If you are a man, you would never consider the possibility that healthcare could be subjective. When it comes to suffering, they treat women very differently than males.
For instance, the research found that when women go to the emergency room with acute pain, they are less likely than men to receive opioid medicines. In 2016, University College London researchers discovered that women with dementia get worse medical care than males do.
An IUD was recently implanted, so a Redditor with the pseudonym u/Ancient-Abs thought she’d share her personal story with the r/TwoXChromosomes forum, a Reddit subreddit dedicated to women’s viewpoints. Why are many gynecological operations performed without pain medication? is the subject line of one of her postings.
They described persistent gaslighting, refusal of counseling, and even misdiagnosis as examples of how women face discrimination when seeking medical care. The OP continues by sharing her own story about how she was refused painkillers and ultimately suffered difficulties.
Most of the fascinating responses the OP received were from women who described their dreadful experiences following a medical procedure. These women deserve a lot of respect for bringing awareness to a sensitive subject that isn’t discussed enough.
Here’s the original Reddit post by u/Ancient-Abs:
OP wondered how such things are permitted and asked about a way to change it.
OP then urged the community to join her in writing a letter to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
They then provided a template for anyone willing to participate.
Here’s the template that OP made for the community:
She gave them a piece of her mind and absolutely nailed it!
This gaslighting should come to an end.
End the torture of women. Well said.
Many members of the r/TwoXChromosomes community related to OP’s post and decided to share some stories of their own:
It doesn’t last long, but it still hurts nonetheless.
Passing out in the elevator after a procedure.
“The pain was unbearable and I felt violated”
The pain is as serious as it gets.
Getting bullied by your physician.
More and more bullying followed the initial interaction.
It’s always important to get more than one opinion.
It’s really hard to self-advocate when you’re on the spectrum.
Things need to change as soon as possible.
It should always at least be an option.
This user also had a terrible experience during an IUD insertion.
They prefer full anesthesia over prescribing one pain pill.
Things can always go this smoothly.
Passing out on the table from the pain.
Woman should be prepared for the worst. Anything can happen.
You’re basically not supposed to scream…
Are women seen as tough, or subhuman?
“I pushed everyone off me and had a panic attack.”
Men and women don’t get the same treatment.
“I was dizzy, seeing spots, heavily sweating.”
This should always be an option for gynecology procedures.
It’s not just a pinch, it’s much more than that.
When women report experiencing discomfort, doctors need to start paying attention. When you’re already in agonizing pain, hearing that you can’t feel pain would undoubtedly make your blood boil even more.
Before gynecology procedures, a variety of options should be provided so that women can, if they choose, mentally prepare for the worst-case scenario. Not being superhuman, women experience pain just like males do.
It’s tragic how many ladies experienced these horrible events; something must change quickly since it’s getting absurd. One day, when we review these medical horror stories, we’ll marvel at how on earth we ever approved of such procedures.
