Young Women's Wellness
The experiences of many women are the same. You go to your doctor’s office, list your symptoms, tell your doctor you think something’s wrong, explain how you're feeling, and ask for help. But instead of receiving help, like medicine or a recommendation to another doctor, you’re told that you’re "over-exaggerating" your symptoms, or that “it’s probably not that serious.” These issues stem from discrepancies, not only in medicine and science, but also in society and historically. While many amazing people and groups are working to close these gaps in women’s health, the patient has to stand up for themselves and their healthcare. So, what can we do?
Before the appointment:
Before you go to your appointment, make sure you know exactly why you are going. It can be highly beneficial to write down questions you might have, important points you want to bring up, symptoms, medications you’re currently taking, and your medical history. This pre-appointment preparation can take the form of a long-term medical tracking system, like using a binder or notebook to help keep track of appointments, medication, and symptoms in the long term, allowing you to communicate more effectively with your doctor. It can also be helpful to research your symptoms or questions ahead of time to create a better understanding when the appointment happens.
During the appointment:
Trust yourself and speak clearly; specific, detailed communication is absolutely vital when it comes to getting the right healthcare. If you think it helps you, taking notes allows you to double-check that you understood what was covered during the appointment correctly. Don’t be shy to ask questions; no question is bad when it’s about something as important as your health. You can also bring a trusted friend or family member to your appointment who can act as a support system and help to take notes or serve as another listener. (if you are comfortable).
After the appointment:
It’s always a good idea to review your appointment notes or any documents that you received from the appointment, and what was discussed during your appointment. If you feel like your doctor isn’t listening to you, or you feel like you aren’t getting enough time during the appointment, you can get a second opinion or switch doctors. If you ever feel you aren’t being treated fairly, seek help! Talk to someone you trust or seek other professional help.
Sources:
https://www.belllawfirm.com/how-to-advocate-for-yourself-at-the-doctor/
https://helloclue.com/articles/culture/how-to-advocate-for-yourself-at-the-doctor
Learn more about how to support someone with endometriosis or about why women’s health has been overlooked.
ADVOCATING FOR
YOURSELF
IN
Healthcare
Emily Wang, Sophia Wang, 1/16/26