Professor Richard Legro, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania, tells his story of attempting to test the effectiveness of sildenafil (aka Viagra) to treat period pain. Ultimately unsuccessful - but not because it didn't work - but rather the people with the money didn't think it was important enough.
India is also joined by Dr Elinor Cleghorn, author of Unwell Women: A Journey Through Medicine and Myth in a Manmade World. She tells her story of being diagnosed with the chronic illness Lupus. The pair discuss the origins of hysteria, with a particular focus on the myth that black females have a greater insensitivity to pain.
Credits: Presented by India Rakusen. Producer: Ellie Sans. Assistant Producer:Jorja McAndrew. Executive Producer: Suzy Grant. Original music composed and performed by Rebekah Reid. Sound design by Olga Reed.
Special thanks to all contributors and audio diarists.
A Listen production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.