Women’s health support
Life’s for living, and we want to help women live it to the full.
Our medical experts offer a wide range of information and tips about women’s health, for anyone to use. You don’t have to be a Bupa customer.
Women’s health: Key symptoms you should know
Our bodies never stop changing, so it’s good to keep an eye on your mental and physical health and make sure you know what’s normal for you.
If you’re worried about any symptoms, or notice anything unusual, do get checked out as soon as possible.
Female infertility
Getting pregnant can be a real struggle for some people, and for others it just doesn’t happen at all. And that can be heartbreaking.
If you've been trying for a year or more, it's a good idea to see your GP.
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the womb, also called the uterus. This operation is used to treat a range of health conditions, and it can be done in different ways. After a hysterectomy a woman will no longer have periods and won’t be able to get pregnant.
Breast awareness
It’s important to know how to check your breasts properly, and to know how they normally feel at different stages in your life. Finding a lump isn’t always a reason to worry, because there’s a range of possible causes. But you should always get it checked out by a doctor right away.
Women’s health screening − which checks, and when?
Women aren’t always sure what kind of screening they should be having, at what age they should start, and how often they need to be done. We explain what you need to know about your NHS entitlements to breast, cervical and bowel screening.
The Bupa Female Health Check
Designed for women aged 25+, this women’s assessment focuses on your breast and gynaecological health. Booking this check-up means you’ll have 30 minutes with the doctor, when you can discuss any worries you may have. It also includes:
- Measurements of your BMI and waist-to-height ratio
- A blood pressure test
- Blood and urine tests, including for anaemia and cholesterol
- A breast examination
- A cervical cancer (primary HPV) screening test
- A high-vaginal swab, if the doctor thinks it’s needed
Learn more about women’s health conditions
There are lots of health conditions which only women face. It’s good to know about the more common ones, so you’ll be able to spot when something isn’t quite right.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS can cause irregular periods, unwanted hair on your body and face, and difficulty getting pregnant.
Fibroids
These are non-cancerous growths in your womb (uterus). They can cause heavy periods and pain in the abdomen.
Common vaginal infections
Most vaginal infections are easily treated, which is important in preventing future complications.
Endometriosis
About one in 10 women suffer from this painful condition†. While there's no cure, treatments can help.
Heavy periods (menorrhagia)
These can be difficult to manage, exhausting, and embarrassing if you have a leak.
Ovarian cancer
This cancer is fairly common and will affect one in 50 women‡. The symptoms aren’t always easy to spot, so it’s good to know what they are.
We offer mental health information and advice for everyone
We all need different levels of mental health support at times. Sometimes it’s a friend showing they care, sometimes it’s help from a doctor or specialist. The information and advice on our website is for everyone, not just Bupa customers.
If you already have Bupa health insurance
You’ll have support for almost every mental health condition there is. And you’ll still be covered even if your condition comes back − time after time.
If you don’t have health insurance, we can still help
Our Mental Health Hub offers lots of free, expert information and advice, plus signposting to reliable sources of support.
Information about women’s health from Bupa’s experts
Dealing with stress
Life can be busy, work can be draining, and relationship or financial worries can take their toll. Stress can affect both your mental and physical health, but there are ways to help you cope.
Coping with depression
Depression isn’t just feeling a bit fed up: it’s a real mental health condition. It can suck the joy and energy out of life, making you feel exhausted and hopeless. But it is treatable.
Being a new parent
New challenges and disturbed sleep can be hard work, just when you feel you should be enjoying every moment. It’s not uncommon to struggle, and to feel unconfident and exhausted.
Sleep
Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early? Insomnia is bad enough, but it can make your days tougher, too.
Relationships
Our relationships may be the most precious things we have, but that doesn’t make them easy. Your mental health can affect those relationships and vice versa.
Struggling with anxiety
Anxiety can be a good thing at certain times, like warning of real risks or dangers. But not if it becomes crippling, preventing you from living the life you want.
Looking for information and support around coronavirus?
A series of articles, videos and webinars to help you better understand and respond to COVID-19.
Hints and tips from our experts
Sanitary towels, tampons or reusables?
Four women share what works best for them. Some prefer pads, some tampons, and some like menstrual cups or period underwear.
7 ways to have more energy at work
Maintaining your energy and productivity all day can be tricky. One of our specialist advisers offers tips which may help.
Using mindfulness to manage stress
If you’ve never tried it, you may be surprised how effective this can be. Here are a few really simple ways to get started.
Make working from home work for you
Tips for better mental health when working from home, from your routines to boundaries and embracing the positives.
Quick links to helpful pages within our Women’s Health Hub
Women’s Health Hub
Get an overview of everything that’s in the hub, covering a wide range of health topics, treatments and self-care tips.
Women’s health in the workplace
Information for both employers and employees on how to ensure women get the support they need at work.
All about the menopause
Explore the signs of menopause as well as treatments that could help you cope with the symptoms.
†Bupa https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/womens-health/endometriosis
‡Cancer Research UK https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/ovarian-cancer/risk-factors
Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales No.3956433. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Arranged and administered by Bupa Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales No. 3829851.
