Your Experiences

in healthcare and research

Calling All Women.

Be the Voice of Change in Women's Healthcare! Join us to share your stories, shape a brighter future, and tackle lingering biases. Let's break barriers, address unique healthcare challenges, and celebrate diversity, ensuring every woman's experience is heard, valued, and empowered!

#BeMe

  • "I was continuously told by my doctor that I was just unlucky that I had bad period pain but it was a normal part of being a woman. I didn’t think there was anything wrong because my doctor kept telling me it was normal"

  • "I've experienced medical gaslighting for 18 years since diagnosis of stage 4 Endometriosis at the age of 26. It has resulted in me having numerous surgeries that would not have been necessary if I had been correctly monitored and screened regularly"

  • "I feel I was treated like I was exaggerating because Im a female and I feel that if any man was feeling the same level of pain /fatigue then they would be taken more seriously"

  • "No one came after me when I ran out of the room. The SHO was the only person to offer any empathy and had calmed me down"

  • "Being dismissed continuously as unlucky, unfortunate and it’s just womens problems. From being told "have a baby" to "you need to speak to someone and learn to manage your stress". Or my all time favourite “statistically that is rare so very unlikely you have it”."

  • "Dismissed by gp over menstrual / bowel pain and problems. As a women in my twenties had to get my mum to advocate on my behalf. Gp even said in her referral that i insisted where she didnt see the need. At my referral apt and following surgery i was diagnosed with stage 3 endometriosis"

  • "Definitely as a woman I have felt gender / ageism bias. I didn't get my periods until I was 15/16 and suffered horrendously with them, was told the pain I was suffering was normal and part of being a woman and I just was a late bloomer they would settle down."

  • "My access to timely monitoring and long delays since my diagnosis of stage 4 Endometriosis back in 2005 has led to numerous surgeries "

  • "The pill or getting pregnant has been rolled out as an answer so many times. I feel women are not taken seriously. I am in pain on a daily basis and no one seems to take this seriously despite the negative affect it has on my life"

  • "My mom was told I couldn't get anything for my period pain till I was 16 I was about 13 at the time & I had had severe pain with my periods since age 11. I relied on hot water bottles or sitting on storage heater to help with the pain."

  • "I never had a UTI before reaching menopause. The problem with a UTI in menopause is the symptoms can be hard to tell until it becomes quite bad. With awful sweating & back ache these symptoms can be taken for hot flushes & general aches at this age."

  • "I was diagnosed with Endometriosis when I was 25 years old, I am 34 now. I always had painful, heavy periods and was never taken seriously by my local GP. He once told, that's just how it is for women - some periods are more painful and heavier for some women. "

  • "I’ve found I’ve had to educate myself more and know what to ask for to get offered treatments I feel it was my education in my pharmacy degree that made me aware of these issues and not afraid to ask questions and push for better treatment. "

  • "Overall I’m not satisfied with the level of general awareness or focus on women’s genitourinary health but I am really inspired by recent highlighting of these kinds of issues, particularly by pharmacists and doctors on social media and on podcasts."

  • "Yes it was in fact another UTI another 55 euros for the dr, another antibiotic but no other further lab tests or specialist referrals to investigate why I was getting this repeatedly. I felt dismissed/ unheard not important and as if I had endless patience and money."

  • "I'm being treated in London for a chronic UTI. I fly over twice a year."

Meet Breda

Breda Quealy talks about her 35 year path to diagnosis with von Willebrands Disorder. Breda faced a number of life threatening procedures and operations before she was tested for the disease. Listen to her story of #BiasWomensHealth.

Breaking the Silence

Kathleen King's 9-Year Path to Endometriosis Diagnosis. Unveiling the Challenges of #BiasWomensHealth and Offering Supportive Tips for Those on a Similar Journey.

Meet Selina

A Trailblazing Advocate for Disability Rights and Reproductive Justice. With a Master's in Disability Studies and a Diploma in Human Rights and Equality, she has championed the international disabled people's movement for over 25 years. Her groundbreaking research focuses on empowering disabled individuals' sexuality, expression, and reproductive rights. Selina's impactful work has been featured in esteemed publications, including the book "Sexualities and Irish Society: A Reader." As the Vice Chair of Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI) and a representative on the Assisted Human Reproduction Coalition, she continues to drive positive change. Not only is Selina a devoted wife and mother, but she also finds joy as a passionate home chef. By working as the Disability Liaison, Access, and Equality Officer for South Dublin County Council, she tirelessly advocates for inclusivity and accessibility in all aspects of life..

Meet Gabrielle

Gabrielle Jackson's Battle with Chronic Pain. As the Associate News Editor at the Guardian Australia, she bravely shares her powerful story that inspired her acclaimed book "Pain & Prejudice." Join us as she sheds light on the challenges faced by women in healthcare and research, and her vision for a more compassionate and inclusive future.

Meet Maureen

Empowering Women with PCOS. Diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), she founded the non-profit organization PCOS Vitality to raise awareness about this life-altering condition. Join her on a journey of advocacy, support, and hope for women everywhere.

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