While it’s an unfortunate reality, it’s been well-documented that many healthcare professionals don’t take women’s health concerns seriously. It’s not uncommon for women to have their symptoms dismissed entirely, or for professionals to think their female patients are blowing things out of proportion. 

Obviously, the industry itself needs a major overhaul when it comes to these disparities. Until then, however, it’s women who have to continue to bear the brunt of the consequences. It’s important to see a medical professional you can trust, and not rely solely on friends, family members, or social media to “diagnose” your health issues. 

So, what can you do right now to advocate for yourself when visiting the doctor? How can you fight back against this “medical gaslighting” and ensure you’re getting the attention and care you deserve? 

Trust Your Body

You know your body better than anyone.

While you may not be able to pinpoint what every strange symptom means, you’ll usually be able to tell when something feels “off.” You can advocate for yourself at the doctor by being as in tune with your body as possible. If you really want to be taken seriously, consider keeping a log of your symptoms and how they change or progress each day. 

When you have something written down, it’s harder for a healthcare professional to ignore the reality of what’s happening. It’s even harder for them to ignore the evidence in front of them or suggest you’re exaggerating. 

Trust your body above everything else. Nothing should stop you from making an appointment to see your doctor when you know something isn’t functioning the way it should. 

Speak Up 

Nothing will change within the healthcare industry if more women aren’t willing to speak up and be verbal advocates for themselves (and others). If you go to a doctor and you feel like you aren’t being heard or taken seriously, tell them. Be direct and concise with your words, and don’t be afraid to express your concerns. Use the following tips to make direct communication even easier. 

• Don’t wait until the end of your visit to ask questions
• Stay on course with a clear message
• Don’t accept excuses about your symptoms
• Express your feelings
• Tell the whole truth

If you’re worried you might not have the confidence to speak up to your doctor, consider bringing someone with you to your appointment. As infuriating as it might be, bringing a man along might actually make a difference. It’s easy for women to feel invisible when they’re at a simple checkup or trying to get a proper diagnosis. 

You might be surprised by how differently a doctor treats you when your husband, boyfriend, or a male family member is in the room. Don’t be afraid to point that out, if it happens. Let your doctor know you feel more seen and heard when you have a male presence there. It might feel awkward “calling them out,” but it can help them to realize their errors. Even embarrassing them so much that they have a change of attitude can make a difference in your future care. 

Move On 

Unfortunately, there are some healthcare professionals that won’t change, no matter how many women come forward and try to make a difference. Your overall well-being is what matters most. If your doctor isn’t going to make your health a priority, you need to do it for yourself – even if it means moving on. 

It might not seem like you’re doing much “damage” to your doctor’s patient list by choosing to go somewhere else. But, the more women who step up and move on from a doctor that doesn’t take them seriously, the bigger impact it will have on that practice, and eventually the medical industry at large. 

Thankfully, we’re living in a society that has widely accepted and adopted telemedicine. If you’re not comfortable with your current doctor’s way of doing things, consider finding a doctor somewhere across the country that you can connect with online. There are many benefits to telehealth, including: 

• Convenience
• Accessibility
• Affordability
• Comfort

If you’ve had negative experiences with doctors in the past, telemedicine can also help you to overcome “white coat syndrome,” or a feeling of increased anxiety at the doctor’s office. Because you can meet with a medical professional from home, you’ll be more likely to open up and talk about your medical issues without feeling anxious. 

Of course, telehealth can’t be used for everything. There are certain procedures and tests that will always need to be done in person. So, it’s worth it to do your research on local doctors who have good reviews and high standards when it comes to treating female patients properly. 

Whether you’ve gone through negative experiences with your doctor or you just feel like you aren’t being taken seriously, it’s up to you to be your own best advocate. The more women who choose to stand up, the more demand there will be for the healthcare industry to make big, sweeping changes to the way female patients are treated.