The Gender Pain Gap: Why It’s Time to Take Women’s Health More Seriously

"Frequently, women are told that their pain is "normal for a woman." However, the critical issue lies in the fact that labeling it as "normal" leads the woman to believe that experiencing such pain is acceptable and that there is nothing inherently wrong. This, in turn, can foster the belief that there is no remedy or opportunity for improvement. Addressing this misconception is essential in empowering women to seek appropriate care, challenge assumptions about pain being inherent, and advocate for interventions that can enhance their well-being."

"This defaulting to 'normal' can have damaging effects on a patient's confidence and sense of empowerment, leading to a breakdown in advocacy that extends to subsequent consultations.

Despite women living longer than men, a larger proportion of their lives is spent in ill health, resulting in lower healthy life expectancy. The gender pain gap likely plays a role in this disparity, particularly since more women than men experience chronic conditions. Recognizing and addressing the complexities of women's pain experiences is crucial for improving healthcare outcomes and enhancing the overall well-being of women."

"The gender pain gap goes beyond studies and statistics; it profoundly affects women's lives. Chloe, a participant in the Gender Pain Gap report, experienced debilitating period pain leading to daily struggles. Seeking medical help, she was misdiagnosed as having a urinary tract infection or dismissed as merely seeking attention, highlighting the real and impactful consequences of the gender pain gap on women's healthcare experiences."

https://www.bncnnews.com/2023/12/the-gender-pain-gap-why-its-time-to.html?m=1