A recent study has uncovered significant disparities in reproductive health outcomes among women in England, highlighting the impacts of age, ethnicity, and financial security. The study found that a large proportion of women face reproductive health challenges, with notable differences based on these factors.
Study Overview
The cross-sectional survey aimed to explore how ethnic and financial disparities affect women’s reproductive health, focusing on those aged 16-55 years. A total of 59,332 participants were recruited between September and October 2023 through an online sampling strategy, adjusted for the 2021 UK Census age distribution.
Researchers assessed 13 self-reported indicators of reproductive health, which included conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menstrual health issues such as painful periods or menopause, and pregnancy-related problems like loss or infertility. The data were categorized by age, ethnicity, and financial security. The study also measured unplanned pregnancies using a scoring system known as the London Measure.
Key Findings
The study revealed that 73.7% of participants reported experiencing some form of reproductive health issue. Among these, 61.9% had menstrual health problems, while 5.5% faced pregnancy-related complications. The most common reproductive morbidities included PCOS (10.5%) and endometriosis (8.8%). Other conditions like uterine fibroids, pelvic organ prolapse, and reproductive cancers were also prevalent.
The study also identified notable ethnic disparities. Black women were found to have significantly higher risks for certain reproductive health issues. For example, they had a 69% higher likelihood of developing fibroids, a 28% higher risk of severe menstrual pain, and a 50% higher risk of pregnancy-related complications.
Financial insecurity was another key factor influencing reproductive health. Women facing financial stress had a much higher likelihood of experiencing unplanned pregnancies, with a 4.96 times greater risk compared to those in more secure financial situations.
Severe menstrual pain affected 18.7% of all participants, with the highest rates observed among younger women—36.5% of those aged 16-19 and 32% of those aged 20-24.
Implications for Healthcare
The study emphasizes the urgent need for investment and innovation in healthcare services to address these disparities. The authors stress the importance of developing better support strategies for women facing reproductive health challenges.
Study Details
This research was led by Melissa J. Palmer from the Department of Public Health, Environments, and Society at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. It was published online on March 24, 2025, in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Limitations
The study has several limitations, including potential selection bias from the underrepresentation of certain ethnic and educational groups. It also did not cover important reproductive health outcomes, such as birth trauma and cognitive symptoms related to menopause, and relied on self-reported data, which may have missed private cases of fertility treatment.
Funding and Disclosure
The study was funded by the Department of Health and Social Care. The authors reported no conflicts of interest.
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