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Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 10 (10%) women of reproductive age in South Africa, translating to an estimated 2.8 million women. Mirroring global trends, local patients typically face an average diagnostic delay of about 8 years. Endo cannot be permanently cured, but it can be highly effectively managed. Because it is a chronic, estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease, the goal of treatment shifts from eradication to symptom suppression, fertility preservation, and

Researcher: Mahtaab Hayat is a lecturer and researcher at Wits University. Her research focuses on breast cancer genetics, specifically in South African populations. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58789-0 18 June 2026 What Is The Study About? What if you could predict how likely someone was to develop breast cancer? Not just someone with a history of breast cancer in the family - anybody. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women, globally. We know br

Perform a breast self-examination once a month to familiarise yourself with what is normal for your body. Did You Know? - If you menstruate, the best time to check is 3 to 5 days after your period ends, when your breasts are least swollen. - If you are post-menopausal, pick a specific, easy-to-remember day (eg. the 1st of the month) to check consistently. - 80-90% of detected lumps are non-cancerous. How to Perform a Self-Examination 1. Visual Check (in front of a mirror) - S

There is substantial scientific evidence supporting yoga as an effective complementary therapy for a wide range of physical and mental health conditions. Research shows that the combination of postures, controlled breathing, and meditation measurably alters body chemistry, nervous system function, and gene expression. Did You Know? The Sivananda World Peace Foundation introduced structured yoga programmes to underfunded, rural schools in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal. The historical

Authored by: Zuha Ajlan – Lead Data Collection and Research Specialist at Femmflo. Introduction Historically, women have been excluded from scientific research due to the cyclic variation in their hormones. It had been assumed that results obtained from men applied to women as well (Dresser, 1992; Wainer et al., 2020). This has led to a gross underrepresentation of women in research, delayed symptom recognition, diagnostics and even treatment. In fact, it was decades before w

In South Africa, this type of doctor combines conventional Western treatments with holistic, evidence-based therapies. It focuses on identifying the root causes of chronic illness rather than just managing symptoms. Practitioners frequently utilise lifestyle modifications, nutritional therapy, and advanced functional testing to create personalised treatment plans. Did You Know? Functional and integrative medicine data in SA is categorised under the broader market segment of T

Breast cancer screening is a proactive, life-saving measure designed to detect abnormal cell growth, tumors, or changes in breast tissue in apparently healthy women. Early detection is extremely effective. South Africa lacks a fully integrated, state-funded national mammography screening framework. This creates stark divides in adherence statistics between private health sectors and rural public sectors. Statistics - Localised metropolitan peer-research published by the Healt

Our local aesthetic and beauty industry is booming, driven by consumers that prioritise affordable luxuries despite tough economic times. Statistics… - According to the ⁠ISAPS 2023 Survey, over 37,000 surgical procedures are performed annually in SA. - The leading procedures are dominated by face/head surgeries (18,269), breast augmentations and reductions (12,405), and body contouring like liposuction and abdominoplasty (6,709). - Non-surgical treatments like Botox, fillers,

Researcher: Raeesah Ismail from the Department of Psychology (University of the Witwatersrand) under the supervision of Dr S Rogers, research conducted in 2025. Citation: Ismail, Raeesah. (2025). Psychological Wellbeing Among South African Women with Endometriosis: A Quantitative Study. [Master's dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WIReDSpace. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/47828 What Is The Study About? This study explored the experiences and psycholo

This is a specialised, gentle form of massage that stimulates the movement of lymph fluids around the body. It aims to reduce localised swelling, accelerate post-surgical healing, boost immunity, and promote relaxation by clearing stagnant waste and fluid from tissues. Key Benefits - Edema & Lymphedema Reduction: Significantly decreases swelling caused by injury, chronic conditions (like lymphedema), or post-surgical fluid buildup (especially after surgeries). - Accelerated P

