Following the news that less women than ever are going for smear tests in the UK, potentially putting themselves at risk of many life-changing health complications, we may well ask ourselves: would we know when to seek out treatment if we did have a reproductive health issue? And are we getting the correct support when we do seek help?
Specialist lawyers Bolt Burdon Kemp worked with gynaecologist Dr Anne Henderson to take a deeper look at women’s understanding of their own reproductive health – and the results might be enough to make you sit up and take notice (or at least book yourself in for that smear…)
Patients lack information about reproductive health
47% of women claimed they didn’t know enough about their reproductive health, meaning that almost half of us are unsure what changes to watch out for, or what counts as a serious change as opposed to a natural variation in our cycles or appearance. However, despite this lack of knowledge, Bolt Burdon Kemp’s research also uncovered that women are more likely than men to rely on the internet for answers. 4 in 10 women would check the NHS website before going to the GP while a quarter of women would rely on a general Google search. Women are also more likely than men to rely on their family, partner or friends for information.
Some of this reticence may be down to the fact that discussing ‘down there’ remains one of the last healthcare taboos for many women. 46% of women cited that they weren’t comfortable discussing reproductive health issues, meaning that embarrassment borne of incomprehension may be leading many women to endanger themselves.
With 60% of women agreeing that there needs to be more education about reproductive health in schools to break down these barriers and 7 million Brits overall saying they don’t know enough about their reproductive health, it’s clear more needs to be done to inform patients.
Women lack support when it comes to reproductive health
Another factor that might stop women speaking out about their issues is the attitude of doctors themselves. While women go to the doctor multiple times more than men, they are also more likely to stop seeking treatment even though their issue is not resolved, compared to men. 22% of women surveyed said they’d stopped seeking official medical treatment for medical health issues compared to 18% of men – a 22% increase.
The research also found that 4 million women state that they have no-one to talk to about their reproductive health, more women (14%) than men (13%) say it’s difficult to talk to their doctor about their reproductive health, and more women (11%) than men (8%) say they don’t feel heard when they talk to doctors about reproductive health. They are also more likely to say they are worried or stressed about issues relating to their reproductive health (26% versus 18%).
Add to that, women are also more likely than men to say they are too busy at work (9% versus 8%) and with family or kids (9% versus 6%) to see a doctor about their reproductive health. Dr Henderson says that it’s not uncommon. “I’ve had female patients who struggle with reproductive issues for longer than they should simply because they struggle to fit in appointments around their working hours and other responsibilities.”
All in all, the future looks rather grim for women. So, how do we address this breakdown? It might be hard, but the best way is simply to grit our teeth and keep pushing for a diagnosis. Dr Google, easy as it may be, isn’t able to offer a full consultation. Look at charity websites to educate yourself on your concerns, don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion on a diagnosis that doesn’t sit right with you, and keep requesting more information. Knowledge is power, after all.
