I’ve always wondered what the world would look like if men had periods.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m not throwing shade here! I don’t think men are the lesser species, nor do I believe they have lower pain thresholds. In fact, I’m pretty sure the men in my life would just push through a painful period and get on with it, much like women do. But let’s be honest—if men had periods, there’d probably be a lot more research into female reproductive and gynaecological health.
For starters, we wouldn’t still be using contraptions that look like car jacks to crank open our precious fannies for a smear test. And let’s not forget the mammogram machine—a device that CLAMPS your breasts like a vice! Crushed titties anyone? Honestly, I’d bet good money that only someone without a vagina or breasts could have come up with these inventions. And, as history would have it, the inventors of both the smear test and mammogram were men.
Don’t misunderstand me—I am incredibly grateful for these life-saving procedures. But come on, surely it’s time to update the protocols? Let’s have a go at designing something that doesn’t make us feel like we’re prepping for an MOT.
I say all this to highlight a harsh reality: women’s health is riddled with inequities, and it’s high time for some much-needed change.
Why Women’s Health Needs Improving
Women’s health has long been underfunded, under-researched, and underrepresented in the UK. Despite some progress, the disparities in how health issues are recognised, treated, and funded remain stark. Here are five key reasons why:
1. Research Funding Disparities
Studies consistently show that men’s health issues receive more research funding than women’s. For example:
Cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death among women, is primarily studied in men, resulting in diagnostic tools and treatments that are less effective for women.
Autoimmune diseases, which disproportionately affect women (80% of sufferers globally), receive limited attention. Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are significantly more common in women but remain poorly understood.
Reproductive health research—covering conditions like endometriosis—accounts for less than 2.5% of publicly funded research in the UK.
A 2021 UK government report acknowledged this imbalance, but progress has been glacial.
2. The "Gender Pain Gap"
Women’s pain is often dismissed or underestimated:
Women are more likely than men to wait longer for pain relief in A&E.
Endometriosis, which affects 1 in 10 women, takes an average of 8 years to diagnose in the UK, partly due to a lack of awareness and research.
Women’s health concerns are frequently attributed to psychological causes, perpetuating stereotypes of "emotional fragility."
3. Gender Bias in Medical Education
Medical training historically treats the male body as the "default," leaving healthcare providers less prepared to recognise women’s symptoms:
Diagnostic criteria often overlook women. For example, women experiencing heart attacks present with different symptoms than men, leading to misdiagnosis or delays in treatment.
Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) receive minimal coverage in medical curricula compared to erectile dysfunction.
4. Neglect of Chronic Conditions Predominantly Affecting Women
Chronic illnesses that disproportionately impact women are frequently misunderstood or dismissed:
Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are often labelled psychosomatic.
Menopause—a major health transition—is only now beginning to receive the attention it deserves, despite its profound impact on women’s lives.
5. Social and Cultural Stigma
Societal attitudes play a significant role in the dismissal of women’s health issues:
Women are expected to "push through" pain and discomfort, particularly when it comes to periods, pregnancy, and menopause.
Cultural taboos surrounding these topics contribute to a lack of awareness and education within healthcare systems.
What You Can Do to Advocate for Your Health
1. Write it Down
If something feels off with your health, start keeping track. Think of it like detective work:
What’s the symptom? Describe it—spare no detail, even the weird ones.
When does it happen? Morning? Evening? After your second cup of tea?
What triggers it? Is it that third cup of tea, or maybe a cheeky bit of stress?
What helps? Rest? Deep breathing ? Or maybe lying in the foetal position and cursing the universe?
Take this goldmine of info to your GP. It shows you’re not only serious about your health but also doing your homework.
2. Prepare for Appointments
Your GP or practice nurse is busy—probably running on coffee and goodwill. So, help them help you:
Be Ready: Write down your concerns and questions before the appointment. You don’t want to freeze like a deer in headlights when they ask, “So, what’s brought you in today?”
Speak Up: If something doesn’t make sense, ask them to explain it again. They’re there to help, not to bamboozle you with medical jargon.
Follow Up: Chase referrals and results like your health depends on it—because it does. The system is a mess, and until it gets fixed, we’ve got to be our own admin team.
Bring Backup: If possible, take a friend or family member. They can ask questions, take notes, and stop you from spiralling into overthinking halfway through the appointment.
3. Explore Private Healthcare or Health Cash Plans
I love the NHS, truly. But waiting six months for a referral while you’re in pain or worrying something serious is being overlooked? Not so much. If your budget allows, look into private healthcare or a health cash plan. Companies like AXA or BUPA offer tailored packages, and cash plans can reimburse you for things like diagnostic tests or physio. Think of it as an investment in not losing your marbles while you wait for answers.
4. Educate Yourself (But Don’t Go Down the Google Rabbit Hole)
Yes, your GP trained for years, but even they can’t know everything. That’s why it pays to do a bit of homework on your symptoms and possible conditions.
Stick to reliable sources like the NHS website or reputable charities like Endometriosis UK or British Heart Foundation.
It’s true that food can be medicine and herbs can play a powerful role in healing. However, make sure to do thorough research—don’t just rely on anecdotal evidence from someone’s personal experience.
Attend webinars or talks by healthcare professionals
5. Get Ready to Advocate Like a Boss
Let’s be real—the system isn’t perfect. The NHS has been neglected for the best part of a decade. But don’t let that stop you from getting the care you deserve. Be proactive, be persistent, and don’t be afraid to say, “Actually, I’m not sure that’s right.” You’ve got this!
Conclusion
So here’s the deal, ladies: the UK healthcare system isn’t changing overnight. But that doesn’t mean we should settle for outdated methods or dismissive attitudes. Be your own advocate. Write things down, chase referrals, and demand better.
And remember, the next time someone rolls their eyes when you mention a health concern, just ask them, when did they last have their pee-pee clamped, their rectum clamped open or had a period. If the answer is never… go forth boldly and fight for your health—you deserve nothing less.
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