When Women Stop Seeking Care: The Hidden Harm of Being Dismissed

🎧 Episode Summary:

Over 50% of women with chronic vaginal pain considered giving up on care altogether, according to a new JAMA Network Open study co-authored by Drs. Jill Krapf and Chailee Moss. In this episode, Georgie breaks down the findings, explores why this kind of dismissal is so common in women’s health, and explains how communication—not just diagnosis—can make or break care.

If you’ve ever been told “everything looks normal” when you were in pain, this episode is for you.

🔍 What's Covered:

• Why over half of women with vaginal pain say they nearly gave up on care—and what that says about the system
• How seemingly harmless phrases like “your exam is normal” can cause lasting harm
• What two leading experts are doing differently—and why their approach is worth hearing
• Why this isn’t about blaming doctors—but it is about breaking the cycle
• What every woman (and clinician) should understand about trust, trauma, and communication in healthcare

Resources:

• Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health

• Read the Experiences of Care and Gaslighting in Patients With Vulvovaginal Disorders study
• Learn about TightLipped and the National Vulvodynia Association

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**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

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