Female researchers and 'Femtech' technologies were spotlighted at Wired Health 2018.
A Peek into Women's Health Revolution: Technology, Pelvic Floor Disorders, and the Elvie Trainer
Stepping into the fancy Crick Institute, I couldn't help but think about the unsung heroines of science and medicine, like Rosalind Franklin, whose contributions often fade into the shadows. As the Wired Health conference kicked off, I discovered that this year's focus would be on women's health - a theme that reigned throughout the day.
The Secret Garden: The Vagina Revealed
Tania Boler, founder and CEO of Elvie, confidently took the stage. With a Ph.D. in women's health under her belt, she's no stranger to the subject matter. Yet, she was shocked to realize the lack of knowledge about women's health, even among professionals like herself.
Just like breast cancer was taboo 30 years ago, Tania explained, the vagina and related issues like menstruation, vaginal atrophy, and pelvic floor disorders are the new stigmas.
As technology has made significant strides in many areas, women's health has lagged behind. Tania and her team at Elvie sought to bridge the gap by creating the Elvie Kegel Trainer.
Turning Exercise into a Game: The Elvie Kegel Trainer
The Elvie Trainer, equipped with two sensors, offers a fun, engaging way for women to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles. With an accelerometer to ensure correct exercise form and feedback on the mind-body connection, it's like a digital personal trainer for your pelvic floor.
Through gamification and clear, real-time feedback, the Elvie Trainer makes improving pelvic floor health uncomplicated and accessible. With over 1,000 health professionals promoting it and a British National Health Service (NHS) supply agreement, the Elvie Trainer has gained momentum and visibility.
Up Close and Personal: Ada, Your AI Doctor
Claire Novorol, Ada's chief medical officer, sports a pedigree in medicine and genetics. Now, she leads the team working on Ada, a personalized artificial intelligence (AI) doctor available via an app.
Ada's goal is to fill the gap between the astounding 4 billion people worldwide without access to basic healthcare and the shortage of doctors worldwide. The app works like a chatbot, with a personalized touch, providing an initial diagnosis. Users can then present their Ada report to their general practitioner.
With 2 million users and 3 million assessments conducted so far, Ada is making a mark in the healthcare industry. As the technology continues to evolve and improve, it's poised to change the future of healthcare, giving power back to the patient.
The Smart Revolution: Exploring the Intersection of Women's Health and Technology
Innovative technologies like the Elvie Trainer and Ada are pushing the boundaries of women's health and pelvic floor disorders. By leveraging artificial intelligence, gamification, and biofeedback, we're providing women with the tools they need to take control of their health.
While there's still progress to be made in acknowledging and addressing the contributions of women in the fields of science and medicine, the rise of Femtech and innovative health solutions is undeniably exciting.
The future looks bright, particularly as we continue to challenge stigmas, harness technology, and place women's health front and center.
- Despite the advancements in various fields, women's health has historically been deprecated, with issues like menstruation, vaginal atrophy, and pelvic floor disorders still carrying stigmas similar to breast cancer three decades ago.
- Tania Boler, the CEO of Elvie, recognized this knowledge gap and aimed to bridge it by creating the Elvie Kegel Trainer, a device that uses technology to help women strengthen their pelvic floor muscles.
- The Elvie Trainer, equipped with sensors and offering a gamified, personalized training experience, is gaining momentum with over 1,000 health professionals promoting it and a British NHS supply agreement.
- Meanwhile, Ada, an AI doctor app developed by Claire Novorol, seeks to fill the global healthcare gap by providing an initial diagnosis, allowing users to consult with their general practitioners more effectively.
- With over 2 million users and 3 million assessments conducted, Ada is altering the healthcare landscape, aiming to empower patients and revolutionize the delivery of healthcare.
- The intersection of women's health and technology is resulting in innovative solutions like the Elvie Trainer and Ada, which leverage artificial intelligence, gamification, and biofeedback to improve women's health andaddress pelvic floor disorders.
- As we strive to recognize and appreciate the contributions of women in the fields of science and medicine and continue to challenge stigmas, the future of women's health looks promising, as we embrace technology and place health and wellness, including women's health and women's health-related biosciences, at the forefront.
