Jacinta’s 2 cents (edition 1)
With the work I do and the people I see, it’s given me a lot of thoughts/feelings/emotions about the world, especially healthcare. So, we’ll see how we go but we’re going to try out a blog type called “Jacinta’s 2 cents” where I say my piece and give my 2 cents (groundbreaking).
It makes sense that the inaugural 2 cents word vomit will be about the outstanding lack of education and awareness in the big wide world of women’s health.
Things that I’ve experienced that are CRAZY to me
Women (including very intelligent women) having absolutely no idea about their bodies
Lack of conversation about the trials and tribulations of being pregnant and postpartum
Things can be not “normal”, but not uncommon. It doesn’t mean it’s something you just have to put up with
Leakage during or after pregnancy
Bladder or bowel changes
Pelvic pain
Painful intercourse
Myriad of peri/post-menopausal symptoms
Insufficient research and anectodal knowledge about management strategies for very common women’s health issues
So may more things but I’m sure I’ll add to this later
Healthcare in general is definitely a wide wonderful world and it’s not uncommon that there may be a lack of consensus or lack of industry knowledge on optimal management strategies for xyz conditions/injuries/etc. However the evidence doesn’t lie when it comes to the stats surrounding the abysmal state of affairs for women’s health related conditions and the way women are treated when seeking healthcare.
It’s ok (and very very normal) to not know the exact way to manage something
What’s not ok is dismissing anyone’s concerns or reports
How many times have you heard “it’s just period pain”, “it’s just a pregnancy symptom”, “that’s just what happens once you’ve had a baby”, “that’s just another menopause symptom”
Our job as healthcare providers is to support. Even if you don’t have the slightest clue of what is going on or how to help your patients, just listen and validate. This alone can make the biggest of differences. Get creative. Educate and empower your clients. Don’t settle for “oh that didn’t work that’s too bad” - keep thinking and keep trying.
