Endometriosis is a debilitating condition affecting millions of women worldwide. Unfortunately, for many of these women, the road to a diagnosis is a long and painful one, with their symptoms being dismissed as normal period pain or something they just have to “deal with.” This dismissive attitude towards women’s health concerns is known as medical gaslighting, and it must end.

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain, heavy bleeding, and fertility issues. Despite affecting approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, it takes an average of 7-10 years to be diagnosed, with many women having to see multiple doctors before they are taken seriously.

In many cases, doctors dismiss women’s symptoms as simply being a part of their menstrual cycle or suggest that they just need to take painkillers and tough it out. This dismissive attitude is not only frustrating for women but can also lead to delayed treatment and further complications.

One reason for the medical gaslighting of women with endometriosis is the lack of education on the condition in medical schools. Endometriosis is often not covered in detail, leading to doctors not recognizing the symptoms or knowing how to properly diagnose it.

Another reason is the stigma surrounding women’s health issues. Women’s pain and discomfort are often normalized, leading to a culture where women are expected to “just deal with it” and not complain. This attitude has no place in modern medicine, and it’s time for doctors to start taking women’s health concerns seriously.

If you are experiencing painful periods, heavy bleeding, or fertility issues, don’t give up on finding a doctor who will take your concerns seriously. Keep advocating for yourself and seeking out doctors who are knowledgeable about endometriosis.

Medical gaslighting is a real issue that affects many women, but it doesn’t have to be the norm. With more education and awareness about endometriosis, we can ensure that women get the care and treatment they deserve.