It's a sad but common occurrence for women to have their symptoms dismissed by doctors. Many face misdiagnoses, delayed treatment and a higher mortality risk as a result. Here's an overview of gender bias in medicine, why women are often poorly represented in medical research and what you can do to advocate for better health care.   

Gender Bias in Medicine

According to the United Nations Development Programme, 91% of men show at least one clear bias against women concerning the economy, education, domestic violence, politics and reproductive rights. As such, it should be of little surprise how typical it is for women to receive a misdiagnosis. 

Like anyone, medical professionals may have unfair perceptions of female patients and their ailments. Women also display symptoms differently than their male counterparts. For example, they're usually diagnosed with cardiovascular disease 10 years later than men because their symptoms are atypical of male heart attacks.

Misunderstandings around women's reproductive health also contribute to overlooked conditions. In the U.S., maternal mortality rates were three times higher in 2020 than in other developed countries — or 24 deaths for every 100,000 live births. Likewise, Black women have a three times higher mortality risk than white women while pregnant.

In March 2024, actress Halle Berry also spoke out about being wrongly diagnosed with herpes after complaining about excruciating sex. Testing showed otherwise — she was actually going through perimenopause.

Berry is one of many women who endure immense suffering due to gender biases and incorrect diagnoses. In one study of sub-Saharan African women, 70% of the participants received delayed breast cancer detection. Among them, their risk of death was 73% higher. The study highlighted the need for greater awareness and improved clinical evaluation of the disease.

Medical Research: The Underrepresentation of Women

The medical industry has long excluded female participants from studies, broadening the gender gap and worsening women's health outcomes. Consequently, women wait longer for a diagnosis, which may come too late.

In a review of sex inequalities in medical research, female representation accounted for only 37%, with women constituting only 30% of subjects in a study on cardiovascular health. 

The underrepresentation has never been more evident than in gynecology and endocrinology. For example, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) — a hormonal disorder — affects 6%-12% of women of reproductive age globally. However, only 0.01% of funding goes toward PCOS research. 

Sadly, many researchers deem women's bodies too complicated, with elusive conditions plaguing their well-being. The lack of research surrounding women's health increases the chance of being misdiagnosed and further prolongs receiving adequate treatment.

How to Handle a Misdiagnosis

Finding out you were misdiagnosed will likely upset you — and rightfully so. Everyone deserves fair and equitable health care, regardless of gender. It's important to handle a misdiagnosis properly because it could be a matter of life or death. 

You can handle a misdiagnosis and poor conduct by health care specialists in the following ways:

• Be persistent about your care. For instance, women 21-29 years old should schedule an annual pap smear, while those 30-65 should schedule one every five years.

• Advocate for yourself by communicating your concerns, asking questions and demanding a clear explanation.

• Seek a second, third and fourth opinion if you must.

• Demand bloodwork and tests if it will give you peace of mind.

• Always review appointment notes in your digital patient chart.

• Keep a record of your symptoms, such as how often you experience them, their severity and any triggers.

• Stay informed about the latest treatments and procedures for your diagnosis.

Facing a misdiagnosis head-on is taking control of your health. There is power in speaking up and demanding a correct detection, prognosis and treatment plan. 

Feel Empowered to Take Control of Your Health

Unfortunately, an industry-wide transformation in the short term is unlikely to prevent misdiagnoses in women. Therefore, it's up to you to take charge of your health, do your own research and advocate for adequate care and treatment.

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Mia Barnes is a health and wellness writer and the Editor In Chief at Body+Mind. She especially enjoys writing about mental health, physical well-being, mindfulness, and healthy living. When she's not writing, you can find Mia reading romance novels, jogging, and trying new recipes!