The Rise of Female-Focused Healthcare

Factors and Implications for the Future

Georgie McDonald
07 Dec 2023

Throughout history, women have often found themselves underserved in the realm of healthcare, receiving generic treatments designed for men and lacking solutions tailored to their unique needs. However, a paradigm shift has been underway in recent years, marked by an increased awareness of and recognition of women’s healthcare needs.

This shift has given rise to specialised healthcare services, fuelled by advocacy efforts, changing societal attitudes, healthcare technology advancements, and the potential for market expansion. Consequently, there has been a significant uptick in healthcare services specifically tailored to women, addressing their distinct concerns and requirements.

This shift towards female-focused healthcare heralds a more holistic approach to women’s health, acknowledging that it encompasses not only reproductive aspects but the entirety of a woman’s life—encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This approach places a strong emphasis on preventive care, early disease detection, and the integration of diverse healthcare disciplines to provide continuous support throughout a woman’s lifespan.

The surge in female-focused healthcare is also a response to the growing demand from women seeking healthcare services specifically attuned to their individual needs. This trend for personalisation arises from historical neglect in the healthcare industry, prompting women to demand more specialised healthcare services. A primary driver of this shift is the addressing of topics often considered sensitive or taboo for men, including mental health, fertility and period tracking, family planning, menopause, general practitioner appointments, and sexual health and well-being. Projections estimate that the female healthcare market will surpass $60 billion by 2027, underscoring the rapid expansion of this industry.

Factors Driving Change

Awareness and Advocacy

A key driver behind the ascent of female-focused healthcare is the escalating awareness and advocacy surrounding women’s health issues. Over the years, organisations, activists, healthcare professionals, and individuals have increasingly championed the cause of women’s health to amplify awareness and underscore the imperative for enhancements. Beyond simply shining a spotlight on women’s health concerns, these advocacy efforts have translated into augmented funding for research and initiatives concentrating on and endorsing female-focused health conditions. This has spurred the development of treatments and the inception of innovative programs aimed at addressing women’s health issues comprehensively.

Furthermore, collaboration and networking among advocacy organisations, healthcare professionals (HCPs), and individuals have flourished. This collaboration has given rise to platforms facilitating the exchange of knowledge, resources, and best practices. These platforms empower women to take charge of their healthcare by fostering a proactive mindset, encouraging them to seek information and make informed decisions about their well-being.

Advancements in Research

The surge in research dedicated to women’s health has illuminated the gender-specific dimensions of medical conditions, rectifying a longstanding gender bias in treatment and outcomes. Historically, medical research predominantly featured male participants, resulting in an inadequate comprehension of women’s health issues. Recent initiatives to enhance female representation in clinical trials and studies have yielded valuable insights into their unique biology, physiology, and responses to treatment.

This deepened understanding has spurred a shift in the demand for healthcare tailored to women, extending beyond the prior focus solely on reproductive health to encompass various physical, mental, and social factors. This change in perspective has reverberated through healthcare policies, research priorities, and medical education. By acknowledging the intricacies of women’s health, healthcare professionals (HCPs) can deliver more personalised care, thereby enhancing overall health outcomes.

Advancements of Technology

The introduction of digital health technologies has played a big part in promoting female-focused healthcare. With the help of mobile applications, wearable devices, and telemedicine platforms, women can easily take control of their health and conveniently access personalised healthcare services. These technologies offer a range of tools such as tracking menstrual cycles, monitoring fertility, managing pregnancy, and addressing various women’s health concerns, encouraging a proactive approach to self-care.

Advancements in healthcare technology have revolutionised the landscape of women’s healthcare, making information more accessible, enabling remote monitoring, providing personalised treatments, and facilitating improved communication. Specifically designed technologies, including fertility tracking apps, at-home screening tests, and portable ultrasound devices, have emerged to address specific needs. These advancements have helped women by making certain aspects of healthcare easier to access and user-friendly.

Future Implications and Opportunities

In recent research, McKinsey & Company has underscored the disruptive potential of FemTech companies across various healthcare dimensions. This includes streamlining care delivery, facilitating self-care, enhancing diagnoses, tackling stigmatised areas, and providing culturally sensitive and customised care. The report also envisions a promising future for FemTech, emphasising the opportunities for “early movers to stake out opportunities in prominent white spaces.” By harnessing technology to address women’s health concerns beyond reproduction, companies can make a significant impact. Moreover, FemTech holds the potential to meet the needs of underserved populations, including low-income and minority communities.

FemTech not only presents substantial partnership opportunities for players in traditional sectors but also provides established companies with the chance to tap into the expertise and innovation of FemTech to drive advancements in women’s healthcare.

Looking ahead, female-focused healthcare not only promises improved access to quality care but also presents significant market potential, especially in the realm of FemTech. Through addressing women’s unique needs, advancing research, and leveraging technology, women can access tailored care, actively participate in healthcare decisions, and achieve enhanced health outcomes.

In conclusion, the rise of female-focused healthcare represents an important shift in the healthcare industry towards greater specificity and personalisation of care. This shift has been driven by a number of factors, including advocacy efforts, evolving societal perspectives, advancements in healthcare technology, and the potential for market growth. The increased focus on women’s health has paved the way for a more comprehensive approach to healthcare that acknowledges the uniqueness of women’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. As women continue to demand more specialised healthcare services that cater to their individual needs, the female healthcare market is expected to continue to grow and evolve, providing new opportunities for innovation and investment.

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