Traditionally, women’s health referred to the broad category of health issues that are unique to women, including reproductive health (such as cervical and ovarian cancer, endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome), contraceptive care, fertility care, as well as prenatal, pregnancy and postpartum care. It also includes perimenopause and menopause.

While only 7% of health conditions are unique to women, 69% of all conditions represented in claims data are either more common or costlier in women, or both. Addressing and finding solutions to the broad range of health challenges faced by women is essential for fostering healthier families and stronger communities.

The good news: Plan sponsors appear invested in women’s health, with 85% of employers and 80% of health plan leaders noting that their organization currently offers or plans to expand offerings for women’s health. Also, 93% of employers and 96% of health plan leaders indicate organizational interest in expanding virtual care as it relates to women’s health.

Let’s take a look at some statistics we’ve curated from around the web that show women have distinct needs when it comes to health care, including specialized care across every stage of life.

Cancer screening

1. Regular Pap smears have led to a 70% reduction in cervical cancer mortality rates over the past 50 years. (Source: Journal of Advanced Practice Oncology)
2. The 5-year survival rate for all types and stages of ovarian cancer is 49%. When detected at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate is 93%. (Source: National Cancer Institute)
3. Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women and the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Research confirms that early detection through screening can improve outcomes. In fact, the survival rate for stage I breast cancer is over 99%. (Source: Cancer Research Institute)

Prenatal and postpartum care

4. Rates of inadequate prenatal care reached 15.7% in 2024, the highest in a decade, with disparities most pronounced in Black and American Indian/Alaska Native communities. (Source: March of Dimes)
5. Lack of adequate prenatal care is linked to a 9% increase in the rate of preterm birth compared to those who receive adequate prenatal care. (Source: March of Dimes)
6. Postpartum depression, also known as peripartum depression (PPD), affects one in seven new mothers. (Source: Cleveland Clinic)
7. A significant portion of women who experience postpartum depression do not receive adequate care, and research indicates that up to 50% of mothers go undiagnosed. (Source: BMC Public Health)

Perimenopause and menopause

8. More than half of women ages 40 through 64 have experienced symptoms related to perimenopause or menopause, yet only 8% received a confirmed diagnosis. (Source: Evernorth Research Institute)
9. While menopause is almost universal among women, providers have significant gaps in their knowledge about this stage of life. Studies have shown that only 6.8% of medical residents said they were prepared to manage menopausal symptoms, while 20.3% did not receive any training on menopause during residency. (Source: Mayo Clinic)

Reproductive health

10. In the U.S. today, 1 in 5 married women of childbearing age with no prior births are unable to get pregnant after one year of trying. (Source: CDC)
11. The number of individuals seeking reproductive assistance is growing (Source: Pew Research)
12. IVF treatment has made big advancements since it was first introduced in 1978. Current data show that women under 35 have live birth rates of nearly 50%. This reflects an increase compared to the initial rates when the technology began. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

Conditions that are more common and costly in women

13. Heart disease is responsible for about 1 in 5 female deaths. However, only about half (56%) of U.S. women recognize that heart disease is their number 1 killer. (Source: CDC)
14. Women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression. (Source: Mayo Clinic)
15. Women have higher prevalence of diabetes, bone disease, and lung disease than men. (Source: National Institute of Health)

As more women join and influence the workforce, it’s clear that we need to rethink how we address their health needs. There is a real chance to create health benefits that support women at every stage of life. By being inclusive, breaking down stigma, and providing support that fits women’s needs, employers can help both their employees and their business stay healthy and strong.