A deep dive into the ongoing struggle of women’s health and the costly pursuit of relief

In the realm of women’s health, the persistent issue of how women’s pain is perceived and treated has recently taken a combustible turn, with a new study shedding light on the challenges faced by those dealing with endometriosis. The findings from Manchester Metropolitan University reveal a distressing pattern of women feeling “medically gaslit,” with their pain dismissed and a lack of access to specialist gynaecological support.

Dr Jasmine Hearn, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, commented on the study, stating, “The experiences of the women we spoke to are sad, shocking and reveal issues of systemic sexism that still exists within the healthcare system.” The report underscores societal norms around discussing gynaecological health, highlighting the need to break the silence and challenge the unacceptable notion that women’s issues should be dealt with quietly.

This incident is part of a broader narrative where women are often told to endure pain stoically. The conversation extends beyond geographical boundaries, as evidenced by The Retrievals podcast, sharing stories of women who underwent painful experiences at Yale Fertility Centre in the US, exposing a disturbing lack of empathy and understanding.

The root of the problem lies in a historical gap in knowledge about female health. Biomedical research, until the nineties, predominantly focused on male bodies, excluding the nuances of hormonal variations in women. Shockingly, only this year was the first study conducted to analyse the absorbency capacity of period products using actual blood, not saline.

The complex web of issues surrounding women’s health has led many to seek alternative avenues for relief. Studies show that women are twice as likely to explore complementary and alternative medicine, such as homoeopathy and acupuncture, reflecting a growing dissatisfaction with conventional healthcare.

The personal experiences of the author add a poignant layer to this narrative. Having struggled with gnarly period pain for almost 20 years, she shares her journey of being side-eyed by medical professionals and offered limited solutions, such as hormonal birth control and potent pain relief. Faced with dismissive attitudes, she turned to alternative therapies like magnesium and reiki for relief.

While the pursuit of alternative health is not inherently problematic, the article raises concerns about women feeling compelled to explore these options due to a lack of understanding and dismissal of their pain within the mainstream healthcare system. The financial aspect also comes into play, with many alternative therapies being expensive and therefore accessible primarily to those with more resources.

The article advocates for accessible, science-backed healthcare for all women, irrespective of their financial status. It emphasises the need to bridge the gap in healthcare, ensuring that evidence-based treatments are readily available and that women are not forced into seeking costly alternatives simply because mainstream options fall short.

As the current situation persists, the article expresses concern that the cycle of women seeking relief through expensive and unproven treatments may continue, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change in how women’s health is understood and addressed within the healthcare system.