Researchers: Solarin, Ijeoma, Fiona Scorgie, Rose Refilwe Lamola, Celeste Madondo, Isabelle L. Lange, Pascalia Munyewende, Shobna Sawry, Matthew Francis Chersich, and Gloria Maimela. January 2026 What Is The Study About? Rising global temperatures and heatwaves pose major health risks, particularly for pregnant women, infants and other vulnerable groups. Using Photovoice, we aimed to foreground how pregnant and postpartum women in an urban township in Tshwane, South Afric

Key Breastfeeding Metrics Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) Rates According to data released by the National Department of Health and the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey, SA’s exclusive breastfeeding rate for infants under 6 months old has experienced a troubling downward trend: • (2024–2026): 22% of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed. • This is a notable decline from the 32% reported in the 2016 South African Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS).

We’re all about health and wellness empowerment and that’s why we feel it’s so important to be able to differentiate what is evidence-based truth and what is marketing fiction. Did You Know? - Experts estimate that about 90% of skincare marketing is nonsense, with only about 10% being completely legitimate, evidence-based science. - A study found that 86% of ‘scientific’ claims on beauty products were vague or false. - Only 4% of dermatology-related IG accounts are managed by

Habit stacking merges new health goals with existing daily routines to make behavioural change effortless. By anchoring a new behaviour directly after an established one, you build neural connections without requiring immense motivation. Data suggests that women frequently leverage it within broader self-care and multitasking frameworks. In SA, high wellness awareness often struggles to translate into consistent daily action. Key Habit Stacking Examples: - After pouring your

Researchers: Dorothy A Machalek, PhD; Dorothy C Nyemba, PhD; Danielle Travill; Prof Kathy Petoumenos, PhD; Zizipho Z A Mbulawa, PhD; Ishana Naidoo, BTech MSc; et al. April 2026 What Is The Study About? A school-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme providing protection against types 16 and 18 of HPV was introduced in South Africa in 2014 for Grade 4 girls (aged ≥9 years), achieving 87% coverage among learners with at least one of the two recommended do

Research into cold plunging for women focuses heavily on hormonal interplay, metabolic health, and cycle-specific protocols. While much historical data is male-centric, newer studies emphasise that women’s unique physiology—specifically fat distribution and fluctuating hormone levels—requires a more nuanced approach to Cold Therapy. Key Findings on Women & Cold Plunging: - Women often see better results with “smarter, not colder” approaches, such as 14∘C- 16∘C (57∘F-60∘F) for

Paediatricians are vital because they specialise in the unique physical, emotional, and social needs of developing bodies (children). In SA, there are 279 registered paediatrician locations as of April 2026, marking a 3.7% increase since 2023. Why Are Paediatricians Important Unlike general practitioners, paediatricians are trained specifically to manage children from birth through young adulthood (typically up to age 16 or 18). Their importance lies in several key areas: - T

Researcher: Roxanne Ramlucken obtained a Master’s degree with distinction in Research Psychology from the University of the Witwatersrand. Her work focuses on gender-based violence (GBV), with interest in the experiences of both survivors and women working in the GBV field. Her interest in this area is informed by both personal experiences and her volunteer work at a registered non-governmental organisation, The Advice Desk for the Abused, in Durban. June, 2023 What Is The St

Scientific studies show that natural skincare products can be effective in improving hydration, increasing skin elasticity, and reducing pigmentation through plant-based extracts. Did You Know? Natural products don’t share the same strict regulatory standards that other skincare brands have and may cause allergic reactions. General Statistics: - The natural cosmetics market is valued at approximately R4.2 billion and is growing at an annual rate of 6.8% in SA. - Roughly 70% o

Sexology in South Africa is an emerging, multidisciplinary field focusing on sexual health, education, and therapy, often addressing gaps in conventional medical care. Qualified practitioners - often with backgrounds in psychology or medicine, are trained to treat issues like sexual dysfunction, pain, and relationship challenges. Did You Know? Women with mental disorders show even higher rates of dysfunction, with a reported prevalence of 95.7% in some tertiary care settings.