The Menstrual Health Project has launched an anonymous nationwide survey to gather first-hand insights into the menstrual health education people received while in school across the UK. This initiative welcomes responses from individuals of all ages, regardless of whether they are still in education, to ensure that a wide variety of experiences are represented. Understanding Continue Reading
The Broken System: Why I Returned to Work 4 Weeks Postpartum
At four weeks postpartum, I returned to work. It’s a decision that many have questioned and even glorified, and I understand why. But I want to make one thing clear: this isn’t a glorification of hustle culture. My return is a reflection of the broken system that fails to support new mothers, especially those who Continue Reading
Join Our Cause: Volunteer with Cysters!
At Cysters, we are dedicated to empowering marginalized communities, raising awareness, and providing vital support for those facing reproductive and mental health challenges. Our mission thrives because of the passion and commitment of volunteers who work alongside us to create lasting change. Now, more than ever, we are expanding, and we need compassionate individuals like Continue Reading
“Good news, but far from enough to address the reality of period inequity”
Period Product Scheme – A Sector Response to the Extension of the scheme in England to July 2025: “Good news, but far from enough to address the reality of period inequity” Department for Education Overview Whilst we applaud the decision to extend the period product scheme in England to July 2025, far more needs to Continue Reading
New research reveals a lack of understanding about cervical screening and why some don’t attend
A new survey (YouGov) commissioned by the UK’s leading gynaecological cancer charity The Eve Appeal has revealed a lack of understanding about what a cervical screening test is for and a range of barriers to attending a screening appointment when offered it. Out of the 1070 women surveyed, 9 in every 10 (92%) said they Continue Reading
PCOS: Voices Unheard – Exploring PCOS in the UK’s South Asian and Afro-Caribbean Communities
PCOS is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterised by hormonal imbalances that can lead to various symptoms, including irregular periods and ovarian cysts. (1) Existing research has highlighted an association between the difficulties and psychological stress, women of colour face, when trying to cope with this condition, with an exacerbation of Continue Reading
Gaps In Menopause Research Leave Marginalised Communities Struggling For Proper Care
While conversations around menopause are thankfully becoming more frequent, experts are asserting that women from marginalised communities are still being left without a voice. With a lack of research and support for the unique experiences of marginalised women, a harsh reality is being exposed: menopause equality is far from being achieved. Despite menopause affecting 51% Continue Reading
Elevating Black Maternal Voices: Why Black Maternal Awareness Week Matters
In the ongoing conversation about maternal health, a glaring concern has been at the forefront of our minds: the disproportionate challenges faced by Black mothers. In response, the United Kingdom, largely thanks to the efforts of campaigners has embraced Black Maternal Awareness Week—an essential initiative dedicated to addressing systemic disparities in maternal healthcare. The statistics Continue Reading
Endometriosis diagnosis delays in People of Colour
New survey seeks to investigate and amplify marginalised voices in healthcare decision-making Cysters and Endometriosis UK are working in partnership to ensure that all voices are heard in discussions about healthcare policy and initiatives, especially those from marginalised communities. Despite progress in healthcare data collection, there remains a gap in representing the experiences of marginalised Continue Reading
Endometriosis: Years of being “dismissed, ignored and belittled”
Endometriosis UK urges improvement to deteriorating diagnosis times Getting a diagnosis for endometriosis now takes almost a year longer than before the pandemic, according to new research published by the charity Endometriosis UK during Endometriosis Action Month 2024 (March). A new study shows that diagnosis times in the UK have significantly worsened over the last Continue Reading