Women Demand Respect in GP Consultations: A Call for Change
A recent poll reveals that women feel their concerns are often dismissed by GPs, leading to a call for better treatment from healthcare professionals.
Women Demand Respect in GP Consultations: A Call for Change
A recent poll reveals that women feel their concerns are often dismissed by GPs, leading to a call for better treatment from healthcare professionals. A charity has emphasized the need for women to be taken seriously when they seek medical help, as a staggering 70% of women believe their concerns are not adequately addressed, compared to 52% of men.
The survey of 4,677 British adults shows a concerning trend: 27% of women have experienced doctors being dismissive multiple times, while only 16% of men report similar experiences. This disparity highlights a pressing issue within healthcare that needs addressing.
Janet Lindsay, CEO of Wellbeing of Women, expressed her disappointment at the findings, stating, "Women face significant barriers when seeking health help. Our campaign showed that 50% of women have had their period symptoms dismissed, often by healthcare professionals." This ongoing stigma and lack of education about women’s health issues result in women waiting an average of two years before seeking help.
Dr. Michael Mulholland from the Royal College of GPs acknowledged the problem, saying, "It’s concerning to see so many women feel unheard. Effective health care requires a collaborative dialogue between patients and doctors." He emphasized that conditions like endometriosis can be challenging to diagnose, making it crucial for doctors to listen carefully to their patients.
Healthwatch England has also reported that many women feel their health concerns are overlooked, leading to misdiagnosis and delayed care. One woman shared her struggle with PCOS, detailing how her GP’s advice was limited to contraception, disregarding her requests for further assessment.
As the conversation around women's health continues to grow, there is an urgent need for healthcare providers to change their approach, ensuring that every woman's voice is heard and respected.
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