Women are being invited to share their experiences of periods, pregnancy and the menopause to shape the future of healthcare for females in England. The Women’s Reproductive Health Survey will help the Government better understand reproductive health and ensure services meet their needs. It forms part of the Women’s Health Strategy, which was launched in 2022. The 10-year blueprint will aim to tackle disparities in women’s health and ensure services “listen to women’s voices”. Women’s health ambassador Professor Dame Lesley Regan said: “We need to make healthcare work for women and girls – and for it to fit around their lives. “There’s no point bolstering services if they can’t be accessed, or the support available doesn’t work for them and meet their needs.” Women have previously described difficulties accessing reproductive health services. Often health services are not ‘joined up’, leading to multiple visits and appointment delays Dr Rebecca French Questions included in the Women’s Reproductive Health Survey will centre on period pains, how women prefer to access contraceptive services and the levels of support received for menopausal symptoms. It is open to women aged 16 to 55 in England and will run for six weeks from September 7. Dr Rebecca French, an associate professor of sexual and reproductive health research at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said women should be able to “make informed decisions about their own reproductive health and wellbeing”. “For most women, it can be nearly 40 years from their first period to menopause. “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. “We know that poor reproductive health not only has a negative effect on health in general but can also impact women’s mental health, relationships and finances. “Further research is needed to better understand inequalities across England so that women and people described as female at birth are able to make the choices they need for their own reproductive health and wellbeing.” Maria Caulfield, the minister for the Women’s Health Strategy, added: “Women and girls deserve the best healthcare at every stage of their lives, but we simply can’t deliver that without listening to their lived experiences and concerns. “Women should always have a say in their own healthcare, whether that’s in managing pregnancy and fertility or dealing with the challenges of the menopause in the workplace. “I would encourage every woman to complete the survey on reproductive health as soon as they’re able and ensure their voice is heard.” Other measures included in the Women’s Health Strategy are funding to set up women’s health hubs across England and a new online tool on gov.uk for people to access easily information about IVF in their local areas. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 4 key activewear trends for autumn workouts How to style your home like a professional One in 10 ‘spending beyond their means’ – try these 7 cutbacks guaranteed to save families money

After the alert level on the Popocatépetl volcano was lowered in early June, the name of Mexico's most famous volcano might start fading from news headlines

People in Edinburgh, Leicester and Glasgow are struggling the most with their mental health - due to the cost of living crisis. A poll of 2,000 adults found 27 per cent have really taken a hit when it comes to their wellbeing, because of a lack of finances. Newcastle, London and Leeds are other key cities where people are most affected. Cutting down on socialising, gym memberships and nutritious food to save money are reasons why so many feel disheartened and worried about their mental wellbeing. And 40 per cent are dreading the winter as they are unsure if they will be able to afford energy bills to heat their home. The survey was commissioned by British Gas, which is working with Professor Green to raise awareness of the struggles so many are facing and highlight the free support available in the new phase of the British Gas Post Office Pop-Ups. The musician and mental health advocate said: “As a parent your first instinct is to protect and provide, and when you’re doing everything you can, and that’s still not enough, it has a profound impact on your mental health. “Shame, stigma and fear can keep people from speaking up for help, but it’s the best thing you can do – for yourself, your family and your community. “Stress and anxiety breed in uncertainty so I really encourage you to visit a British Gas Post Office Pop-Up or contact the British Gas Energy Trust to help you gain confidence in, and control of, your future.“ The research found 14 per cent of adults are cutting back on how often they shower to lower their bills, and 21 per cent aren’t buying birthday gifts for loved ones. One in 20 (five per cent) say their kids are missing out on new toys. Just over half (55 per cent) believe their mental health would definitely improve if they were more financially stable. People in Manchester were found to be most likely to skip using heat or electricity to keep their homes warm. But those in Edinburgh were most likely to report that they have had issues with money that have led to incurring additional debt, like credit cards. Only 27 per cent of all adults polled via OnePoll are confident they are accessing all the benefits they may be entitled to when it comes to support with their energy bills. One in 10 also believe the rising cost of energy has caused them a great deal of additional stress. And 25 per cent baldly state they are expecting to struggle to pay their energy bills through the rest of the year. Nearly the same amount (24 per cent) said the current cost of living crisis has been just as bad for their mental health as the Covid-19 pandemic. British Gas Energy Trust CEO Jessica Taplin said: “Debt and money stresses are debilitating, which is why we are delighted to be offering money and energy advisors funded by us in Post Offices across the country. “Working with an artist like Professor Green can really help raise awareness, and let people know it’s good to talk about the things that are worrying them.” Read More Voguewashing London Fashion Week won’t pay the wages of Britain’s young fashion designers What is happening to local government finances and why are councils struggling? ‘School staff seeing more students who do not have enough dinner money’ Nearly a fifth of parents fear children will ignore health issues while at university How often should you wash your pyjamas? ‘My baby’s blue eyes drew praise – but their colour was a warning sign’

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 26, 2023--

'90 Day Fiance' star Jovi Dufren slammed as he chooses 'sexier' outfit for wife, Yara Zaya, that fans think was demeaning

As of June 12, several pairs of Beats earbuds are on sale at Amazon for

Talk to Me filmmaker-brothers, Michael and Danny Philippou go head-to-head to see who can cast

Photographers with an artistic eye, as well as wedding and portrait specialists, have likely at

Inflation in Tokyo slowed in May, an outcome that offers support for the Bank of Japan’s view that

Prime Big Deal Days are here, and it's time to knock out your holiday shopping

The EU wants an accord by the end of 2023 on how to handle the thousands of migrants heading for the continent, despite fierce opposition by Hungary and...

TL;DR: As of August 21, get the Control D Some Control Plan: 5-Yr Subscription for