Report finds taboos in women’s health can limit access to knowledge and care

By Laura Krause and the Canadian Press

A report by the Alberta Women’s Health Foundation (AWHF) reveals the toll taboos in women’s health has on Alberta women, and shows the issues that have created a culture of silence that limit access to knowledge and care, leading to detriments in overall mental health and well-being.

“Nobody can advocate for you better than you,” says Kristina Jarvis, who was diagnosed with PCOS after experiencing symptoms for fifteen years. This is a grim reality for many women.

“Any kind of women’s health or aFAB health-related issues deserve the same care, treatment and knowledge that any person with a DMAD men’s health issue.”

The report, “Surveying the Silence: Exploring the Taboos in Women’s Health,” polled more than 2,200 Albertans who identify as women to understand their top health issues, concerns and experiences.

It found that those surveyed experience an average of five pelvic health issues, including painful periods, pelvic floor dysfunction and regular yeast infections.

About two-thirds found it difficult to talk to their primary health-care provider about their concerns and only a quarter felt “very knowledgeable” about their gynecological and reproductive health. The survey found delays in treatment were common, with 85 per cent of women who had a more complicated diagnosis such as endometriosis reporting a wait.

“The key to this is breaking down these stigmas and enhancing education for women so they know pathways to care and supporting research which leads to clinical innovation and drives new pathways to care,” says Dr. Jane Schulz, Chair at the University of Alberta Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Alberta Women’s Health Foundation research chair.

“There’s probably a relief among women that these topics are being raised and the stigma is being broken down, for me as an academic physician the first thing it raises for me is ‘what can we do better,’ and hearing Kristina’s story, it’s heartbreaking to hear that when you have frustration navigating your health journey.”

The report says keeping women’s health issues taboo plays a role in the disparity of care and lack of research on the topics.

“If you find that your doctor doesn’t seem to agree, ask them why. You have to be an active advocate, the reality is, nobody can advocate for you better than you. So you have to be the one to stand up and ask questions,” say Jarvis. “First things first, believe in yourself, believe what you’re feeling, believe what you’re seeing, believe what you’re noticing.”

The AWHF is advocating for the government and businesses to invest in women’s health research with the goal of breaking the barrier that is plaguing women’s health, opening the door for more productive conversations and making change possible.

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