2023-07-27 18:04:54
Women are Ill Differently, and So Are Men
Gender Plays a Significant Role in Disease, but Healthcare Fails to Address It Adequately
Published: 07/27/2023, 18:04
Which ailments affect mostly men and which ones mainly affect women?
Foto: Getty Images
A comprehensive health survey conducted in 2017 revealed that, on average, women in Switzerland are four years older than men. Despite this demographic difference, women tend to experience more physical complaints compared to their male counterparts. The study showcased a clear gender disparity in the prevalence of diseases.
Women are significantly more prone to autoimmune diseases, while men face a higher risk of developing cancer. Furthermore, men are more likely to suffer from heart attacks, whereas women have a higher mortality rate from such cardiac events. Depression also exhibits a gender divide, with women often experiencing more severe symptoms compared to men. Surprisingly, men are less likely to seek medical help when facing health issues.
Cardiologist and gender medicine expert, Catherine Gebhard from Inselspital Bern, emphasizes, “There is hardly a disease where you can say: Gender doesn’t play a role here.” It is evident that gender plays a crucial role in almost all diseases, and yet the medical field continues to approach treatment and care in a largely uniform manner, ignoring these differences.
The lack of recognition and acknowledgment of gender-based differences in disease manifestation and treatment poses a significant challenge to providing comprehensive and personalized healthcare for all individuals. By considering the influence of gender on disease, healthcare providers can tailor their approach to better meet the needs of patients.
Fortunately, the field of gender medicine is gradually gaining recognition and importance. Researchers, doctors, and policymakers are beginning to recognize the value of a more gender-sensitive approach to healthcare. Efforts are underway to incorporate gender-specific considerations into clinical practice guidelines and improve health outcomes for individuals.
It is high time that healthcare systems worldwide acknowledge and address the impact of gender on disease. By implementing gender-inclusive approaches, we can ensure equitable care and better outcomes for both women and men. It is crucial that patients actively engage with healthcare providers, discussing their experiences, symptoms, and concerns to enable personalized care that considers gender-specific aspects.
In conclusion, gender plays a significant role in disease manifestation, impacting the prevalence, symptoms, and treatment outcomes. Recognizing and addressing these gender differences in healthcare will lead to improved well-being for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.
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