Medical misogyny is a term that has been used to describe female patients experiencing sexism within a medical environment.

This has ranged from a lack of concern from medical staff towards female patients during medical procedures and appointments, to women feeling unsafe, rather than protected in the hands of medical staff.

This is not a term that has recently surfaced, but rather goes back to early childbirth practises where, in the most alarming cases, women have described themselves as feeling helpless and involuntarily passive during their most distressing moments.

Where safety should be a number one concern, women have felt that their judgement and consent is irrelevant to those whose job it is to care for them and listen to their concerns.

Research from Livi, mentioned in Victoria Holloway’s Miss Diagnosed handbook states that:

‘34% of women believe that their doctor has previously failed to take their symptoms and health concerns seriously’.

‘And, over half (57%) of women have felt they weren’t diagnosed correctly after visiting a healthcare professional’.

Considering this, how is medical misogyny still being allowed to continue today?

In light of recent events concerning medical sexism, The University of California Berkeley, conducted a study testing a range of popular Tampon brands. Researchers discovered up to 16 types of poisonous metals and toxins within mainstream Tampons, including Lead and Arsenic; substances that are known to cause harm.

Whilst researchers have stated that this is amongst the first studies to be conducted on Tampons and more research is needed to analyse the specific Tampon brands and long-term implications, this news is alarming, nonetheless.

The study also involved testing on brands that produce organic Tampons, which shockingly led to the same results. The organic menstrual products that were tested on also showed a presence of toxic metals. This demonstrates that the organic label on Tampons does not equal harmless, as consumers sometimes conclude.  

Such results have occurred due to Tampons being labelled by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) as ‘medical devices’, meaning that testing regulations are shockingly not strictly enforced during production.

What do the results of this study conclude for women’s health, then?

The vaginal wall is a highly absorbent part of a woman’s body, meaning that these poisonous metals could potentially make their way into the bloodstream. Which, with large numbers of women using Tampons monthly, could lead to long-term serious health complications. Berkeley Public Health have stated that ‘Metals have been found to increase the risk of dementia, infertility, diabetes, and cancer’.

Having been recently made aware to the public, many women have expressed their outrage upon learning about the negative effects that these everyday menstrual products could be having on their health.

Although the specific Tampon brands have not been named in the study, it’s not hard to guess which popular manufacturers are being critiqued for their dismissal of women’s health. The only Tampon brand that shared a response to the study was Aunt Flow, producing an article on July 15th that mentioned how they prioritise safety measures during their Tampon manufacturing process.

To gain insight into a rooted healthcare professional’s thoughts on the topic of medical misogyny, Panelle’s Yoyi Clark spoke to Dr. Ashwini Pandit, an experienced dentist with a well-established career in the hospital and healthcare industry. Dr. Ashwini Pandit provided a beautifully written reflection on the subject:

"From White Coats to Listening Ears,

The image of the all-knowing doctor in a white coat is a symbol of authority and trust. But for many women, this figure represents something far more complex—a gatekeeper to care who may not always listen.

Studies have shown that women are more likely to have their symptoms dismissed or misattributed to psychological causes, a phenomenon that has been dubbed the "Yentl Syndrome." When women don’t fit the male-centered model of diagnosis, their health concerns are often seen as trivial or imaginary.

Innovation in healthcare isn’t just about the latest technology or treatment—it’s about redefining the doctor-patient relationship. What if the most groundbreaking innovation was as simple as listening? A shift towards patient-centered care, where doctors truly listen and validate women’s experiences, could be revolutionary in its simplicity.

In medical education, empathy should be taught as rigorously as anatomy.

We need doctors who are trained not just to diagnose, but to listen without judgment, to recognize their own biases, and to treat women as whole individuals with complex problems’.

Indeed, the time has come for healthcare professionals to show an understanding rather than an ignorance towards women’s health.

Considering the efforts that have been made to give women the healthcare they deserve, in April this year, Dr. Sue Mann was appointed as the first NHS National Clinical Director for Women’s Health. Published on the NHS website, Mann states,

‘Having spent my career researching, treating, and developing policy and initiatives focused on women’s health, I have seen firsthand the challenges many women face’.

‘While our understanding and treatment of women’s healthcare has come a long way, we know there is still a lot more we need to do, and I am excited to be able to play a role in that as the first national clinical director for women’s health".

We have finally begun to see women being put in charge of women’s health across multiple health organisations, which has been amazing to see. This is the action that is needed for women’s health struggles to be truly acknowledged and related to.

Whilst progress has been made, there is still a lot more that needs to be done to eradicate medical misogyny.

Let’s focus on closing the gender health gap for once and for all!

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