Exploring the Gender Bias in Medicine: 6 Ways That Gender Affects Health
Gender bias in medicine is prevalent and can have serious consequences on the health outcomes of individuals. Biological differences between men and women are a well-known fact; however, there are social, cultural, and economic factors that can also influence how men and women receive medical care. This article delves into the various ways that gender affects health and explores solutions to alleviate the gender-based disparities in medicine.
1. The Symptom Perception Gap
Research has shown that women are more likely to experience chronic pain than men, yet physicians are more likely to dismiss female patients’ pain or attribute it to psychological factors. This symptom perception gap is especially visible in conditions such as endometriosis, where women’s complaints are frequently dismissed as ‘just painful periods.’ Such biases can result in delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment, leading to worsened health outcomes.
2. Clinical Trials and Drug Development
Clinical trials often exclude women, especially pregnant women, due to concerns over the safety of the fetus. This exclusion means that women’s reactions to drugs remain unknown, often leading to inadequate dosing or ineffective treatment. Gender bias in medical research also extends to animal studies where male subjects are favored because of their “simpler hormonal makeup.” This results in drugs being developed that are more suited to male physiology, leaving the female population at risk for under or overtreatment.
3. Mental Health and Somatization
Studies show that women are more likely than men to suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. However, these symptoms are often dismissed as ‘hormonal’ or ‘psychosomatic.’ This invalidation leads to women avoiding seeking support and enduring their symptoms for longer periods, resulting in deleterious effects on their physical health.
4. Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence, including domestic violence and sexual assault, is a significant public health problem affecting women worldwide. A 2018 World Health Organization report on intimate partner violence found that one in three women had experienced physical or sexual violence by their partner or another sexual partner. Gender-based violence can cause physical and psychological harm, leading to long-term health effects such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
5. Women’s Health and Reproductive Rights
Historically, women’s health and reproductive rights have been largely neglected and seen as ‘secondary’ to men’s health concerns. The lack of emphasis on women’s healthcare needs has resulted in inadequate funding for research and treatment of conditions unique to women such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and menopause. The lack of access to these resources results in reduced quality of life, missed opportunities for early intervention, and unnecessary medical complications.
6. Lack of Diversity in Healthcare
The healthcare industry, including medical practitioners and researchers, is predominantly male. The lack of diversity can lead to prejudices and biases in medical decision-making, treatment, and research. In healthcare, diversity is critical for reflecting the patient population and providing culturally sensitive care. A diverse healthcare team can develop interventions and treatments that are culturally and anatomically tailored to minority populations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is imperative to address gender bias in medicine to improve the health outcomes of all individuals. By recognizing the ways gender influences healthcare, we can identify gaps and work towards equitable care. Emphasizing diversity, incorporating patient voices, and increasing funding for women’s health research are some potential solutions. As a society, we must continue to actively dismantle the institutional and cultural barriers that perpetuate gender-based disparities in healthcare.
