Femtech company launches reproductive health literacy programmes for Gen Z and millennial women

The California-based femtech company Wingwomen has launched fertility-focused reproductive health literacy programmes to support Gen Z and millennial women.

The new programmes feature a curriculum for preconception and postnatal health for women including those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, Hashimoto’s, diabetes, preeclampsia, advanced maternal age, sickle cell disease, as well as perimenopause.

The new website hosts a range of virtual reproductive health literacy programmes which combine group education, one-to-one health coaching and interactive exercises.

The company aims to improve fertility and pregnancy outcomes amongst women who may face additional challenges to conception due to preexisting health conditions and impact positive behaviours.

The offerings come less than a year after the historic overturning of Roe v Wade, at a time when access to reproductive health care and access to reproductive health literacy programmes have become limited.

In the US, more than 18 million women face issues like infertility, miscarriage, and preterm birth.

PCOS, for example, is one of the most common causes of female infertility, affecting eight to 13 per cent of women of reproductive age in the US. Endometriosis is estimated to impact 10 per cent of women (190 million) globally.

“Wingwomen is on a mission to support positive health outcomes from preconception to perimenopause for Gen Z and millennial women,” said Adonica Shaw, Wingwomen founder and CEO.

“After being diagnosed with preeclampsia in 2017, I had no idea what steps I needed to take to reestablish my health, and I didn’t understand medical terminology.

“After experiencing the frustration women have around understanding their reproductive health firsthand, I wanted to create something that would make this process easier for other women and their families.

“Our team believes that by encouraging reproductive health literacy, we can contribute to healthier conception and pregnancy outcomes in the preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum periods to benefit the next generation of mothers.”

Mark P. Trolice, M.D, Wingwomen medical board member, said: “Reproductive health disorders in women have long remained in the shadows of research and advocacy.

“Funding for vital medical studies and education are dramatically deficient and the number of women affected by these disorders is staggering. This results in impaired quality of life and negative effects on the economy from missed days of work.

“A woman facing infertility has been shown to have an equivalent emotional impact as being diagnosed with cancer or other major medical disorders,” Trolice continued.

“By understanding and gaining knowledge on managing their disease, women become empowered to potentially improve their physical and mental health.”

Dr Linda D. Bradley, Wingwomen medical board member, said: “Ameliorating poor health outcomes requires a trio of interventions: utilisation of patient educational platforms that are easily navigated, interaction with health care teams that are culturally competent, and practice cultural humility.

“The mission and vision of Wingwomen support women throughout their reproductive life cycle.”

Research has shown that low health literacy in pregnant women and those hoping to conceive, can impact their ability to find, understand, navigate, and apply health information before, during, and after pregnancy, and may be associated with maternal obesity, prolonged infertility, and complications during pregnancy and birth for both mother and child.