AI in women's health

On March 8th, International Women's Day is commemorated, a date that invites us to reflect on the struggle for gender equality and women's rights around the world. One of the areas where gender inequality is most evident is in women's health. Women often face barriers in accessing medical care, medical research, and the development of specific treatments and therapies for the diseases that affect them. In addition, discrimination and lack of resources can exacerbate health problems in women, both in reproductive health and mental health.

It is essential to recognize the importance of women's health, as well as to work to ensure that all women have access to the medical care they need. Likewise, promoting medical research on specific women's diseases. In this text, we will explore some of the important issues related to women's health and how technology, such as artificial intelligence, is being used to improve healthcare for women.

Women's Health

Firstly, it is important to clarify that women's health covers a wide variety of topics, from puberty to menopause and beyond. Here are some important topics related to women's health:

• Birth control: There is a wide variety of options available for birth control, from hormonal contraceptives to intrauterine devices and barrier methods.
• Reproductive health: It is important for women to have regular gynecological exams and Pap tests to detect any problems early. It is also important to receive counseling on fertility and treatment options if one wishes to have children.
• Menstruation: Menstruation can be uncomfortable and painful for some women. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can impact mood and emotional well-being in women.
• Sexual health: Women should be informed about sexually transmitted diseases and take measures to protect themselves, such as using condoms and getting regular testing.
• Menopause: Menopause can be a time of significant changes in a woman's health and well-being.
• Mental health: Women also face unique challenges regarding mental health, including postpartum depression, anxiety, and stress related to social and cultural expectations.

Problems in women's health

Women's health problems are a major concern worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 303,000 women die each year from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, most of which are preventable (1). Complications during pregnancy can be serious for the health of the mother and fetus. These complications can cause the death of the mother and fetus, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Likewise, it is estimated that 2.6 million births worldwide occur each year in women with gestational diabetes, which can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and fetus, such as premature delivery and preeclampsia (2). Ectopic pregnancy, in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, is also known to be a significant cause of maternal mortality, especially in developing countries (3). Therefore, it is important for women to receive proper prenatal care and emergency medical attention in case of complications during pregnancy to ensure the best possible outcome for both the mother and fetus.

Additionally, there are certain types of cancer that affect women more. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women, with a worldwide incidence rate of 11.7% in 2020, and a mortality rate of 6.9% (4). Other types of cancer that affect women more include cervical cancer, which is the fourth most common form of cancer in women worldwide, and ovarian cancer, which is the eighth most common form of cancer in women worldwide (5). Similarly, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a significant health concern for women as they can have serious consequences on their reproductive and overall health.?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide, and it is estimated that 80% of sexually active women will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives. HPV infection can cause genital warts and increase the risk of developing cervical cancer and other related cancers. Other STDs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, are also common in women and can cause complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, which can damage reproductive organs and cause infertility (6).

Artificial intelligence for women's health

AI is being increasingly used in healthcare, and there are several specific applications that are being developed for women's health. Here are some examples:

• Breast cancer diagnosis: AI is being used to improve the accuracy of breast cancer diagnosis through analysis of mammography images and other diagnostic imaging studies. AI is also being used to improve the accuracy of identifying nodules and to assist radiologists in making more informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment.
• Prediction of pregnancy complications: AI is being used to help doctors predict the risk of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and preterm birth, through analysis of patient data and continuous monitoring of the health of the mother and fetus.
• Improvement of accuracy of gynecological disease diagnosis: AI is being used to improve the accuracy of diagnosis of gynecological diseases such as ovarian cancer and polycystic ovary syndrome. This is achieved through analysis of patient data and comparison with known disease patterns.
• Personalization of healthcare: AI is being used to personalize healthcare for women, taking into account their specific needs, medical history, and other factors. This can improve the effectiveness of treatments and reduce side effects.

In conclusion, AI has great potential to improve healthcare and women's health worldwide. AI can help detect diseases and disorders earlier, personalize treatments, and improve healthcare efficiency. In addition, AI can help address gender inequalities in healthcare by providing more accurate and appropriate information about women's health and ensuring more equitable and accessible healthcare for all. While there are challenges and ethical concerns that must be addressed, AI can offer a range of important benefits for women's health and transform healthcare.

References:

1. World Health Organization. (2021). Maternal mortality. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/maternal-mortality
2. International Diabetes Federation. (2019). IDF diabetes atlas, 9th edition. Retrieved from https://diabetesatlas.org/upload/resources/material/20200302_133351_IDFATLAS9e-final-web.pdf
3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). Ectopic pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/ectopic-pregnancy
4. American Cancer Society. (2022). Breast cancer facts & figures 2022-2023. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/breast-cancer-facts-figures.html
5. World Health Organization. (2021). Cervical cancer. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm