How Women Across America Are Changing the Way They Access Healthcare

Access to healthcare is a challenge for many Americans, but women often face unique barriers. These can range from problems accessing certain services to affordability issues and a lack of public resources—especially for women in underserved communities.

In response to these obstacles, many women across the country are embracing the potential offered by online medical services, which can provide quick and discrete access to medications and medical advice from qualified practitioners. These services often offer significant advantages over traditional healthcare models, and may sometimes represent the only realistic option for the women who need them.

The Types of Healthcare Women Need Most

A growing body of evidence points to several areas of healthcare where women require the most support. Here’s a brief overview:

Maternal & Reproductive Health

According to research from The Commonwealth Fund, the national maternal mortality rate nearly doubled between 2018 and 2021. This rate increased most among American Indian, Alaska Native, and Black women—suggesting a particular need for safer access to contraception, fertility treatments, prenatal and postnatal care, and related services among these communities.

Preventative Care & Screenings

Screenings for conditions like breast cancer and cervical cancer are vital for women’s health—but access remains disparate across the country, with women in underserved communities experiencing disproportionately low rates.

Mental Health Services

Mental health issues are common among women, especially those of reproductive age. Conditions like depression and severe psychological distress also go untreated in many cases.

Health Education & Support Services

Education is linked to better health outcomes, and data suggests that education has a higher impact on the health of women than it does on the health of men. Providing better access to education on the specific health challenges women face and ensuring access to critical resources is likely to have a significant impact on the general well-being of women across the country.

Access to Affordable Care

The cost of healthcare for women in America remains a significant barrier for many. Women spend an average of 18% more than men on deductibles and copays—excluding expenses related to pregnancy.

Online Care vs. Traditional Models

Some apps and websites, like Lemonaid Health, can offer compelling ways to bridge some of the gaps listed above—from consultations with medical practitioners based in the US to prescriptions and deliveries for specific medications. This has the potential to improve health outcomes for women in numerous ways when compared to visiting a traditional doctor’s office or clinic:

• Convenience for patients: accessing healthcare online prevents women in rural or underdeveloped areas from needing to travel long distances in order to talk with a care provider.
• Efficient continuity of care: online medical consultations can make follow-up appointments easier to schedule and keep, improving long-term outcomes for women with chronic conditions or who require regular screening.
• Discretion and reduced stigma: women seeking medical advice for sensitive topics can meet with medical professionals in the comfort and privacy of their own homes, which lowers their risk of attracting unwanted attention.

Notably, this last factor can make it easier for women to access mental health services and health education online, as well as maternal and reproductive care in regions where these issues have become politicized. For many, this represents a far safer and more comfortable way to seek medical help.

Discussing Sensitive Topics with Online Care Providers

The following examples illustrate how potentially sensitive conversations with care providers can be made easier in online environments:

UTIs

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are common in women, but are frequently embarrassing and difficult to discuss. The privacy offered by virtual consultations makes online UTI treatment a more comfortable and confidential solution for describing symptoms, obtaining a diagnosis, and finding solutions with help from an expert.

Fertility

Online care also provides a resource for women seeking discreet fertility advice. Not only does it provide a private environment for discussing potentially sensitive fertility issues, but it can also make coordination easier with related specialists if a patient requires mental health support.

Contraception

Some online care providers can deliver birth control medications and emergency contraception through the mail. This can make the process of obtaining and taking such medication significantly less stressful.

Online Healthcare for Women Is Here to Stay

The hurdles women must overcome to access healthcare in America are real and significant. As long as these challenges exist in traditional models, women can expect to embrace the possibilities offered by online alternatives.

From reducing the time required to travel to appointments to avoiding the stigma associated with certain essential services, this technology has the power to transform the way women seek medical assistance and reduce long-standing inequalities.