The Status and Challenges of Korean Women's Gynecological Health Service Utilization

Abstract

Ensuring that women in Korea receive the gynecologic care they need in a timely manner requires identifying the current gynecologic health problems that women have, their utilization of gynecologic care, and the reasons why women have difficulty accessing gynecologic care. The healthcare utilization survey, conducted in 2022 as part of the Korean Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Survey, found that the prevalence of major gynecologic health problems and unmet healthcare needs varied across the life cycle. In early adulthood and adolescence, gynecologic health problems were generally more common than in the elderly. Among middle-aged women, only 1 in 10 had a procedure to remove fibroids. The main reasons for not seeking gynecologic care were lack of time and discomfort with gynecologic exams. Policies and programs are needed to reduce barriers to gynecological care, improve the quality of life of Korean women, and increase the ratio of healthy years to life expectancy.