The Gender Health Gap and what this means for your midlife pleasure

You’ve I’m sure by now heard about the pay gap between men and women, but have you heard about the gender health gap? This week is International Women’s Day and the gender health gap is just one of the many reasons why this day is still so important. Aside from just the biological differences between men and women the gender health gap exists due to a combination of social, economic, and systemic factors. These factors contribute to disparities in health outcomes, access to healthcare, and quality of care between men and women. Some basic contributing factors to the gender health gap are:

-Economic disparities between men and women can limit women’s ability to seek treatment.

-Social cultural barriers; societal narratives, expectations and stereotypes including the stigma around women’s reproductive health.

-Healthcare system bias; gender bias and discrimination within the healthcare system impacts the quality of care creating a disparity. In addition, medical research historically was focused on men, meaning there are still gaps in our understanding of women’s health issues. 

The fact that there is still a gender health gap in our society and around the world is why days such as International Women’s Day are still of the upmost importance for raising awareness around these topics. So how does the health gap impact your pleasure in menopause? 

As we enter midlife, and menopause our lack of education, and in some cases the lack of education of medical professionals on the topic of women’s reproductive health becomes apparent. How many women have felt dismissed by a doctor or nurse when seeking help for their menopause symptoms? Too many. Societal norms and systemic biases often relegate this to the periphery, leading to inadequate attention or resources directed towards women's reproductive health. 

Despite 50% of the human population experiencing menopause during their life time, it’s frequently misdiagnosed, dismissed or undertreated, leaving countless women to suffer in silence.

But reproductive health encompasses more than just physical ailments or menopause. Reproductive health intertwines with women's sexual health and pleasure, areas often overshadowed by societal taboos and misconceptions. Our sexual pleasure is a fundamental aspect of our overall health and happiness, yet it is frequently marginalized or disregarded in discussions surrounding reproductive health.

The impact of reproductive health on sexual pleasure is multifaceted. During menopause alone hormonal imbalances, such as those associated with menopause or certain contraceptives, can lead to decreased libido and vaginal dryness, or even vagina atrophy and painful sex. This seriously impacts our capacity for pleasure. 

Couple this with societal attitudes towards women's bodies and sexuality and the health gap widens in terms of our knowledge.  Stigmatization surrounding menstruation, childbirth, sex and menopause can contribute to feelings of shame or embarrassment, inhibiting women from seeking help or openly discussing concerns. This culture of silence perpetuates the cycle of neglect surrounding women's reproductive health and sexual pleasure.

So how do we address this issue of the gender health gap? 

-Firstly, it demands increased awareness and education surrounding women's reproductive health issues. By destigmatizing it and discussing sexual health openly, promoting comprehensive sex education, society can empower women to take charge of their bodies and seek help when needed.

-Healthcare systems worldwide need to prioritize women's reproductive health by investing in research, training, and expanding access to essential services. 

-Broader societal change; by dismantling stereotypes surrounding women's bodies and sexuality, society can create a more inclusive and supportive environment where women feel empowered to prioritize their health and well-being.

The gender health gap between women and men extends far beyond medical diagnoses and treatment plans. It permeates every aspect of women's lives, including their sexual pleasure. As women we need to keep sharing our stories, educating ourselves (and others) and raising awareness to desigmatize women’s reproductive health. Only then can we truly achieve equality in health and empower each other to find pleasure.

Happy International Women’s Day!