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If you've ever felt like your medical concerns weren't taken seriously as a woman or nonbinary person, you're not alone.
If you're curious about how we got here - and what we can do about it - listen to our latest Read. Talk. Grow. episode Shame, mystery and misinformation about women's bodies wherever you get your podcasts.
Episode summary
Historically, the medical system was not designed to prioritize — or many times, even consider — women patients and providers. Dr. Elizabeth Comen wrote the book “All in Her Head,” to examine this troubled history and help educate and empower women to get the healthcare they deserve. Dr. Comen and Dr. Deborah Bartz join us to discuss how to break through the shame and misinformation surrounding women's bodies.
In this episode, Dr. Millstine and her guests discuss:
- More than “bikini medicine.” Women’s medicine has often focused on so-called bikini health — the breasts, genitals and reproductive organs. Dr. Comen’s book argues that every organ system needs to be examined through a women’s medicine lens. Many medical studies historically did not include women, so the study findings can not necessarily be extrapolated to women.
- Apologizing for their bodies. Both Dr. Comen and Dr. Bartz have had patients apologize for things that are not in their control or completely normal — even in the worst of circumstances, like a death bed. Medicine, scientific discovery and the way we treat bodies is interwoven with social ideas, mores, and cultural beliefs.
- Feminine leaders. What if women who excel at listening to and consulting with patients were encouraged to be in leadership positions? Leaders should be able to look, act and lead with feminine energy, Dr. Comen says, rather than being pushed to act more aggressive or assertive.
More resources. Listen to this Read. Talk. Grow. episode:
- 2. Trust yourself: It's not 'all in your head' with Lo Bosworth
Questions for discussion:
- Have you ever felt like your health concerns or questions were dismissed, overlooked or not taken seriously because you are a woman?
Share your thoughts, questions and opinions below!
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Yes!! My doctor walks out of the room when I bring up a problem and she never addresses the issue. I have to show her web site information I've found and then she acts dismissive, i.e. your depression is due to chronic pain but never addresses either topic. I now have bladder slipping into the vagina and turning purple with incontinence. I found MN Urology who do the new e-coin insertion in the leg to control incontinence and what a difference their treatment is with the purple bladder. All of a sudden I was sent for a bladder and kidney ultrasound and am hoping to get surgery to bring the bladder up. I wish I had gone to urology a long time ago but doctors don't want to refer out of the clinic system one is in. Patients should be able to see the doctor they want as long as they're on the insurance I have. Insurance companies are inserting too much pressure and not providing care for the insured.
I'm sorry you've had to deal with this! It's so frustrating to have health problems and then not have your healthcare team take them seriously. I hope you get connected to the right doctors/resources soon!