About one-third of all women experience pelvic health concerns during their lifetime.1 Pain and/or dysfunction impact quality of life, while stigma around pelvic health prevents some women from seeking care. Left untreated, pelvic health concerns can trigger or exacerbate anxiety and depression. Highmark has expanded our services to include virtual program for pelvic health to help break down barriers to improved pelvic health.
Pelvic health involves the treatment and management of pelvic floor disorders including lack of bladder control, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, and related conditions. Women who have given birth are at greater risk, as are post-menopausal women.
Hormonal changes, obesity, and high-intensity workouts like weightlifting can weaken pelvic floor muscles. Women with tight pelvic floor muscles (levator hypertonus) are also at risk, sometimes experiencing painful muscle spasms.
The International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics reported on a study2 that linked pelvic health and mental well-being. Pelvic health disorders statistically worsened anxiety and depression.
Researchers used established methods for measuring mental wellness, including the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) assessment. Women in the study show prevalence of both depression and anxiety, based on severity and type of condition. The study concludes with recommendations for providers to stay aware of this link when treating women with pelvic health disorders.
Gina Tarr, Population & Curated Health Product Manager at Highmark, explains that many women suffer in silence. Some women believe that pelvic conditions are a normal part of aging — or womanhood in general.
“It often gets to the point where there is a major problem before women seek help,” says Tarr. “Partly because our society has normalized female incontinence and related conditions while also stigmatizing the need for care. We want Highmark members to get help at the first sign of a problem. Because even if a problem is common, it is not necessarily normal or healthy.”
Pelvic health has a direct connection to quality of life and productivity at work. “From the employer standpoint, you don’t want your employee to be taking frequent restroom breaks,” says Tarr. “Nor do you want them to feel anxious or depressed about their condition and how it affects each day. You are doubly impacted as the employer.”
Highmark launched Virtual Pelvic Health powered by Sword Health mid-2024. The program provides online guidance from a pelvic health specialist.
Members who meet eligibility criteria can access the Virtual Pelvic Health program via their My Highmark app or web-based portal. Upon enrollment, members receive an FDA-listed insertable device (pod) equipped with sensors. The pod, when used with the Sword Health app, measures force, endurance, and precision during pelvic floor exercises.The pod delivers real-time feedback via the app as the user performs exercises tailored by their pelvic health specialist. The app also tracks progress and provides educational resources designed to encourage healthy habits and behaviors.
Women have all the necessary tools and support to improve their pelvic health — in the privacy of their own homes. The Virtual Pelvic Health program is convenient and safe, with no uncomfortable touching by a provider.
Since July 2024, approximately 7,000 Highmark members enrolled in Virtual Pelvic Health powered by Sword Health. There is no additional cost for eligible members, who are already reporting a high Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) of 78%.
“I don’t know that pelvic health was necessarily on the mind of employers before Highmark started offering this option,” says Tarr. “We are on the forefront of breaking the stigma around pelvic health disorders. Employers who offer virtual care for pelvic health are letting their female employees know that they are seen and valued.”
Highmark offers a variety of digital employee wellness programs, beyond pelvic health. Other virtual services include mental health, musculoskeletal care, diabetes management, and support for other chronic conditions. For more information on Sword Health or any of Highmark’s specialty programs, please contact your client manager.
All references to “Highmark” in this communication are references to Highmark Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, and/or to one or more of its affiliated Blue companies.
Sword Health is an independent company that provides wellness services for Highmark health plans. Sword Health Professionals provides its services through a group of independently owned professional practices consisting of Sword Health Care Providers, P.A., Sword Health Care Providers of NJ, P.C., and Sword Health Care Physical Therapy Providers of CA, P.C.
Insertion of the Bloom pod during any stage of pregnancy is discouraged and is not a requirement for participation in the program. The Bloom program is not designed to be used by those in the first trimester of pregnancy or by those with a complicated or high-risk pregnancy. If you wish to use the Bloom program (with or without the pod) during your second or third trimester of pregnancy, you should first consult with your physician or other qualified health provider prior to participation .
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions or concerns regarding a medical condition and before your begin a wellness program.
Talk to your client manager today and we’ll help you find the right health plan for your company.
