Two-thirds of Irish women (66 per cent) are routinely self-medicating with painkillers, enduring discomfort and potentially exacerbating their health issues, simply to ‘power through’ their workday. This isn’t resilience; it’s a stark indicator of a widespread, under-recognised problem that I see every day in my work as a GP.
These struggles are now highlighted by new research from Laya healthcare, part of AXA, painting a picture that is both dishearteningly familiar and incredibly urgent: a deep and prevalent gender health gap in Ireland, where women are routinely pressured to minimise, mask, or silently endure their health concerns.
This isn’t merely about physical pain; it reflects wider patterns in our society and workplaces that can unintentionally discourage women from speaking up about their health. It has cultivated a reality where women, far too often, put on a brave face, dismiss their own symptoms and question the validity of their experiences.
When individuals feel their health concerns are not fully understood or validated, especially during vulnerable moments, it profoundly impacts their trust and willingness to seek care.
This experience, where concerns may feel overlooked, unfortunately contributes directly to delayed medical attention. Research indicates that a significant 37% of women, compared to 23% of men, have reported delaying seeking medical help multiple times because they feared not being taken seriously.
This is more than a simple disparity; it highlights a crucial systemic challenge within healthcare that can have serious long-term consequences for patient well-being.
Four in ten women in this research reported that their health concerns were misunderstood, which they perceived led to a delayed or incorrect diagnosis. For far too long, women’s pain – especially common conditions like period and pelvic pain – has been normalised, overlooked or in some instances, simply not heard. It’s a testament to the resilience of Irish women that they continue to seek help. But it shouldn’t be this difficult.
Dr Sumi Dunne is speaking out about a problem she sees daily in her work as a GP
These attitudes can also show up in our workplaces, adding another layer of pressure. Almost half of working women feel uncomfortable discussing female health issues at work, fearing they might appear weak, unreliable, or simply embarrassed. More than a third feel too embarrassed to raise gender-specific health concerns with their manager, and another 36% admit to inventing other reasons for sick leave to avoid professional judgment.
This isn’t just a personal struggle; it’s an issue that impacts productivity, mental wellbeing and career progression for women across the country. The expectation to continually ‘power through’ can feel like an unspoken pressure to put professional duty before personal health and this often falls more heavily on women.
Furthermore, the presence of a male manager can, at times, compound this discomfort, with nearly one in three women (30%) stating that their manager’s gender makes them uncomfortable discussing these intimate health issues. This highlights deeply ingrained societal norms, not individual managers, that make such conversations taboo.
And what are these ‘gender-specific health concerns’ that women are hiding? The scale of the problem is enormous. A staggering 87% of women surveyed have experienced at least one female health-related condition, ranging from common urinary tract infections to the complexities of menopause symptoms and heavy menstrual bleeding. The sheer extent of menstrual and pelvic pain is particularly striking: 83% of Irish women suffer from it, with over 90% of younger females (18-44) experiencing it.
Many women across Ireland are enduring pain in an effort to power through their workday
But recognising the problem is only the first step. Meaningful progress depends on listening to women, learning from their experiences, and collaborating across all sectors – individuals, the medical community, and employers – to open the conversation and, ultimately, close this gap.
It’s crucial that healthcare professionals, myself included, practice evidence-based medicine and have the time and training to truly listen. This means further investment in specialised training, particularly in areas like endometriosis and pelvic pain and fostering an environment where women feel seen and believed.
We, as women, must also find our voices. I encourage every woman to speak up, especially when you feel unheard, and to advocate fiercely for your own health. Too often, women prioritise everyone else over themselves, but it’s paramount to seek medical advice if you’re experiencing issues, no matter how small they may seem. Your health is not a luxury; it is the foundation upon which everything else is built. As a GP, I often advise my patients on how to advocate for themselves. Here are my top tips for women who feel they are self-silencing or not being heard in healthcare settings:
Prioritise Early Diagnosis:
Don’t delay seeking advice for any health concern, no matter how minor it seems. Early diagnosis and intervention for many conditions, particularly women’s health issues, can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.
Document Everything:
Before your appointment, make a detailed note of all your symptoms – their onset, duration, severity, and how they impact your daily life. Also, list any questions or concerns you have. This helps ensure all your points are covered and provides clear information.
Trust Your Instincts:
You are the expert on your own body. If you feel something isn’t right, or that your concerns haven’t been fully explored, insist on being heard. Your feelings are valid and deserve investigation.
Ask for Clarity and Next Steps:
Don’t leave an appointment feeling confused. Ask your healthcare provider to explain diagnoses and treatment plans clearly. If you’re not satisfied, inquire about further investigations, referrals, or a second opinion.
These practical steps are crucial for empowering women to navigate healthcare interactions effectively and proactively advocate for their own well-being.
It is heartening to see organisations stepping up with tangible supports to address these issues. Initiatives such as faster access to diagnostics (a scan in five days, results in two), the option to choose a female GP via their GP video consultations and the introduction of GP Menopause specialists from April 1 this year, are not just services; they are practical solutions designed to break down barriers and empower women to seek help early.
Closing the gender health gap is not just about correcting historical injustices; it’s about improving the quality of life for half our population. It requires a collective effort to foster environments – in our homes, our clinics, and our workplaces – where women feel validated, confident, and supported in prioritising their health. Let us together end the culture of silence around women’s pain and help create an era where every Irish woman’s health concerns are not just heard but fully addressed. Our health, our lives, depend on it.
