Wingwomen, a California-based fertility company, that started out as a peer support platform, is now adding health literacy programs, 1:1 health coaching, and group education to its offering. The new programs feature a curriculum for preconception and postnatal health for women including those with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Endometriosis, Hashimoto’s, Diabetes, Preeclampsia, Advanced Maternal Age, Sickle Cell Disease, in addition to a program for Perimenopause.
In the United States, more than 18 million women face issues like infertility, miscarriage, and preterm birth. Some of these difficulties are incredibly prevalent: about 10–15% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage in women less than age 35; the prevalence of infertility is one in eight women; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of female infertility, affecting 8% to 13% (as many as 5 million) of US women of reproductive age, and Endometriosis, is estimated to impact 10% of women (190 million) globally. These conditions are far more prevalent than the media and news cycles portray. But despite these statistics and the clear need for programs that would support healthier reproductive outcomes, women enduring one or several of these issues often find themselves alone.
“Wingwomen is on a mission to support positive health outcomes from preconception to perimenopause for Gen Z and Millennial women,” said Adonica Shaw, Wingwomen Founder & CEO. “ After being diagnosed with Preeclampsia in 2017, I had no idea what steps I needed to take to reestablish my health, and I didn’t understand medical terminology. After experiencing the frustration women have around understanding their reproductive health firsthand, I wanted to create something that would make this process easier for other women and their families. Our team believes that by encouraging reproductive health literacy, we can contribute to healthier conception and pregnancy outcomes in the preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum periods to benefit the next generation of mothers.
“Reproductive health disorders in women have long remained in the shadows of research and advocacy,” said Mark P. Trolice, M.D., FACOG, FACS, FACE, Wingwomen medical board member. “Funding for vital medical studies and education are dramatically deficient. The number of women affected by these disorders is staggering and, consequently, results in impaired quality of life and negative effects on the economy from missed days of work. A woman facing infertility has been shown to have an equivalent emotional impact as being diagnosed with cancer or other major medical disorders. By understanding and gaining knowledge on managing their disease, women become empowered to potentially improve their physical and mental health. I applaud Wingwomen for their outreach, compassion, and dedication toward supporting women affected by reproductive health issues with their goal of a new “ERA” (education, research, and advocacy).”
“Ameliorating poor health outcomes requires a trio of interventions: utilization of patient educational platforms that are easily navigated, interaction with health care teams that are culturally competent, and practice cultural humility,” said Dr. Linda D. Bradley, Wingwomen medical board member. “The mission and vision of Wingwomen support women throughout their reproductive life cycle.”
