COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) has caught the world unaware, and we have yet to see the full extent of the damage it has done to our economies and the healthcare system. It has also affected every aspect of our lives including our physical and mental health.
In homes around the country, COVID-19 has had a specific impact on the lives of women. Let’s talk about a couple of the major things that have drastically affected the lives of women during the pandemic, and where you can go to start reversing course and taking care of your health and wellness again.
Delaying Childbearing Due to Fears of Virus Exposure
A survey of 2,009 women conducted in April-May of 2020 reveals changes in women’s desire to have children. One-third of the respondents stated that they are delaying having children or do not want to have children anymore, with the same respondents saying that they are particularly careful in using birth control properly in order to avoid pregnancy.
This is largely due to the instability caused by the pandemic, with people being unsure of what the future holds in terms of financial and job-related matters as massive layoffs continue. Moreover, another factor that can influence this decision is the fact that studies have shown that pregnant women have worse symptoms of COVID-19 than non-pregnant women. This will naturally further strengthen a woman’s decision to delay childbearing.
Personal Strife
The pandemic is also fostering a spike in domestic violence. This is likely due to the stressors of job insecurity, financial problems, and the frustration and loneliness of being under lockdown and away from others for so long. The lack of social interaction and social distancing guidelines could also worsen an already tense situation among family members.
Furthermore, the demands of caregiving tend to have a greater impact on the physical and mental health of women. As their children’s school classes have moved online, women have had less time for themselves and may need to put their careers on hold.
Women’s Healthcare in Kent, Washington
As a woman, the best thing that you can do for yourself is to take care of your health despite fears swirling around the pandemic. Do not skip your regular healthcare visits and immunizations (such as getting the annual flu shot). Your long-term health and wellness matters.
At FamilyCare of Kent, our medical team strives to fully meet the needs of the whole family in all seasons of life, including through this unusual global health crisis. We especially aim to provide greater access to superior women’s health services as our clinic remains open and ready to accept patients, while also offering telehealth visits. At FamilyCare of Kent, we listen to you and never make you feel hurried or rushed, which is one reason why we enjoy an excellent patient satisfaction rate.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified nurse practitioners, call our friendly staff today at (253) 859-CARE (2273) or fill out our convenient online request form. We look forward to being your healthcare partner through thick and thin.