The Gender Pain Gap - Still bigger than it should be

Navigating the Gender pain gap: The Realities of Women’s Health

Women and those assigned female at birth (AFAB), often face challenges in getting diagnosed and treated for health issues often getting dismissed and they pain not taken seriously, this is known as the  “Gender Pain gap”. This gap is evident in conditions like Endometriosis (Endo). Why is there such a delay in diagnosing endo? Why is women’s pain downplayed or dismissed? And how does this impact women’s mental well-being? These are questions that need exploring when it comes to women’s healthcare.

Women’s journeys to diagnoses, especially for conditions like endometriosis, are often confusing and frustrating. Limited understanding and historical neglect of women’s pain contribute to delayed diagnosis, leading to misdiagnosis and prolonged suffering.

Societal beliefs portraying women as resilient to pain, especially menstrual pain. This cultural undertone encourages women to endure silently, reinforcing stereotypes about manageable pain.

The gender pain gap has consequences beyond the physical effects and impacts women’s mental health as well. When pain is dismissed, women may feel isolated, doubting themselves and could experience bouts of anxiety or depression. Mental wellbeing is an overlooked aspect of gender imbalance in pain management.

The importance of listening

Women know and understand their body best. Bridging this gender pain gap will require a cultural shift in medicine towards active listening and a comprehensive understanding of women’s health. Healthcare providers should recognise diverse pain manifestation, look to prioritise investigations as well as, creating a space where women feel heard and validated.

Advocating for change through social media, network or patient groups and awareness campaigns can empower women and give them a place to share their experiences. By bringing attention to this gender pain gap, women are reclaiming their health narrative and driving systemic change.

I created this site as a place of refuge for myself and other women facing the similar struggles with this subject and may others.

Addressing this gap is not just about medical reform but also a societal one with ingrained biases. Its about time we break down these barriers and strive to gain a timely diagnosis and embrace a healthcare approach where women’s voices are integral to their well-being. Collective awareness, advocacy, and commitment are crucial to closing the  gap and creating a healthcare system that respect women’s experiences.

So Ladies, please, don't give up, keep looking for other around you for support.

Remember you know your bodies better than anyone else so keep going, you go this.