Medical Misogyny
COMING off the end of Women’s Health Week, it is important to acknowledge the continual battle that women face when seeking diagnosis for their pain. This year’s theme for Women’s Health Week was ‘Grow your Knowledge’ and personally, this...
COMING off the end of Women’s Health Week, it is important to acknowledge the continual battle that women face when seeking diagnosis for their pain.
This year’s theme for Women’s Health Week was ‘Grow your Knowledge’ and personally, this resonates with me.
In July this year, after 11 years of chronic pain and suffering, I underwent surgery for suspected endometriosis.
Following surgery, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Endometriosis.
When the surgeon diagnosed me, I burst into tears. I had doubted my pain for so many years and finally, I could breathe.
Ever since I was a young girl, I have been to several doctors, specialists, and hospitals with severe abdominal and pelvic pain that worsened over time.
Each time I was told to “Take Nurofen” or “Use a heat pack”, or “Nothing is wrong, toughen up.”
If only someone had listened to me early on.
My story is not unique. Across the country, women are subject to medical gaslighting.
We have an overtly sexist health system that focuses on the emotion that women display when discussing their pain, rather than its magnitude.
Over time, the system has been manipulated and moulded to service men.
Not all doctors are misogynists, however. I am lucky that I had the time, resources, and support to continue advocating for myself.
Many women don’t. Many women don’t make it past their GP’s office into further medical exploration. Not being listened too, too busy caring for their family, or self-doubt all factor into this crisis.
The Assistant Minister for Health, Ged Kearney is paving the way for change by helming a new National Women’s Health Advisory Council which will reframe women’s health in Australia.
She is calling on women across Australia to share their experience for the committee before October 13th via: https://www.health.gov.au/womens-health-advisory-council.
Today, I have 4 scars across my stomach, permanent burns on the right side of my body from continual heat pack usage, and a fire in my belly to continue advocating and growing my knowledge for women’s health amid a system that is failing so many of us.
Sara Diana Faraj - President - FCYP
