Femtech: Advancements in Women's Health Technology
Women’s health technology, known as Femtech, is gaining significant momentum with new innovations improving diagnostics, treatment, and remote care. Emerging solutions aim to address common challenges faced during medical examinations and offer easier access to health monitoring, especially for conditions unique to women.
Innovative Breast Cancer Screening
Chinese researchers have developed an X-ray fiber for breast cancer screening that eliminates the need for rigid compression plates. This fiber can be wrapped in soft fabric, similar to a bra, providing a more comfortable and less painful experience. Patients have reported less anxiety and physical discomfort compared to traditional mammography.
What is Femtech?
Femtech combines “female” and “technology,” encompassing software, diagnostics, devices, and services dedicated to women’s health. Since its coinage in 2016 by Ida Tin, founder of the menstrual tracking app Clue, the Femtech market has seen substantial growth. Market analysts predict the global industry will reach $107 billion by 2030, up from an estimated $36.6 billion in 2023.
Domestic Advances in Femtech
- AI-Powered Cervical Cancer Diagnosis: Noeul, a medical device company, has created an AI-based system that detects cervical cancer by analyzing changes in cervical cell shapes. This reduces diagnosis time from weeks to about 20 minutes, making screening more accessible in underserved areas. Noeul recently signed a three-year supply agreement with Qatar.
- At-Home Hormone Testing: Sugentech offers the Shurly Smart device, allowing menopausal women to test hormone levels at home. The test uses a urine dipstick connected via Bluetooth to a smartphone app, which automatically records and tracks hormone data for ongoing health management.
Addressing Hidden Women’s Health Conditions
Many women avoid hospital visits due to privacy concerns or stigma, leading to untreated conditions. Femtech offers solutions for remote diagnosis and management. For example, Canadian company HiBee has developed a device enabling women to image their pelvic area at home to monitor pelvic floor disorders. These conditions, including pelvic organ prolapse, affect urinary and fecal control and cause lower back pain. Patients can remotely consult doctors and schedule treatment if needed.
HiBee’s CEO emphasized that one in three women globally faces pelvic health issues, highlighting the importance of accessible pelvic exams.
Robotic Surgery Enhances Women’s Disease Treatment
South Korean hospitals are adopting surgical robots for precise, less invasive procedures. Seoul National University Hospital recently performed ovarian cancer surgery using the Hugo Robot, reducing wound size and recovery time. The widely known da Vinci robotic system is also in use for surgeries involving uterine, ovarian, and breast cancers. Experts note robotic surgery minimizes damage to reproductive organs, preserving fertility where possible.
Industry Outlook and Support
The Korean Women Entrepreneurs Association has called for Femtech to be recognized and strategically supported as a women-focused industry. This sector integrates bio and AI technologies and may contribute to addressing demographic challenges like low birth rates. Healthcare professionals acknowledge that women tend to live longer and actively manage their health, indicating strong potential for domestic Femtech growth.
For healthcare professionals interested in AI applications in diagnostics and medical technology, further training and courses are available at Complete AI Training.
References
Science Advances (2025), DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adv5537
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