TELEMEDICINE USES IN GYNECOLOGY

Telemedicine has been around since the 1960s and has received more acceptance with each passing year. This COVID-19 pandemic has however led to the commencement of a new telemedicine era, making it the future of healthcare.

Indian surveys show that

‘Over 50% of Indian women are not sure if they need to visit a gynaecologist even when they have any symptoms or issues and almost 95% of women in some cities have never visited a gynecologist’

Feminism in India

These shocking statistics can be explained by factors such as ignorance of health and diseases, societal pressures, and taboo of women visiting a gynecologist especially before marriage and feeling ashamed or shy to visit a gynecologist due to lack of education or exposure.

With the introduction of telemedicine, there has been a steep rise in the percentage of women seeking gynecologist opinions from the comfort and security of their homes. This is a promising trend that will encourage physical visits and general awareness substantially among these women.

Some of the areas of gynecology where telemedicine proves to be the most useful are in:

• Spreading awareness and clearing doubts pre and post-pregnancy

• Identifying, managing and preventing postpartum depression
• Routine reviews in pregnant, lactating mothers who need constant support and assistance
• Women in premenopause or postmenopause who need support to manage their symptoms

• Review of blood investigation reports
• Planning of pregnancy
• Planning IVF treatments
• Pre or post-surgical assistance and management
• Review of medications
• Managing pregnancy-induced diabetes or hypertension by constant monitoring and advice on lifestyle changes
• Advice on sensitive topics such as intercourse, unplanned pregnancies, abortions, etc.

As seen above, telemedicine and teleconsultation can be a perfect way to make gynecological advice and expertise easily available to women from all walks of life.

This could be a stepping stone that paves the way for the generalised acceptance of these issues in the society and also help more women get access to these essential healthcare services.

Register with Curie- India’s premier teleconsultation platform and provide your services to the public if you are a Gynecologist.

If you are looking for an appointment, search for a specialist near you on the Curie app! Contact https://curie.health or call +91-8778826667 for more info or to get a free TRIAL/DEMO.