Feeling Discouraged? You're Not Alone!
Medical Professionals Overlook the Severity
Berlin (dpa/tmn) - Struggling with unheard complaints and health issues can take a toll, and a doctor's lack of empathy is like a dagger in the back. It's demoralizing, especially when the doctor fails to offer the appropriate treatment. And it might even discourage you from seeking help in the future.
A survey by YouGov, commissioned by Doctolib, sheds light on these unfortunate experiences and reveals that they happen more frequently among women.
"Take a Deep Breath, It'll Get Better"
Women come across dismissive attitudes from doctors more frequently than men do, whether it's an insensitive comment or an incorrect diagnosis. 31% of women reported encountering negative experiences based on their gender, compared to just 10% of men.
Women also frequently have their symptoms misconstrued as psychosomatic, which means the doctor assumes the illness is psychologically rooted, not always the case. 44% of women said they heard this before, compared to 28% of men.
Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment
When health issues are attributed to mental health rather than a physical condition, it often causes delays in diagnosing and treating the underlying issue. 57% of women said they had to see multiple doctors due to this, compared to 45% of men.
Women also report more often that they've been hesitant to seek help because they're afraid of not being taken seriously. 39% of women admitted to this, compared to 23% of men.
So, what can you do to demand attention and fight for your health rights? Here are some tips from "Apotheken Umschau:"
- Push for a thorough examination and an explanation of the doctor's reasoning.
- Obtain a second opinion from another doctor if needed.
- Consider bringing a companion to your appointment who can speak up if you need support.
The survey was conducted from May 13 to 15, 2025, with 1,037 participants aged 18 and over.
Women often encounter dismissive attitudes from doctors, leading to misconstrued symptoms and delayed diagnoses, particularly in areas of mental health and women's health. It's essential to advocate for oneself in these scenarios, seeking a thorough examination, obtaining a second opinion, and bringing a companion to appointments if needed.
