Pelvic organ prolapse, menstrual disorders, and menopause symptoms: nearly every woman will experience one or more women-specific conditions in her life. Despite these conditions' significant impact on quality of life, research on women-specific conditions is scarce and chronically underfunded. Additionally, existing knowledge about women-specific conditions and treatment methods is not yet finding its way into practice sufficiently, while women indicate they are actively seeking information.
To address this need, the Technical Medical Centre of the University of Twente and the Municipality of Enschede and FYON Glanerbrug organized a special evening on menopause and the pelvic floor on June 21, 2024. This collaboration stemmed from a shared desire to inform women about women-specific health and to contribute to improved prevention, (self)care, and quality of life. This initiative also aims to increase the involvement of a diverse group of women in scientific research.
Ladies Night: Menopause & Pelvic Floor
With the slogan 'fun, informative, and taboo-breaking,' residents of Enschede and the surrounding area were invited to a Ladies Night focused on scientific insights and practical tips regarding menopause and the pelvic floor. Approximately 140 participants attended the event, where they received information on physical and mental changes during menopause, the effects on the pelvic floor, menopause symptoms and hormone therapy, as well as practical lifestyle and nutrition tips. A menopause consultant, a researcher from the University of Twente, a pelvic physiotherapist, a gynecologist, and a hormone specialist gave presentations. Various women's health organizations were present at the information market, including OVER!academie, Stichting Bekkenbodem4all, Nederlandse Vereniging voor Bekkenfysiotherapie and Care for Women. Additionally, the MEEDOEN initiative featured several studies from the University of Twente on (women's) health that attendees could participate in.
Special attention during this evening was given to pelvic floor problems and treatment methods for pelvic organ prolapses. Anique Bellos-Grob is the initiator of this event from the University of Twente and an expert in imaging and the pelvic floor. Bellos-Grob, a technical medical practitioner by training, is an assistant professor at the University of Twente (UT) and works one day a week in the gynaecology department of Ziekenhuisgroep Twente (ZGT) in collaboration with the GYCON partnership: “In my practice, I see women who have gone to their general practitioner with symptoms of prolapse or incontinence and are then referred to the gynaecology department for further treatment. This might involve the insertion of a pessary ring or surgery for the prolapse. However, all treatments have their limitations; rings may not stay in place or women may experience recurrent prolapse after surgery. More research is essential to improve the chances of successful treatment. Gatherings like this are crucial because incontinence and prolapses remain taboo subjects. Once people know that this is my field of work, they find it easier to talk about it. Ideally, everyone should be discussing these issues with partners, family, friends, and neighbours. You’d be surprised how many people are affected and how relieved they are to talk about it.”
This evening aimed to provide women with an honest story about menopause and menopause-related symptoms, offering lifestyle advice to prevent or reduce symptoms and explaining treatment options for (severe) symptoms. By doing so, we aim to contribute to the self-sufficiency and autonomy of women regarding their health. Together with the Municipality of Enschede and other local healthcare organizations, we are better able to inform these groups. Collaborating closely with the people affected is one of the key success factors in effectively addressing health disparities.”
Improved quality of care through attention for sex and gender differences
To bridge the health gap, including differences between sex and gender, more research and technology specifically for women's health are needed. Historically, research and practice have focused on male bodies and physiology, leaving women-specific functions and anatomy underrepresented. This knowledge gap impacts access to equal quality of care, often resulting in missed diagnoses and delayed treatment for women. By taking sex and gender differences into account in research and medical innovations, the quality of care for both women and men can be improved This leads to equitable health outcomes for everyone. At the University of Twente, a growing group of researchers in the 'Technology for Women's Health' cluster is working on solutions tailored to women's health needs. This knowledge enables the development of more personalized, effective, accessible, and affordable solutions to promote women's health and well-being, ultimately enhancing the health of both sexes.
One of the focus areas of the new program is increasing women's participation in scientific research. Additionally, the program aims to improve (self)care and quality of life for women from a holistic perspective, encompassing mental, physical, and social well-being. A lack of knowledge among women themselves, combined with taboos on many subjects, results in women waiting too long to seek help and often not receiving the appropriate referrals and assistance. Examples of this are menopause and pelvic floor issues. It is estimated that 1.8 million women in the Netherlands are going through menopause. Of these, 80% report experiencing menopause-related symptoms, such as pelvic floor and pelvic organ problems. Yet, more than half of those experiencing symptoms have never sought help. Even though treatment can lead to significant health improvements, many menopause-related issues remain undiscussed and untreated.
To directly assist women with their health questions, practical tips along with an overview of existing treatment methods and women-specific healthcare organisations were intentionally provided at the Menopause & Pelvic Floor information evening. Through the MEEDOEN website, individuals can directly contribute to health research at the University of Twente or share new research ideas. To ensure that research and technology aimed at diagnosing and treating women's health issues have the desired impact, it is essential to involve the women who are affected from start to finish.
