Sexism within Healthcare
How do you deal with the sexism within healthcare?
Especially when it's rather covert.
Even if individual providers are doing what they can to provide good care, it's a systemic issue. Sexism when it comes to policies and research affects the system as a whole.
How do we deal with this individually? What about combating this as a group?
@AffyAvo Interesting question Affy. Do you have an example? I know that now I would take someone with me to all appointments.
Listening - One Step At A Time!
@MistyMagic It's hard to specify examples when it's not always overt. I have experienced a lot of medical gaslighting and dismissiveness. I don't know how much of that is sexism but girls and women do experience more of that compared to boys and men.
I had t outright laugh about care my husband got. I have had migraines for years, started as a child. Only got sent to a neurologist in my late 20s because a doctor was concerned about a medication - not the migraines themselves. The neurologist seemed to think it was ridiculous I was there but was at least supportive when he discovered it was the doctor's idea and not that I pushed for the referral. I have ended up having 2 brain MRIs in my 30s but that was because of concerns about the possibility of MS related to other issues, not my migraines.
My husband brought up his migraines that are more recent than mine a total of 3 times to a doctor (history with new ones plus getting a prescription) before he was sent for an MRI. He doesn't even have all the symptoms I do, just headaches and nausea.
I very much did get a sense of man with headache? Get an MRI done for that! It's much more serious than a woman with a headache.
@AffyAvo Thanks, yes I totally understand! I have experienced similar,
Listening - One Step At A Time!
@AffyAvo
@AffyAvo
Hello, thank you for bringing up this topic. As a society, it's important to address the issue of sexism in healthcare, particularly when it's covert. Individual actions such as educating oneself on the issue and speaking out against sexism when encountered can make a difference. Women can also protect themselves by seeking out female healthcare providers and advocating for their own needs and rights.
In terms of systemic change, advocacy and activism play a crucial role in promoting equity in healthcare policies and research. We can join advocacy groups, sign petitions, and support legislation that promotes equality in healthcare.
@Mya000 I guess I find it hard to call out as sexism as it's difficult to know when that's the cause of individual responses but when looking at a list of issues it surely factors in. Plus how to call out the issues of not having a disorder diagnosed for years that primarily affects womaen?
As for female vs. male providers some of the worst gaslighting I have experienced has come from women. It's also rare being able to pick, some choice with family doctor and dentist. My specialists, others involved with a team approach (nurses, assistants, social worker, residents etc) I don't have asay.
I agree with the more system wide push but it's hard to get thst really dealt with well. Improvement comes with time but it's very slow.
@AffyAvo
I completely understand your perspective. It's unfortunate that you've had some worst gaslighting experiences with female providers. However, it's important to keep in mind that women suffer from internalized sexism, which is really different from a man's sexism.
The issue of under diagnosis of disorders that primarily affect women is a major concern and must be addressed. Additionally, the limited choice in healthcare providers, particularly in team settings, is a concern that needs to be addressed as well.
I agree that change must come from a systemic level, but progress can be slow. Nevertheless, it's important to continue advocating for these issues and pushing for improvement, as every step forward counts ❤️
@AffyAvo
I have also been pondering lately how to do something about an injustice or social issue without making it worse and draining myself.
@Dallady Hopefully having this community will help knowing support is here.