Why Women Are Routinely Dismissed in Healthcare (and How That Must End)
Far too often, women experience dismissal in healthcare, not just with endometriosis, but across countless conditions. This systemic bias, deeply rooted in gender norms, has led to delayed diagnoses, misdiagnoses, and profound suffering. Let’s unpack the evidence, illustrate why this injustice cannot continue, and discuss how each of us can push for meaningful change.
Did you know Women Bear the Brunt of Medical Dismissal?
Dismissed symptoms: A 2022 KFF survey found that among women aged 18–64 who'd seen a provider, 29% said their doctor dismissed their concerns, versus 21% of men; 15% reported not being believed versus 12% of men; and overall, 38% of women experienced at least one negative interaction, compared to 32% of men. WIRED and Harvard Medicine Magazine
Feelings of being ignored: In another survey, 1 in 5 women said a provider had ignored or dismissed their symptoms, and 17% felt they were treated differently due to their gender, compared with 14% and 6% of men, respectively. DukeHealth.org
Misdiagnosis prevalence: A recent report indicates that women are roughly 66% more likely to receive a medical misdiagnosis than men—a staggering disparity with potentially severe consequences. Northwell Health
Gender Bias in Pain and Diagnostic Treatment
Pain is underestimated: Chronic pain disproportionately affects women (~70% of sufferers), yet 80% of pain studies use male subjects, skewing research and treatment. Women frequently receive less effective pain relief, fewer opioids, more sedatives or antidepressants, and are more often referred to psychiatry. Wikipedia+1
Longer wait times: Women in emergency settings for acute pain wait an average of 65 minutes for analgesics, versus 49 minutes for men. arXiv+10Wikipedia+10Wikipedia+10
Medical gaslighting: A disturbing 72% of women report being gaslit by healthcare providers, told their symptoms are “made up” or psychological. Wikipedia+1
Why This Bias Is Unacceptable
It’s not just statistics—it’s people's lives. Delayed diagnoses, like in endometriosis, can mean years of untreated disease, diminished quality of life, and mental health strain. These disparities stem not from biology, but from gender norms and systemic bias, such as stereotypes of women being “emotional,” “hysterical,” or attention-seeking. Pain and symptoms in women are too often minimized or misclassified as psychological. Adelaide Now
So, How Can We Change This?
To end dismissals, we must transform the system:
a) Expand research & clinical trials
Women remain underrepresented in medical research, heavily impacting everything from drug safety to pain management. Until the 1990s, women were often excluded entirely. The result: medical norms shaped by male bodies. The Times
b) Educate and dismantle bias
Healthcare providers must be trained to recognize implicit bias and avoid defaulting to outdated gendered assumptions. Diagnostic checklists and evidence-based assessments can counteract bias. Harvard Medicine Magazine
c) Empower patients
Knowledge is power. Women can bring documentation, symptom journals, trusted companions, and seek second opinions. Self-advocacy matters. Popsugar+1
d) Reform systems and policies
Embed gender sensitivity in healthcare protocols and push for insurance coverage that supports specialized, equitable care—especially for conditions like endometriosis, where excision surgery is the gold standard.
Why This Matters—It Should Never Have Been This Way
The fact that women have to fight harder to be believed—and experience more misdiagnoses—is not just an injustice—it’s unacceptable. Healthcare should be equitable, compassionate, and informed by rigorous science, not bias. No one should suffer because they’re dismissed for who they are.
When gender bias is corrected in medicine, outcomes improve—not just for women, but for everyone. Equitable care saves lives.
How We Move Forward Together
Advocate publicly and with lawmakers for expanded coverage for effective treatments (like excision surgery for endometriosis).
Demand diverse representation in clinical research and fair funding across women’s health.
Support training programs that address implicit bias in healthcare.
Encourage all women to document symptoms, persist in getting answers, and speak up when dismissed.
Women’s experiences in healthcare have been shaped by long-standing biases. But armed with data, compassion, and advocacy, we can, and must, build a future where every woman is heard, believed, and treated with the care she deserves. This is not just a women’s issue, it’s a human rights issue.
