4 days ago
Join Dr Laylah Fayker in empowering women's health at the upcoming Wellness Experience
Dr Laylah Fayker.
Image: Supplied
Driven by personal experience and professional dedication, Dr Laylah Fayker has emerged as a passionate advocate for women's health and mental wellness in South Africa. Her journey, shaped by a university diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), led to a transformative commitment to compassionate, patient-centred care - an ethos that guides her holistic healthcare approach today.
'Before my diagnosis, I thought painful menstrual cycles were normal,' she recalls. 'Learning about PCOS gave me clarity and inspired me to educate others.' Navigating scarce information and limited treatment options sparked her determination to prioritise women's health. At Cape Town Med, she established a practice rooted in inclusivity, evidence-based medicine, and person-first care. By fostering collaborative relationships, she rejects rushed consultations in favour of deep listening and empowerment. 'I begin consultations by asking, 'How can I help?' and always ensure my patients have the space to share what matters most to them,' she explains. Her upcoming talk at the Women's Wellness Experience will focus on demystifying Pap smears—a procedure often linked with discomfort and fear.
'Educating women about the process helps ease anxiety and encourages cervical health,' she says, while also championing safe spaces for open conversations on sexual wellness. She addresses widespread misconceptions around contraception and menopause, and consistently integrates mental and physical wellbeing in her consultations. Her own self-care involves regular exercise and mental health support. Through digital advocacy, she shares accessible health information without overwhelming her audience, meeting them where they are.
'Every woman deserves to understand her body and feel empowered to takecontrol of her health — with compassion, clarity and confidence,' says Dr Fayker. For those hesitant about attending healthcare talks, her message is simple yet powerful: 'Showing up for yourself is the first step toward holistic self-care.'
Looking ahead, she hopes to help dismantle stigma surrounding women's health and build a culture where proactive conversations about screening and wellness are commonplace. 'General practitioners can lead this change by creating welcoming spaces where patients feel heard and empowered.'
