Silenced and Suffering: The Alarming Truth About Women's Pain and Healthcare

"When older women patients are treated by women doctors, they are less likely to die or be readmitted to the hospital than when treated by male doctors, according to a study of patients age 65 and older recently published in the Annals of Internal Medicine."

I recently reviewed an article that resonated with me as a female chronic illness and chronic pain patient. The article, titled "Why women's pain is often dismissed by doctors" by Stacy Alaimo, highlights the unfortunate reality that many of us have faced: being dismissed or not taken seriously by medical professionals when it comes to our pain.

The article cites studies that show women are more likely to have their pain underestimated and undertreated compared to men. This is especially true for women of color, who face even more significant barriers to receiving adequate pain management. The author notes that this disparity is not just limited to pain management but also extends to other areas of healthcare, such as pregnancy and childbirth.

One of the most striking points made in the article is that the dismissal of women's pain is often rooted in societal attitudes and biases. Women are often seen as "emotional" or "hysterical," leading healthcare providers to attribute their pain to psychological or emotional factors rather than taking their physical symptoms seriously.

The article also highlights the importance of advocating for ourselves as patients. We need to be persistent in seeking medical attention and demanding that our pain be taken seriously. We need to ask questions, seek second opinions, and not be afraid to challenge our healthcare providers if we feel our concerns are being dismissed.

I hope this summary resonates with you all, and I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences on this topic.

Citation: Alaimo, S. (2024, May 7). Why women's pain is often dismissed by doctors. CNN.