5 Women specific medical applications of digital health
1. Menstrual health
Digital technology has paved way for advanced medical intervention whereby women get to manage their reproductive health care while being in the comfort of their homes or office. Digital technology has allowed women to use electronic tools to detect changes in their reproductive menstrual life cycle.
Furthermore, this technology has allowed women to track and detect the onset of their menstrual cycles and at the same time offsetting the discomfort that comes during this period.
Looncup is a startup company that uses a “smart” menstrual cup which is reusable and is interconnected with a mobile application that allows women to detect any changes in colour and fluid volume while menstruating. Thinx is another startup company that developed a stain-and-leak resistant underwear which can support one or two tampons. Furthermore, it allows women to remain dry and comfortable while menstruating.
Most of these startup companies are using mobile technologies to develop a software application that allows women to monitor and track their menstrual cycles. In some cases, companies are using innovative technology to design digital products that are environment-friendly and convenient for users.
2. Childbirth
Digital technology has allowed women to access crucial data about post-pregnancy healthcare and how best to nurture and nurse a newly born baby. This technology has allowed women to access digital media for emotional support and connect with young women in the same situation as them so as to share experiences.
After giving birth, most women suffer stretch marks all over the body which can be easily resolved through the use of Lutronic Infini system which is a microfused radiofrequency that uses insulated microneedles to break down the stretch marks. It eliminates all signs of body stretch marks.
Liposuction is another digital solution for young mothers to remove excess pregnancy fat and body weight, especially in the stomach. It helps women regain their initial body shape and weight. Medical Cue is a startup company that uses the NeoCue system. It offers mothers a guiding system for nurturing young children.
First pulse medical is a startup company that monitors the heart rate of the fetus during and after delivery. The company uses light sensors to track the fetuses’ heart rate and oxygenation.
Most startup companies that deal with childbirth offer physicians and young mothers with tools and applications to monitor the child’s medical condition since they are prone to infections and diseases. They use software and sensor technologies to track the responsiveness of vital body organs in both the child and mother after delivery.
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3. Fertility
Women health apps analyze a user’s information and data to track and determine the fertility rate. Therefore, software applications and online platforms are some of the digital solutions that allow women to measure their fertility rate by participating in digital surveys whose answers determine if the user is fertile.
Natural Cycle is a digital app and thermometer that measures a ladies’ body temperature to determine when they are ovulating.
IsonoHealth is another startup company that developed an ultrasound device and application that allows women to self- track and monitor their breast health at home or at the office. This company uses ultrasound imaging technology to analyse the condition of their breasts. Progyny is yet another startup firm in digital healthcare that developed the Fertility Authority platform that provides IVT data for women to connect to fertility doctors within their immediate location.
4. Breast health
Due to the rising concerns of breast health, organizations are using digital technology to invent fitness bands and devices that encourage users to practice healthy lifestyles and reduce the risk of breast cancer among women.
This technology has facilitated the development of wearable therapeutic devices, implantable sensors and pain relief neuro-technology.
Breast check now is a startup company that raises awareness among women to frequently assess their breasts for any lumps or infections. The company has formed several campaigns to sensitize people of the importance of taking care of their breasts. The B4BC app allows women to track their menstrual cycle for any changes as a result of hormonal changes when ovulating.
GliaLab is a startup company that uses data and artificial intelligence for medical imaging devices that will assess the state of women’s breasts. UE LifeSciences is another digital startup that created a breast exam device that uses heat sensors to analyze metabolic and thermal symmetry between breasts for any lumps or infections. The company uses the NoTouch BreastScan to determine the possibility of breast cancer among women.
5. Ovulation cycle
Technological advancements opened the doors for the development of devices and applications that notify women if they have ovulated on a monthly cycle (30-day period). Hospitals use data collected by doctors and physicians to assess the ovulation cycle of their patients in order to provide remedies for those with irregular cycles.
This technology assesses a woman’s biphasic pattern through testing skin temperature and levels of progesterone after ovulation to determine if she is ready to get pregnant.
Ava is a major startup company that detects a woman’s fertility rate through ovulation cycles. The company uses a cycle-tracking sensor bracelet to track a woman’s sleep, heart, breathing and pulse rates. The technology behind ovulation is based on application software and sensors whereby users can use mobile devices to track their cycles. Sensor technologies are used in medical systems to help remedy irregular ovulation cycles among women.
The future of women’s health
As the world continues to embrace digital technology, health companies are seizing opportunities created by advanced technology to create applications and systems to improve medical care and the provision of healthcare among women. Digital technology has improved these medical areas through innovation and digital solutions.
As companies invest in research and innovation endeavours in digital healthcare technology, the state of women’s’ health will improve on a global scale.
Thus, reducing the mortality rate among pregnant women due to the various complications they encounter before, during and after childbirth.
Digitized healthcare will allow women to access medical services directly from their medical devices which is the convenient way for career women. The future of healthcare services among women seems bright as more startup companies emerge in developed and developing countries across the world. Government involvement in these startups will boost the quality of health care among women.
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