Women's health

Remarkable strides were made in women’s health over an extended period of time. Semmelweis in the 1800’s advocated hand washing with a chlorine containing solution to prevent the infections of the mother after childbirth. Despite his success in decreasing the rate of maternal infections, this was rejected by colleagues. Fortunately, Lister later introduced antiseptics and hospital infections declined. Within the last century, advances in gynecological and obstetrical surgical techniques, the Pap smear and mammography have contributed to women’s health.

But, only recently has it been realized that a number of common medical problems may present differently in women than in men. Coronary artery disease often has different symptoms in women than in men. It is a major cause of death in women over 65 years of age. Some medications, such as pain medications, may have different effectiveness between the sexes. Depression is more common in women. The Women’s Health PHS website has extensive information on and links to sites on women’s health issues. It also has a section on men’s health. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Public website is also a useful source of information.