Women and Healthcare Systems: The Importance of Feeling Heard

Every woman who has doubled over in pain because of a killer period, or body aches, back pain, migraine, stomach ache, stitches, after giving birth or practically any moment in their lives where they were hurt, knows how much that pain is downplayed.



Women are consistently taught to undermine the pain they’re feeling, or put on a brave face for their condition, and it’s not just an individual or social problem; it’s quite systemic. Healthcare providers have a gender bias when it comes to pain, and while that may sound ridiculous to some, those who’ve experienced it firsthand can testify.

What is pain bias, and how does it affect women?

Healthcare providers, including doctors and even nurses, have a long history of being dismissive of women’s healthcare concerns. From being told it’s in their head, to not being taken seriously and dismissed with an OTC painkiller, many health issues such as infections, cancers, and even mental health conditions such as ADHD and autism go undiagnosed for years in women.

Based on research published in the Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics in 2001, women receive less pain medication and medical attention for undergoing similar procedures as men; they also get administered stress tests for chest pain and other potentially serious symptoms and indicators that something is wrong.  

With Serena Williams and other public figures speaking out about the gross negligence that is practiced by many healthcare providers, hundreds of thousands of stories and histories revealed the same patterns. And it’s not recent either; women’s health has seemed to be a thing out of greek mythology for millennia. 



What difference does it make to feel heard?

The difference it makes to find a healthcare provider who will hear your concerns out, take them seriously, and treat you as you require is a highly-underrated experience. You should be able to trust your doctor to address your concerns in a multi-faceted, focused, and empathetic way, as opposed to dismissing it as emotional stress.

A healthcare system that hears women out is a healthcare system that keeps them alive, healthy, and thriving. It’s a long way to equity and stability, but the change is coming.

Where can you seek help for your problems?

So who do you approach for health-related concerns? If you're in Sacramento and looking for a women’s health care specialist, contact Natomas Family Pracitce Inc. for their services. From gynecological exams to pap smears, they offer various services for women and other general services, including immunization, pediatric specialist care, and more. Reach out to them for more information.

 

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Menstrual Cramps — Is It Time to Seek Treatment?

Image
Most ladies agree that menstrual cramps are their least favorite part about being a woman! They’re nothing short of a nuisance that could ruin your mood, plans, and everything in between. Any day is a bad day when it comes to period pain. However, menstrual cramps don’t always need medical treatment. Let’s talk about when you need to see a doctor: What are menstrual cramps? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists  says that more than 50% of menstruating women experience cramping during their first few days. However, in most cases, cramps are not much to worry about and can be managed on your own. Generally speaking, the pain takes place as a result of contractions in the uterus. The condition is known as dysmenorrhea and can be categorized as primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea happens as a result of period cramps. These are caused by natural chemicals that are found in the uterine lining. On the other hand, secondary dysmenorrhea s...
Read more

Busting 7 Common Myths about Vaccines

Image
Vaccination  is one of the most important things to keep your loved ones healthy and protected . It is important to get the vaccination done by an immunization specialist  at the scheduled time.  However, there is a group of people who are busy spreading misinformation about vaccines and their effectiveness. Here are some common myths about vaccines debunked: Myth # 1: MMR causes autism in kids There is a strong belief among people that MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine has toxins causing autism in kids. However, medical experts have confirmed that the MMR vaccine has no proven side effects that may cause symptoms of autism in children. Myth # 2: It is harmful to the child to get more than one vaccine at a time There is no evidence of adverse side effects in children receiving more than one vaccine at a time. Quite the opposite, getting more than one vaccine saves time and money. Myth # 3: Most diseases for which immunization is done are not life-threatening Vaccination...
Read more

Expert Tips to Reduce Body Fat in Two Weeks

Image
According to statistics , obesity in the US was 42.4% in 2018. With every passing year, the issue of obesity has continued to be a threat for many Americans. Obesity is a health hazard since it can lead to many health conditions such as heart problems, kidney issues, and diabetes. While obesity may prove detrimental towards the end, being overweight can be equally dangerous. Both obesity and over weightiness are measured through BMI (Body Mass Index). It helps to calculate your weight based on your height. Persons with a BMI of 25–30 are deemed overweight, while persons beyond the BMI of 30 are considered obese. These conditions need to be tackled in due time to avoid future health problems. Do you feel underconfident because of your weight? If you’ve been avoiding social gatherings because you’re insecure about your bulging body, it’s time to take the initiative ! Visit weight loss specialists in Sacramento  for additional information. You can also work on shedding your body weigh...
Read more