Inequality in Healthcare
Women in pain wait longer, are misdiagnosed more often, and are under-medicated according to this article in BBC by Jennifer Billock. Is that because women need to be better advocates for themselves or is it that doctors aren't listening? Maybe both?
But knowing that this bias exists means a woman needs to be determined in finding a healthcare partner who will listen, who will believe her, and who will treat her ailments with seriousness. Being lax on this front by accommodating a doctor who is unwilling to listen, puts a woman's health and possible life at risk. Here are three things you can do to work to be heard in medical appointments:
Bring notes. Track when you are feeling symptoms. Days, times, and possible causes. The more data you have the more convincing you will be.
Bring a friend. If you are uncomfortable being your own advocate, bring someone with you who will encourage you to speak up for yourself or who will demand that your medical provider listen more closely to you. Let this person be your mouthpiece, if needed.
Find a trusted provider. If your current medical provider is not listening to you or dismisses your pain, find someone new. Open up to friends and find a recommendation or two who are trusted providers of people in your circle.
Your health is too important, speak up and be heard.