The region’s women’s digital health market is projected to grow to $ 2,295.7 million by 2030, according to Grand View Research. This surge reflects a broader movement—one that prioritizes earlier diagnosis, targeted treatments, and long-term care designed around the health needs of women.

This blog explores how women’s health innovation is evolving across Asia-Pacific. It covers new approaches in fertility care, hormonal treatment, mental wellness, and diagnostics.

Reproductive Health Innovation

Across the Asia-Pacific region, access to reproductive health services is expanding rapidly. The Nation highlights that significant progress was made related to women’s reproductive health in the Asia-Pacific region. Over 141 million unplanned pregnancies were avoided, and 29 million unsafe abortion procedures were prevented. Moreover, 148,000 maternal deaths were successfully averted. This is largely due to the increased use of modern contraceptive methods.

Technological advancement is a driving force in this shift. The availability of self-administered fertility tracking devices and hormone-monitoring kits has made it easier for women to monitor ovulation cycles and plan pregnancies. 

Many startups in Southeast Asia are focusing on early detection and better management of PCOS and endometriosis. These innovations help reduce delays in diagnosis, which is a common challenge across the region. In parallel, menstrual health technologies are becoming more precise, with wearables and AI-backed apps delivering data-driven insights on menstrual cycles.

Despite these advancements, an estimated 140 million women in the region still lack access to modern contraception. Even though they express a desire to delay or avoid pregnancy. Alarmingly, around 10 women die every hour in the Asia-Pacific region due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

One of the most pressing concerns is the lack of strong safety protocols for hormonal contraceptives. A key example is the long-standing safety concerns surrounding Depo-Provera, a widely used injectable contraceptive. 

In recent years, lawsuits in the U.S.A. have drawn attention to the lack of informed consent, especially regarding the drug’s risks. TruLaw legal team underscores a study that highlights a serious health risk linked to Depo-Provera. It reveals that women who used the contraceptive for over a year faced a 5.6-fold increased risk of developing a brain tumor.

Strengthening data collection, improving provider training, and expanding patient education are all essential next steps. As more women gain access to modern reproductive tools, innovation must move alongside ethical safeguards and transparent care practices.

Diagnostics for PCOS and Endometriosis

Early detection of reproductive and hormonal health conditions is improving across Asia-Pacific, thanks to faster, more precise diagnostic technologies. There is an increased attention to situations that were often delayed in diagnosis for years. Among the most common are polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, both of which affect millions of women.

New technologies are helping to close these diagnostic gaps. In Southeast Asia, companies are introducing genetic screening tools that give patients and doctors deeper insights into hormone-related health risks. 

A study in PMC highlights that genetic screening uses molecular biology techniques to find specific changes (variants) in a person’s DNA. Doctors and medical experts use the results of genetic screening to assess a person’s chances of developing certain diseases or to diagnose existing conditions.

AI-powered ultrasound systems are being used more often to spot abnormal ovarian structures linked to PCOS. At the same time, menstrual blood is being studied as a non-invasive sample for detecting endometriosis earlier. This allows treatment before symptoms escalate.

Mental Health Management in Women

Depression and anxiety affect a significant number of women throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Yet, many cases remain undetected or untreated because of social stigma, insufficient awareness, and restricted access to mental health services.

Digital solutions are beginning to address these gaps. Mobile-based mental health support apps across the region recorded a significant rise in users. According to MetaTech Insights, in 2024, the mental health apps market in the Asia-Pacific region was valued at approximately USD 1.81 billion. Projections indicate that this figure could rise to around USD 8.93 billion by 2035.

These platforms provide virtual counseling, mood tracking, and access to licensed therapists, reducing the pressure on in-person health services. Many of them also focus on culturally sensitive care, offering services in local languages. For women in rural areas or those balancing family and work responsibilities, these tools offer flexible access to support.

FemTech and Digital Tools

FemTech is reshaping women’s healthcare across Asia-Pacific, offering smart tools that address real needs with speed and simplicity. Startups across Singapore, India, and Vietnam are leading this shift. For many women without regular access to clinics, these startups are closing the care gap.

While adoption is rising, concerns around privacy and data safety are growing. A study published on arXiv.org revealed that many period and fertility apps have serious privacy and security risks. 

Around 85% of the privacy policies in these apps failed to clearly state what security measures are in place to protect users’ data. 61% of the vulnerabilities found in the apps fall under the Top 10 OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) list. These are the most dangerous coding and security flaws in web and app development.

FemTech has the potential to improve care quality and access, but it must operate on trust. When designed with user safety and transparency, digital tools can support women through every stage of life, reliably and securely.

FAQs

How are wearable devices helping in the early detection of women’s health issues?

Wearable devices help in the early detection of women’s health issues by continuously monitoring vital signs like heart rate, temperature, sleep, and menstrual cycles. They alert users to irregular patterns, enabling early identification of conditions such as hormonal imbalances, PCOS, or fertility concerns.

What are the barriers to health insurance coverage for women in APAC?

Barriers to health insurance coverage for women in APAC include gender-based income disparities, lack of awareness, and limited access in rural areas. Cultural norms and restrictive policies also hinder women’s ability to enroll in or afford adequate health insurance plans.

How are governments in Asia-Pacific supporting women’s health innovation?

Several Asia-Pacific governments foster women’s health innovation through funding, policy reforms, and public–private partnerships. Initiatives include femtech forums, AI and big‑data health projects, extended reproductive‑health services, and financing innovation hubs.

Women’s health innovation in Asia-Pacific is gaining ground, but key challenges remain. Progress in diagnostics, digital tools, and reproductive care is promising. Yet, these improvements must reach all women, regardless of location or income. Gaps in clinical trial representation, data privacy, and post-treatment monitoring still affect patient safety and trust.

Innovation alone is not enough. It must be supported by stronger policies, better education, and clear accountability at every level of care. As the region continues to invest in women’s health, the focus must stay on safe access, inclusive research, and long-term care solutions.