Are you experiencing medical gaslighting?
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Medical gaslighting occurs when healthcare providers dismiss or minimise a patient's symptoms, attributing them to psychological factors or suggesting they are exaggerated or not real. This can lead to patients feeling invalidated, misunderstood and even questioning their own experiences and judgment.
How medical gaslighting affects people with Endometriosis:
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Delayed diagnosis:
- People with Endometriosis often face significant delays in diagnosis due to their symptoms being dismissed or attributed to other less serious conditions. This can lead to prolonged suffering and a lack of appropriate treatment.
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Misdiagnosis:
- Symptoms of Endometriosis, such as pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding and gastrointestinal issues, are often mistaken for other conditions like IBS or mental health issues, resulting in misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatments.
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Emotional and psychological impact:
- Constantly having their pain and symptoms dismissed can lead to feelings of frustration, helplessness and depression. It can erode a patient's trust in the medical system and discourage them from seeking further help.
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Worsening of symptoms:
- Without proper diagnosis and treatment, the symptoms of Endometriosis can worsen over time, leading to increased pain, more severe menstrual issues, and potential fertility problems.
How to avoid medical gaslighting:
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Be informed:
- Educate yourself about Endometriosis and it's symptoms. Understanding your condition can help you advocate more effectively for yourself.
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Document symptoms:
- Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including their frequency, duration and intensity. Take a diary with you and record as much information as you need to so you can stay informed and remember to ask any specific questions that you want to get out of your appointment. This documentation can provide concrete evidence to present to other healthcare providers if needed.
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Seek a Specialist:
- If your symptoms are being dismissed, consider seeking a second/third opinion as needed until you find a specialist in Endometriosis or reproductive health who takes you seriously. Specialists are more likely to recognise and understand the condition.
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Be assertive:
- Clearly communicate your symptoms and concerns. If you feel dismissed, don't hesitate to ask questions or request further testing. It's important to advocate for your health assertively yet respectfully.
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Bring support:
- Consider bringing a friend or family member to appointments. They can provide emotional support, help remember details and advocate on your behalf if needed.
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Request a referral:
- If your primary care Doctor is not taking your symptoms seriously, ask for a referral to a Gynecologist or reproductive Endocrinologist who has more experience with Endometriosis.
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Research healthcare providers:
- Look for healthcare providers with good reviews and those who specialise in women's health or Endometriosis. Patient testimonials and online reviews can provide insight into their approach and sensitivity to Endometriosis.
8. Ryan's rule:
- Ryan's rule is a patient and family-initiated escalation process that can be used in hospitals to ensure a patient's concerns about their health or the care they are receiving are promptly addressed. Refer to our blog on the Ryan's Rule for more information.
Medical gaslighting can have severe consequences for individuals with Endometriosis, leading to delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, emotional distress, and worsening symptoms. By being informed, documenting symptoms, seeking specialists and advocating assertively, patients can help mitigate the effects of medical gaslighting and receive the care they deserve.
PLEASE NOTE: The Endo Essentials company takes no responsibility for your diagnosis, tailoring your treatment/plan, we do not claim to be doctors and strongly recommend seeking medical advice from a Health Physician to treat your symptoms. We write these blogs purely based on the evidence provided at the current time and try our best to keep these blogs as up to date as possible.