Dama Health

Abortion care seekers report more hormonal contraceptive side effects than contraceptive service users. A recent study sheds light on the prevalence of subjective side effects from hormonal contraceptives among individuals seeking abortion care versus contraceptive services in Finland. Findings show: ✅ Mood changes are the most commonly reported side effect, with 52% of abortion care seekers vs. 29% of contraceptive service users reporting mood-related concerns. ✅ Other side effects, like weight changes, sex-related issues, and acne, are also more frequently reported by abortion care seekers. This highlights the critical need for personalized counseling to address mood-related side effects, ensuring users feel informed and supported in their contraceptive choices. Read the full study here: https://lnkd.in/efEWkeCd #ReproductiveHealth #Contraception #HormonalHealth #WomensHealth #ContraceptionSideEffects #SRHR

🚨 Ozempic Babies: What You Need to Know 🚨 We're revisiting our article on the intersection of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and contraception. With the rising popularity of these medications, unexpected pregnancies—dubbed "Ozempic babies"—have sparked critical discussions. Key Findings: 1️⃣ Weight loss drugs may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives due to delayed gastric emptying, requiring alternative or additional contraception methods. 2️⃣ These medications can improve fertility by stabilizing estrogen levels and regulating ovulation, especially in women with obesity or PCOS. Understanding these interactions is vital for informed decision-making. Read our article & share your thoughts below ✍️ https://lnkd.in/ePaBF4x2 

🔬 Research Spotlight: Reducing Pain During IUD Placement. We are committed to breaking down barriers to reproductive health care access. One major barrier? Fear of pain during intrauterine device (IUD) placement, especially for women who have not given birth. New findings from a double-blinded, randomized trial published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology show promise: mepivacaine instillation before IUD placement significantly reduces pain. Key Results: 👉 A 13.3 mm reduction in pain scores (VAS scale) compared to placebo (P<.001). 👉 93.3% of participants in the mepivacaine group reported tolerable pain versus 80.3% in the placebo group (P=.021). 👉 High acceptability of the method as an effective, accessible intervention. Why it matters? Fear of pain remains a significant barrier to the adoption of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). Findings like these highlight opportunities to make IUDs a more viable option for those at high risk of unintended pregnancies. At Dama Health, we're inspired by innovations that enhance reproductive autonomy and make family planning more accessible. Read the full study here: https://lnkd.in/ecZb7HKh #ReproductiveHealth #Contraception #LARC #WomensHealth #HealthcareInnovation #IUD #IUDinsertion

We're looking for a PhD student or researcher interested in working with us on an exciting time-limited grant project focused on pharmacogenetics and Endometriosis. Get in touch or apply below if interested!

Hormones impact every stage of life—from puberty to menopause. But why do some women experience severe side effects while others don’t? In this episode of the FemmeHealth Founder Series by Notes to Selfe, our co-founder Dr Paulina Cecula discusses: 📌 The science behind personalized hormone therapy 📌 How genetics, and other personal factors affect hormone responses 📌 Why it’s time to move beyond trial-and-error contraception Curious about the future of hormone therapy & women’s health? Listen to the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/eQHMZ469 💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts on the future of personalized hormone therapy! Let us know in the comments or share your takeaways. #WomensHealth #PrecisionMedicine #HormoneHealth

📢 The alarming rise in gynecology waiting lists across the UK highlights a critical issue in women's healthcare. According to new BBC research, over 630,000 women are waiting for essential treatments for conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, and menopause care—more than double the numbers seen pre-pandemic. Take Anna Cooper, 31, from North Wales, who has endured severe endometriosis since her teens. Despite undergoing 17 surgeries, including a hysterectomy, she continues to face chronic pain and permanent organ damage. “The illness controls my whole life,” Anna reflects, highlighting the devastating impact of delayed care. At Dama Health, we recognize stories like Anna’s are far too common. It’s time for urgent action to prioritize women’s health and ensure timely access to the care they need. https://lnkd.in/eZE257he #WomensHealth #Endometriosis #PersonalizedHealth

In a world where reproductive health access remains under threat, MSI Reproductive Choices’s article makes a powerful case for why contraception should be a funding priority. 1️⃣ Contraception offers a massive return: every $1 invested saves $3 in health costs and yields $120 in broader economic benefits, helping women stay in school, build careers, and improve family health outcomes. 2️⃣ Giving women control over family planning directly advances gender equality and economic stability—transforming lives, communities, and economies. Read more on why investing in contraception matters for the future: https://lnkd.in/e-7hn_5Y #ReproductiveHealth #InvestInImpact

🚨 ICYMI - we recently published a qualitative study that highlights the importance of individualized, patient-centered contraceptive care. Read below 👇

Supporting Inclusive Contraceptive Care 💙 New insights on contraceptive use among transgender men and gender-diverse individuals in the U.S. underline a few critical points: ✨Diverse Choices: Many TGD individuals prefer non-invasive methods like condoms, and some rely on testosterone for pregnancy prevention—despite limited efficacy evidence. ✨Individualized Care: Assumptions based on gender identity can limit care quality. Patient-centered counseling is essential to ensure contraceptive options align with individual needs. We stand for personalized care. Read the full study here: https://lnkd.in/eAVDFgPm

Women’s health is not just a healthcare issue – it’s an economic imperative. Did you know that: 👉 Women make up 51% of the population but our health needs are often overlooked? 👉 Conditions like dysmenorrhea and heavy periods can lead to 18 days of missed work per year for those affected. Imagine the lost potential in the workforce! 👉 Investing just $350 million in women’s health research could generate a $14 billion return to the economy – yet only 1% of healthcare research is invested in female-specific conditions beyond oncology. At Dama Health, we believe it’s time to prioritize women’s health. The ripple effect of better healthcare goes beyond the individual – it powers entire economies. Let’s close the gap and invest in a healthier, more productive future for women everywhere. Interested in women's health economics? Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/ggE9XgkK