Most women have periods for nearly 40 years. Over this time, women should be able to make choices to enable their positive reproductive health and wellbeing, such as if and when to have children or how to access healthcare and treatment. Unfortunately, many areas of reproductive health, including abortion, miscarriages, infertility, and menstrual issues, continue to be taboo topics and many women feel unheard, even when they have sought professional help. Health conditions associated with reproductive organs and past reproductive experiences may continue after menopause, such as uterine prolapse and urinary incontinence. We also know there are disparities in reproductive health and wellbeing in England. Period poverty is an issue that has gained more attention during the economic crisis with increasing numbers of women not being able to afford menstrual products. Whether or not you can access fertility treatment may depend on your postcode.  Maternal mortality is nearly four times higher amongst Black women in comparison to White women.

In June 2022, the Women’s Health Strategy for England was launched. The goal of this 10-year strategy is to improve health experiences and outcomes for women. A Strategy commitment is to commission a Women’s Reproductive Health Survey every two years. LSHTM was commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care to develop and pilot the survey in 2021 and to conduct the survey in 2023.

A note on language

The Reproductive Health Survey asks questions about periods, menopause, pregnancy and gynaecological conditions, and was designed to be completed by any person for whom these topics are directly relevant. The term ‘women’ is used in documentation relating to the survey, however we recognise that the topics under study may be directly relevant to people who do not identify as women.