4 | Nursing in Practice | Autumn 2023
The latest news and analysis for nurses working in general practice and the community nursingin practice . co . uk
WOMEN ’ S HEALTH
Government launches women ’ s health survey to help shape policy
Women across England are being encouraged to help inform future reproductive health policy by sharing their experiences as part of a ‘ landmark ’ national survey launched by the government .
The Reproductive Health Survey for England 2023 aims to gather ‘ vital data ’ on women ’ s menstrual health , contraception , pregnancy planning and menopause , which will ‘ help shape future policy on women ’ s health , enhance care and improve wellbeing ’, the Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) said .
‘ There are currently disparities in health across the country , and far too many cases where women ’ s voices are not being heard ,’ the DHSC added . Along with the Women ’ s Health Strategy for England , the survey ‘ will play a key part ’ in addressing this situation .
Dr Rebecca French , associate professor of sexual and reproductive health
ONLINE Scan the QR code for daily news updates research at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , said women should be able to make informed decisions about their own reproductive health and wellbeing , but that health services are often ‘ not joined up ’.
Dr French , who is principal investigator for the survey , said : ‘ Women have previously described difficulties accessing reproductive health services , for example , to get contraceptive supplies , to access fertility treatment or to obtain an appointment with a gynaecologist .
‘ Often health services are not joined up , leading to multiple visits and appointment delays . The survey provides an opportunity to better understand what support is needed .’
The survey , which is open to all women in England aged 16 to 55 , launched on 7 September and runs for six weeks . For further information and to participate , visit tinyurl . com / womens-survey .
In brief
Menstrual discs may help heavy periods and diagnostic issues People who experience very heavy periods may be helped by using a menstrual disc instead of traditional sanitary products .
Researchers from the Oregon Health and Science University found that menstrual discs , which are shaped like a diaphragm , hold the most blood out of 21 menstrual products tested , with absorbent pants holding the least .
Heavy menstrual blood flow affects one in three women and can indicate underlying issues such as a bleeding disorder or fibroids . A disc can also indicate excessive blood loss and may be useful in diagnosing menstrual irregularities . The findings were published in the journal BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health .
Scotland considers single-use vapes ban Single-use vapes could be banned in Scotland as part of plans to protect public health and the environment .
In September , the Scottish Government published its legislative programme for 2023-24 , which includes a commitment to action to reduce vaping among non-smokers and young people , with a consultation on banning the sale of single-use products .