There is a significant gender gap in healthcare which calls for our attention.

BARCELONA, Spain - Aug. 16, 2024 - PRLog -- Women's health: a topic that should've been explored years ago

Even with medical advancements such as robotic surgeries and AI diagnostics, gender-specific healthcare needs are still overlooked. A recent study published at the University of Arizona Health Sciences revealed that pain receptors vary by gender, leading men and women to experience pain differently. This and many other studies prove that there is a significant gender gap in healthcare which calls for our attention.

Overlooked for decades

Up until 1993 women were excluded from medical research trials. Despite major 20th century medical breakthroughs, the late inclusion of women in trials meant most developments were tailored for men. This created a large gap in understanding women's and men's health, which only recently started to mend.

20 years later, in 2013, women finally received the first cycle tracking app. The only issue was that it was based on textbook information about women's menstrual cycles and could not give personalised predictions. As years passed and technologies improved, the number of such apps and their quality increased. Now, even the latest Apple Watch Series 9 includes a period tracking feature based on women's wrist temperature.

What solutions are out there?

Today's FemTech industry offers more than period trackers for women. The industry compound annual growth rate is estimated to be over 13% between 2020 and 2025. From wellness and mental health to pregnancy, nursing and menopause, you can find an app, a digital platform, AI consultant or a wearable gadget to help you track changes in your body and mind.

And yet, the existence of these inventions alone is not enough to say that women's health is cared for. The limited personalisation options and insufficient research in the field raise concerns about the accuracy of solutions designed for women's needs.

A stage for entrepreneurs

As research about women's physiology advances, opportunities for new innovations emerge. A study performed at the University of Southampton reveals the difference in sleep requirements for men and women. This sparks interest in other life aspects that vary between genders and how technology could help enhance them. As a result, funding for FemTech startups that are set to change the future is steadily increasing.

But in the competitive world of innovation, standing out and securing investment can be a struggle. That's why new platforms come into play to support startups in boosting brand awareness and attracting funding. One of such initiatives is Health Tech Challengers, offering eight tracks, including Women's Health, where entrepreneurs can pitch their ideas.

Learn more about Health Tech Challengers and apply at healthtechchallengers.com