for menopausal symptoms.
According to ministers, the information gathered from the survey, which is set to run for six weeks, ‘will help shape future policy on women’s health, enhance care, and improve wellbeing.’
One of the survey’s main aims is to end the postcode lottery impacting some aspects of women’s healthcare.
Maria Caulfield, the Minister for Women’s Health Strategy, said: ‘Women and girls deserve the best healthcare at every stage of their lives, but we simply can’t deliver that without listening to their lived experiences and concerns.
‘Women should always have a say in their own healthcare, whether that’s in managing pregnancy and fertility or dealing with the challenges of the menopause in the workplace.’
‘There’s no point bolstering services if they can’t be accessed, or the support available doesn’t work for them and meet their needs,’ she added.
‘We’re asking women and girls to share their experience, whether it’s about periods, menopause or endometriosis. We need your voice.’
Image: Katherine Hanlon
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