Bengaluru: The tech city’s hospitals say the introduction of telehealth and online consultations made healthcare more accessible and created a judgement-free space for women seeking help for sexual and reproductive health concerns. Introduced widely after the pandemic, doctors report a rise in active consultations through this medium, with pregnancy-related queries and contraceptive advice emerging as the most common concerns.“Teleconsultation is allowing women to seek advice without the discomfort of face-to-face interaction, reducing shyness and encouraging more open conversations. Most online consultations are audio calls and relate to pregnancy concerns, gynaecological issues or symptoms such as genital rashes, but advice regarding emergency contraception is predominant,” said Dr Meghana Reddy Jetty, senior consultant – obstetrics, gynaecology, laparoscopy and aesthetic gynaecology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, adding she gets at least two to three calls a day.“Even male partners now seek audio consultations for advice about emergency contraception. However, we do not prescribe anything without the patient being present and only offer guidance,” she added. With travel in Bengaluru becoming more time-consuming, patients increasingly prefer to first understand the care they may receive before undertaking long journeys to hospitals through traffic. “Sexual or reproductive health concerns are deeply personal and not something patients easily share. Some worry that doctors may be judgemental. Teleconsultations allow them to connect from the comfort of their homes — especially when it is the first time they are confiding in someone,” said Dr Manisha Singh, additional director – gynaecologist and sub-specialist in reproductive medicine and surgery, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road. Doctors note that telemedicine also expanded access beyond the city, with Bengaluru specialists now consulting patients from districts across Karnataka, other states and even abroad for sexual health issues. Recalling a recent case, Dr Manisha said a couple from a remote part of Andhra Pradesh underwent an entirely remote fertility consultation. “With support from a local clinic that followed my treatment plan, the woman conceived and delivered a healthy baby boy. I met them only 1.5 years later when they came with the child,” she said.Doctors add teleconsultations are also benefiting queer individuals who may fear discrimination or lack of sensitivity in traditional healthcare settings. “They commonly seek advice on hormonal therapy, sexual health screening, mental health support, gender-affirming care and relationship counselling,” said Dr Nivedita Jha, senior consultant – obstetrician and gynaecologist, laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgeon, Sparsh Hospital, Infantry Road. However, doctors caution that teleconsultation cannot replace in-person medical care, particularly for conditions such as sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy complications or genital infections that require physical examination and direct clinical management.
