Women’s health has long been a neglected and underdeveloped field, with a focus on addressing life-threatening issues like cancer and fertility. Despite advancements in these areas, the broader spectrum of women’s health, encompassing quality of life and everyday challenges, has been largely overlooked.
As the founder of a women’s health company, I’ve observed the intricate dynamics between physicians and founders in this field. Drawing from my experiences as a physician and advocate, I’ve formulated a plan to foster collaboration between the medical community and innovators, aiming to shape a more progressive future for women’s health.
Just three decades ago, the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 mandated the inclusion of women and minorities in clinical research trials. However, even then, the design of these trials often failed to address women’s unique perspectives and needs.
For instance, conventional medical approaches, such as prescribing oral contraceptives, have become the default solution for various women’s health conditions, from reproductive issues to chronic pain and mental health concerns. While contraception has undoubtedly been transformative, its pervasive use for unrelated conditions underscores a lack of targeted treatments.
Endometriosis, a condition causing severe pelvic pain and infertility, remains poorly understood, with no noninvasive diagnostic methods. This results in delayed diagnoses, leaving women suffering for an average of 10 years before receiving appropriate treatment.
Women’s sexual health also faces disparities, with limited FDA-approved medications compared to those available for men. Societal norms further contribute to the reluctance of women to seek help for intimate issues.
The conventional approach to women’s health is outdated, necessitating a shift towards a more nuanced and comprehensive perspective. Patient dissatisfaction and frustration have given rise to numerous women’s health startups, aiming to fill the gaps left by traditional medicine.
However, these startups face significant challenges, receiving only 1% of total venture capital funding allocated to healthcare beyond oncology. This financial constraint hinders their ability to conduct necessary research and gain credibility within the medical community.
To bridge this gap, I propose a collaborative approach between women’s health innovators and physicians. This entails involving qualified medical professionals in the inception and ongoing development of startup ideas. By integrating medical expertise early on, these professionals can assess the existing data, validate approaches efficiently, and ensure that marketing messages support rather than alienate patients and physicians.
Physicians, in turn, must embrace innovation and understand the startup landscape to facilitate successful collaboration. This shift requires a change in mindset and recognition that supporting innovation does not equate to abandoning patients but rather strives to enhance women’s health care.
The evolution from paternalistic medicine to shared decision-making should extend beyond clinical practice to research, development, and innovation. By combining the patient’s voice with relevant evidence, we can rewire existing systems and create a women’s health paradigm that meets the diverse needs of patients and practitioners alike.
Women’s health, as it has stood for the past two centuries, must undergo a transformative shift. A singular solution for all problems is no longer viable. By rejecting outdated practices and embracing a collaborative and patient-centered approach, we can build a women’s health model that addresses individual needs, sets new standards, and ultimately benefits healthcare as a whole.
