Statistics so far show that men are more likely to experience a severe course of COVID-19 and it is this gender that has a higher risk of death. However, when looking at the pandemic from a societal perspective, it affects women to a greater extent. Researchers have taken into account the increase in domestic violence, involvement in the role of caregivers, and issues related to women's ability to make decisions about their own health - sexual and reproductive.

Women's mental health

Recent research shows that women's mental health is at risk due to the coronavirus pandemic. This is because it is this gender that tends to take on the role of caregivers, which has become compounded in the current situation. Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, the United Nations (UN) reported that women were the ones offering unpaid assistance at three times the rate of men. In addition, the situation surrounding the closure of schools is causing a deterioration in the mental health of women, on whom the responsibility of teaching children at home has fallen. It should be recalled that there are currently 1.52 billion schoolchildren at home as a result of the pandemic.

Limited assistance at health centres

Health centres and medical clinics have imposed restrictions on patient admissions to reduce the incidence of COVID-19. However, this is having the effect of increasing unplanned pregnancies and births.

Gynaecological consultations are crucial for the health of women and young girls. Total attention to the pandemic may result in increased morbidity and even mortality from HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.

One contraceptive pill supplier also highlighted the possibility of a sharp increase in unintended pregnancies. This could be due to the need to stay at home with their partners.

The pandemic is not only affecting people who do not plan to have children, but also those who do. A survey of almost 2,000 people in the US found that almost a third of respondents had changed their reproductive plans because of COVID-19.