Sexuality, menstruation and motherhood: Estonian Women’s Health Study makes women’s voices heard
Today, the University of Tartu Women’s Clinic publishes the results of the Estonian Women’s Health Study, which, among other topics, provides insights into women’s sexuality, menstrual health, menopause, and attitudes towards motherhood. Representatives of the research team introduce the results at the webinar on Monday, 26 May, at 15:00.
The Estonian Women’s Health Study is conducted every ten years. The extensive study conducted in 2024 by the University of Tartu Women’s Clinic and the Ministry of Social Affairs provides a unique overview of the attitudes and needs related to the sexual and reproductive health of Estonian women, the services available, and how these have changed over time.
„Estonian women’s relationships and sexuality have expanded over time – their partnership satisfaction has increased, attitudes have become more liberal, and sexual experiences have diversified. At the same time, awareness of sexual and mental violence has grown, and services have been created to support victims,” explained Kai Part, a member of the research team, gynaecologist, and University of Tartu Associate Professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. „It is also positive that satisfaction with healthcare services, including the availability of gynaecologist’s care, is high.”
In addition to sexuality, this year’s study focused on topics that have not been thoroughly addressed before – menstruation and menopause. The study results show that these significantly affect the quality of life for many women.
„Menstruation and menopause are natural parts of women’s lives, but their impact on daily life is often underestimated in society,” explained Made Laanpere, a member of the research team, gynaecologist, and University of Tartu Associate Professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. “We see that many women suffer from reduced learning or working capacity due to menstrual pain or heavy periods. The same applies to women in menopause, who often also bear a significant caregiver burden. It is time to talk openly about these experiences and offer help to women – it is available.”
The study emphasises the need to understand family planning as a matter of personal choice for women, not that of population policy. Most Estonian women want children, but their decisions are influenced by a wide range of diverse factors.
„Estonian women do not plan children in the context of population policy, but out of a desire to love them, experience motherhood, and share life with a suitable partner,” noted Helle Karro, a member of the research team, gynaecologist, and University of Tartu Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. “The hindering factors often include the lack of a suitable partner, economic uncertainty, poor housing availability, difficulties in conceiving, caregiver burden, and the need for more flexible reconciliation of work and family life.“
The full report of the Estonian Women’s Health Study 2024 will be published on Monday, 26 May. The organisers will provide an overview of the results in a webinar held on 26 May from 15:00 to 17:00. The study was conducted by the University of Tartu Women’s Clinic and the Sexual Health Research Centre in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs. The sample included Estonian women aged 16–59, with a total of 4,533 responses analysed.
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