A recent study suggests that women seeking help for certain gynecological disorders may have their symptoms downplayed by their healthcare providers. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, highlights the harmful impact of dismissive and invalidating remarks made by doctors and nurses regarding conditions affecting the vulva and vagina. This can be distressing for women, leading some to give up on finding relief for their pain.
The research, led by OB-GYN Dr. Chailee Moss from George Washington University, stemmed from years of hearing patient experiences and recognizing the lack of awareness within the medical community. The study focused on patients at a vulvovaginal clinic seeking care for various disorders causing pain, sexual dysfunction, and bowel/bladder issues.
The survey created by Moss and her team included questions about dismissive behaviors commonly encountered by patients, such as being told to lose weight, seek therapy, or drink alcohol to manage pain. Nearly 450 women completed the survey between August 2023 and February 2024.
Results showed that while about 43.5% of past healthcare providers were supportive, over a quarter displayed belittling behavior and around 20% doubted the patients. Notably, many women were advised to relax more, drink alcohol, or made to feel as if their symptoms were not valid. Some even reported being referred to psychiatry without receiving medical treatment.
The study revealed that a significant number of women felt their concerns were disregarded, causing them to discontinue seeking care. Dr. Moss emphasized the distress caused by advice like “Just have a glass of wine,” commonly given to pain patients.
The researchers noted limitations such as the study’s single-clinic focus, potential gender bias among healthcare providers, and reliance on patient recall. Despite these limitations, Dr. Moss believes similar experiences may be found in other healthcare settings.
Dr. Roger Dmochowski from Vanderbilt University Medical Center highlighted the report’s importance in shedding light on how women with urinary and pelvic floor issues often face undertreatment and dismissal of their symptoms. He emphasized the need for healthcare providers to listen attentively to their patients’ concerns.
Dmochowski emphasized the importance of listening to patients, especially those with complex medical issues involving pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary problems, and sexual issues. He stressed the significance of empathy in providing care.
When faced with doctors who don’t listen, Dmochowski advised patients not to give up and to seek care from a different provider. Dr. Alessandra Hirsch from Columbia University acknowledged the historical issue of providers dismissing women’s pain and expressed concern over delayed diagnoses for conditions like endometriosis.
Hirsch urged doctors to be attentive and empathetic, as studies have shown that patients with attentive providers reported lower symptom severity. She noted the lack of training in pelvic pain for doctors and the rushed nature of healthcare appointments as contributing factors to the issue.
Hirsch recommended that women trust their instincts and move on from uncomfortable medical exams, emphasizing that gaslighting is a form of disrespect.
