Across the world, UN data shows that women are still less likely to be taken seriously, accurately diagnosed or appropriately treated. From misdiagnosis to entrenched medical bias, gaps in healthcare systems continue to impact women’s health, safety and quality of life.
Although healthcare is a basic human right, it is still not guaranteed for everyone – and inequality persists in one of the most critical areas of everyday life.
Women are more likely to have their pain dismissed, their symptoms misread and their condition diagnosed too late. According to the equality body UN Women, this reflects a “medical system historically designed without women in mind”.
From the tools used in research to the data that shape diagnosis and treatment, these gaps are embedded in healthcare systems with real consequences.
What the data shows
There has been measurable progress, says UN Women. Between 2000 and 2023, maternal mortality decreased by 40 percent, from 328 to 197 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Teenager fertility rates fell from 66.3 to 38.3 births per 1,000 girls aged 15-19 between 2000 and 2024. Skilled birth attendance increased from 60.9 to 86.6 percent, and the proportion of women using modern family planning methods increased from 73.7 to 77.1 percent.
Yet these gains are uneven. In the least developed countries, adolescent births increased from 4.7 million in 2000 to 5.6 million in 2024.
Women also live longer than men – 3.8 years compared to 68.4 – but they spend more years in poor health. In 2021, women spent an average of 10.9 years in poor health, compared to 8.0 years for men.
This includes chronic conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders, gynecological diseases, migraines and depression.
From misdiagnosis to medical bias, women are increasingly less likely to be taken seriously, diagnosed or treated.
Six uncomfortable truths
1. Obsolete tools remain in use
The speculum, widely used for pelvic examinations, has changed little since its design in the 19th century. Despite advances in medicine, many diagnostic tools have not evolved to prioritize women’s comfort, dignity and safety.
Efforts to redesign such tools are emerging, particularly through women-led innovation, but adoption across public health systems remains limited.
2. Longer life, poorer health
Although women live longer, they spend a greater part of their lives in poor health; about 25 percent more than men.
This often means prolonged experiences of chronic pain, fatigue and untreated conditions, along with higher rates of misdiagnosis.
3. There are still shortcomings in research and funding
Conditions that affect women are often under-researched and under-funded. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which affects a majority of women and girls, receives comparatively less attention than conditions such as erectile dysfunction.
For decades, this imbalance has shaped how women’s pain is understood or misunderstood, dismissed, and all too often normalized and left unaddressed.
Policy changes are on the way. In 2023, Spain introduced paid menstrual leave, joining several countries including Japan, Indonesia and Zambia. However, stigma and limited awareness continue to affect uptake.
4. Delayed diagnosis is common
Endometriosis affects around 1 in 10 women and girls globally – approximately 190 million people. Still, the diagnosis can take between four and 12 years.
Delays reflect a broader pattern in which women’s pain is normalized or dismissedresulting in prolonged suffering and late treatment.
5. Historical exclusion from research
Until 1993, women were largely excluded from clinical trials. As a result, many treatments were developed based on male biology.
This has had lasting effects. Women are more likely to experience side effects and symptoms can be misinterpreted. Conditions that primarily affect women, including autoimmune diseases, continue to be under-researched.
Gaps remain today, including in new technologies such as AI, where datasets may still underrepresent women.
Recent research has highlighted the importance of integrating sex and gender into clinical trials – including during the COVID-19 response – to ensure that treatments are safe and effective for all.
Another problem is that women are underrepresented in healthcare management. This matters because women physicians and leaders often prioritize patient-centered care, evidence-based practices, and policies that improve women’s health outcomes.
6. Symptoms that do not match the model
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women. However, commonly recognized symptoms are largely based on male patterns.
Women may experience various warning signs, including fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, and pain in the jaw or back. These differences can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of death.
Because the signs are less recognized, in some cases women are sent home instead of being treated.
The way forward
It is necessary to remedy these inequalities health systems that reflect women’s realities. This includes more inclusive research, better data, improved diagnostic tools and greater recognition of women’s symptoms and experiences.
It is also crucial to strengthen women’s leadership. Evidence shows that greater inclusion can improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality.
