Women in England are being encouraged to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime survey on reproductive health.

The Government survey will tackle topics such as menstrual health, contraception, pregnancy planning, menopause, fertility and more.

It will provide vital information about the lives and experiences of women while transforming government decision-making and health policies.

There are currently disparities in women’s health across the country, Minister for Women’s Health Strategy Maria Caulfield said.

Whether it’s cases where women having more of a say in their healthcare or the challenges of menopause at work, the survey hopes to make women feel heard.

Dr Rebecca French, associate professor of sexual and reproductive health research at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: “For most women, it can be nearly 40 years from their first period to menopause.

"Throughout this time, women should be able to make informed decisions about their own reproductive health and wellbeing, such as if and when to get pregnant and where to access appropriate support and treatment.

“Women have previously described difficulties accessing reproductive health services - for example, to get contraceptive supplies, to access fertility treatment or to obtain an appointment with a gynaecologist. Often health services are not ‘joined up’, leading to multiple visits and appointment delays.

“We know that poor reproductive health not only has a negative effect on health in general but can also impact women’s mental health, relationships and finances. Further research is needed to better understand inequalities across England so that women and people described as female at birth are able to make the choices they need for their own reproductive health and wellbeing.”

The survey is open to all women in England aged 16 to 55 years and will run for 6 weeks from Thursday 7 September 2023.

It is being delivered by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care.

People can take part by visiting https://bit.ly/womensgovernmentsurvey