New women’s health app puts vital information at the fingertips of users in Suffolk and north east Essex

Problems with your period? Planning to get pregnant? Or perhaps you’re confused by contraception or worried about bladder leaks?

Answers to these common queries and qualms are now just a few taps away, thanks to a newly launched app.

Developed by the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, the Women’s Health app, developed in conjunction with local patients and clinicians, contains advice and guidance on all aspects of female wellbeing, from sore boobs, and cervical screening to STIs, pelvic health and managing the menopause.

Lizzie Mapplebeck, who led on the project for the ICB, is urging people to download the app. She said: “Knowledge is power, and we want to support women to take control of their wellbeing.

“The Women’s Health app helps us to better understand our bodies, bust myths and learn what NHS health and care options are available to us locally, as well as when to seek help.”

The results of the 2021 national ‘Women’s Health – Let’s talk about it’ survey¹ showed that out of nearly 100,000 respondents, less than one in five said they had enough information on menstrual wellbeing (17%), and less than one in 10 had enough information on the menopause (9%), specialist services for women’s health (9%), and gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis and fibroids (8%).

Dr Lindsey Crockett, Suffolk GP and long-term women’s health advocate, said: “This app is a mine of useful and trusted information, from teenagers experiencing their first periods to husbands and partners wanting to support their loved ones through menopause. We want women to live their lives to the full, and this app can help them to do that.”

The app can be downloaded via Google Play and the Apple App Store.

Use your mobile device to scan the QR code below or visit the dedicated web page to access download instructions.

Help to download and use the app

If you would like help to download and use the app, or get access to an internet-connected device, the following organisations can provide free assistance:

In Colchester and Tendring

• The North East Essex Digital Access Support Team or call 07970 551153

In Suffolk

• East Suffolk Council Digital Champions or call 0333 016 2000
• Communities Together East Anglia’s Digital Champions or call 01449 707030
• The Rural Coffee Caravan

References

1. https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/womens-health-strategy-call-for-evidence/outcome/results-of-the-womens-health-lets-talk-about-it-survey