Bias in Women's Healthcare

     Healthcare systems and digital health tools often fail to account for the specific needs of women. Many patients are forced to see providers they’re uncomfortable with, often male, and few platforms allow them to choose based on gender or specialization in women’s health. This can discourage people from seeking care, delay diagnosis, and reduce trust in medical professionals. Additionally, many providers lack awareness of gender-based medical bias, further compromising quality of care.​ Historically, women have been underrepresented in medical research, leading to a lower understanding of women's health. Women were largely excluded from clinical trials until 1993 and continue to be underrepresented in studies. This contributed to a lack of comprehensive data on how various diseases and treatments specifically affect women, slowing down the development of effective medical interventions tailored to their needs.​
     A report by the Women and Equalities Committee has warned that many women experiencing painful reproductive health conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding often find their symptoms ‘normalised’ and their ‘pain dismissed’ when seeking help. This highlights a gender bias in pain management, leading to inadequate care and unnecessary suffering. Additionally, a study from King's College London revealed that women are significantly less likely to be prescribed pain relief compared to men, even when reporting the same levels of pain, calling for the need for greater awareness and changes in how pain is assessed and managed for women.
     Misdiagnosis in women’s health is also a significant issue, with 24% of women reporting they were wrongly diagnosed with conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, pregnancy complications, ovarian cysts, and severe period pain. 5% of women faced incorrect diagnoses for PCOS despite the condition affecting 1 in 8 women in the UK. These misdiagnoses contribute to delays in proper treatment, leaving many women without the care they need.

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How does Althea work to reduce bias in women's reproductive healthcare?
     We offer a platform where users can choose healthcare professionals based on gender preference and specialization in women’s health. All listed professionals are vetted for experience and bias-awareness, ensuring a supportive, safe, and informed environment. This restores agency in healthcare interactions and ensures that users receive care aligned with their needs.