Introduction
Women’s health has traditionally been assumed as equivalent to that of men. However, research has confirmed that health outcomes for many diseases are different for women. The differing biology of women poses very different types of risks as well as presentation of diseases, as compared to their male counterparts[1]. This presents both challenges and opportunities for development of novel platforms for women’s health. Devices and mobile applications are being developed, especially for women to address their health issues. In this context, there is an emerging industry that offers women-centric healthcare solutions based on their fundamental physiological and genetic gender differences, the market for which is predicted to be a $50 billion industry by 2025.
Femtech or ‘female technology’ encompasses diagnostics, feminine products and wearables that comprise devices and mobile apps. The apps also come with evidence-based recommendations offering holistic female health including fertility and pregnancy-related issues[2].
From adolescence to old age, females need different types of care during each phase. Femtech aims at dissemination of the required knowledge as well as appropriate solutions at each stage[3]. The balanced cyclical life of women represents three unique phases: Maiden, Mother and Crone, each representing specific challenges[4].
Maiden stage:
The challenges in the maiden stage revolve around sexual health, including puberty, menstrual health, sexually transmitted infections and other conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids or polycystic ovarian syndrome. A few solutions available are listed below: