New Study Reveals Widespread Gaslighting Faced by Women with Gynecological Pain

A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that many women experiencing gynecological pain face invalidation and gaslighting from healthcare providers. The findings shed light on a persistent issue within the medical system—one that continues to affect women’s physical and mental health.

The study surveyed 447 women who visited a vulvovaginal clinic between August 2023 and February 2024. These patients sought help for symptoms including chronic pain, sexual dysfunction, and urinary or bowel issues. Alarmingly, a significant number of respondents reported receiving dismissive or belittling comments from doctors and nurses.

Examples of such comments included being told their symptoms were “all in their head,” that they just needed to “relax,” or even that a glass of wine could ease their pain. Over 40% of respondents were told to relax, 20% were encouraged to drink alcohol, and nearly 40% were made to feel “crazy.” Many women also reported being referred to mental health services without receiving any medical treatment.

Dr. Chailee Moss, lead author and OB-GYN at George Washington University, said the study emerged from hearing countless stories from women who felt dismissed or humiliated during medical consultations. “The phrase ‘just have a glass of wine’ was one of the most distressing for patients,” Moss stated.

While about 43.5% of practitioners were found to be supportive, over 25% were labeled as belittling, and 20% were described as non-believers of the patient’s symptoms. As a result, many women gave up on seeking further care, which could delay diagnosis and worsen health outcomes.

Dr. Roger Dmochowski, professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, stressed the importance of listening to patients. “Women are traditionally undertreated. Their symptoms are often minimized or ignored,” he said. He emphasized that empathy is critical, especially when dealing with complex issues like pelvic floor dysfunction, sexual health, and chronic pain.

Dr. Alessandra Hirsch, OB-GYN at Columbia University, echoed these sentiments. “There’s a long history of providers not believing women’s pain, especially conditions like endometriosis, which can go undiagnosed for years,” she said. Hirsch added that inadequate medical training in pelvic pain and rushed appointments contribute to the issue.

The study also noted that it was conducted in one clinic, which may limit the scope. However, researchers believe similar trends exist nationwide.

What can women do?
Experts recommend not staying silent. If you feel dismissed, seek a second opinion. Recognize that medical gaslighting is a form of disrespect and should not be tolerated. You deserve to be heard, believed, and treated with compassion.

Bottom Line:
This study is a call to action for healthcare providers to reevaluate how they handle women’s pain—listen more, assume less, and treat every symptom seriously.