How Healthcare Is Not Same for Women

Gender bias happens when one gender is preferred over another. Studies show it also exists in healthcare

01 Mar, 2023

Kashish Sharma

Gender bias in medicine

Stereotypes about gender can also affect how doctors and healthcare workers approach and treat patients.

Source: Thehealthsite

Longer wait in emergency rooms

Studies show women in pain have to wait longer in emergency rooms and are often offered less- effective painkillers than men.

Source: Thehealthsite

‘All in your head

Studies show women are more likely to wait longer for a health diagnosis than men. They are more likely to be told that the symptoms are ‘all in your head’.

Source: Thehealthsite

Longer wait for a diagnosis

As per reports, many women have made more than 5 visits to a doctor prior to diagnosis.

Source: Thehealthsite

Offered anti-anxiety medication

Women are more likely to receive anti-anxiety drugs than men when they approach a hospital for pain.

Source: Thehealthsite

Gender gap in the medical literature

A large percentage of medical research and literature is based on the experiences of men. Biological differences between sexes can influence how diseases and medicines affect people.

Source: Thehealthsite

Misdiagnosis for heart disease

Women are more likely to receive a misdiagnosis for heart disease as their symptoms fall outside the realm of chest pain.

Source: Thehealthsite

Delayed diagnosis for bleeding disorders

Women having bleeding disorders are more likely to receive a delayed diagnosis. A study shows that a woman with severe haemophilia can see a diagnosis delay of 39 months.

Source: Thehealthsite

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