Women’s health: Addressing the health needs of women
DSM biomaterials play a big part in products and procedures specific to women. After all, women have unique needs, and our materials can help. In fact DSM biomaterials are used in many medical devices that improve the level of care in everything from gynecology to reproductive medicine and situations where they are vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancies.
Enhancing treatments in many specialties
At DSM, we recognize the wide spectrum of women’s health issues – and the part we can play in helping medical device manufacturers and clinicians provide better treatments. Our biomaterials are used in various treatments including the coatings on catheters used in cardiovascular and urinary procedures. Our coatings also are used on biosensors for monitoring glucose levels in diabetes. We’re even exploring ways to deliver anti-infective medications to combat HIV and genital herpes and to assist with hormone therapy for both women and girls.
Improving reproductive health
The goal of reproductive medicine is to help women deliver healthy infants while lowering their risk of pregnancy-related complications and disease transmission. Our technology plays a role in many gynecological surgeries. For example, Caesarean sections pose distinctive challenges in wound closure due to the spongy nature of the uterus. To reduce this challenge, DSM is working with a medical device manufacturer on a polyurethane film designed to help stop bleeding quickly and strengthen closure of the fragile tissues. We’re also exploring ways to help pharmaceutical companies develop methods to deliver proven contraceptives via IUD and other implanted devices to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Meanwhile, for desired pregnancies, we’re helping pharmaceutical companies refine delivery systems that can be used for in vitro fertilization procedures.
Applications
- Gynecological surgery
- Reproductive health
