When it comes to gender inequality, the gender health gap - or gender health disparity as some people call it - is a big issue.
From misdiagnosis to failing to provide adequate care, menstrual and maternity health are two of the major areas where women experience worse quality care. The tide is slowly changing, and it’s part of our mission to help lead the charge to change women’s healthcare for the better.
What you need to know about the gender health gap
- Women are more likely to have their pain or health experiences dismissed.
- Women’s biology is less researched and less well understood than men’s.
- Women are more likely to be misdiagnosed than men for some conditions.
What is the gender health gap in menstrual health?
Gender health gaps refer to the differences in how common a disease or condition is, how well it is managed, and how accessible treatment is between men and women. For example, women are half as likely to receive painkillers after surgery as men.
When it comes to menstrual health, you may well have experienced some of the inequalities yourself. Maybe you weren’t prescribed painkillers when you needed them, or perhaps you’re one of the 40% of women who need 10 GP appointments before they see a specialist for endometriosis.
Other stages of menstrual health, such as menopause, and other conditions are often overlooked or dismissed, and even when treatment happens, it may be inadequate.
Of course, the problems aren’t limited to menstrual health. There are issues with drugs for a range of conditions, not to mention lack of understanding around several women-specific ones, and mental health inequalities as well.
What we’re doing about the gender health gap
We wouldn’t blame you if you thought that sounded grim. But don’t worry! Things are getting better thanks to new policies, technologies and a greater awareness of the problem.
And we’re right in the thick of things with Mihna. It’s our mission to give you the menstrual health you deserve.
Which is why we’re creating Mihna. It’s being designed to be:
- Accessible and available for everyone who needs it;
- Effective, so you know that it works;
- Customisable by you for exactly what you need.
How you can change the future
<p class="box_text">We’re doing all we can, but we need your help as well, and that’s where the Mihna Community comes in. We’re building a global network of people just like you who want to change the future of menstrual health for the better.</p>
As well as being able to share your experiences and make connections with others, you’ll also be able to contribute directly to scientific research into menstrual health issues and creating new, better treatments that will change lives.
<button class="button">Sign up to the Mihna Community</button>
If after all this you’re wondering why there’s a gender health gap in the first place…
