Across the world, UN data shows that women are even less likely to be taken seriously, accurately diagnosed or treated appropriately. From diagnostic errors to entrenched medical biases, gaps in healthcare systems continue to impact women’s health, safety and quality of life.
Although health care is a fundamental human right, it is still not guaranteed for all – and inequalities persist in one of the most critical areas of daily life.
Women are more likely to have their pain ignored, their symptoms misinterpreted and their condition diagnosed too late. According to the gender equality agency UN Women, this reflects a “medical system historically designed without taking women into account”.
From the tools used during exams to the data that shapes diagnosis and treatment, these gaps are embedded in health systems, with real-world consequences.
What the data shows
Measurable progress has been made, says UN Women. Between 2000 and 2023, maternal mortality has 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 to 19 between 2000 and 2024. The rate of deliveries attended by skilled personnel 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.
These gains are, however, unequal. 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 years – 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 illnesses such as musculoskeletal disorders, gynecological diseases, migraines and depression.
From misdiagnoses to medical bias, women are even less likely to be taken seriously, diagnosed or treated.
Six uncomfortable truths
1. Outdated tools remain in use
The speculum, widely used in pelvic examinations, has changed little since its conception in the 19th century. Despite advances in medicine, many diagnostic tools have not evolved to prioritize women’s comfort, dignity and safety.
Efforts to rethink these tools are emerging, particularly through women-led innovation, but their adoption in public health systems remains limited.
2. Longer lives, poorer health
Even though women live longer, they spend a greater part of their lives in poor health; about 25 percent more than men.
This often results in prolonged experiences of chronic pain, fatigue, and untreated conditions, as well as higher rates of diagnostic errors.
3. Research and funding gaps persist
Conditions affecting 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 the way women’s pain is understood, or misunderstood, dismissed, and, too often, normalized and left unaddressed.
Political changes appear. In 2023, Spain introduced paid menstrual leave, joining several countries including Japan, Indonesia and Zambia. However, stigma and limited awareness continue to impact the uptake of these measures.
4. Late diagnosis is common
Endometriosis affects around 1 in 10 women and girls worldwide, or around 190 million people. However, diagnosis can take between four and 12 years.
The delays reflect a broader pattern in which women’s pain is normalized or dismissedleading to prolonged suffering and delayed treatment.
5. Historical exclusion from research
Until 1993, women were largely excluded from clinical trials. As a result, many treatments based on male biology have been developed.
This had lasting effects. Women are more likely to experience side effects from medications and symptoms may be misinterpreted. Conditions that primarily affect women, including autoimmune diseases, remain understudied.
Gaps persist today, particularly in emerging technologies like AI, where data sets may still underrepresent women.
Recent research has highlighted the importance of integrating sex and gender in clinical studies – including during the COVID-19 response – to ensure treatments are safe and effective for everyone.
Another problem is that women are underrepresented in healthcare leadership positions. This is important because women physicians and leaders often prioritize patient-centered care, evidence-based practices, and policies that improve women’s health outcomes.
6. Symptoms that don’t fit the pattern
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women. However, widely recognized symptoms are based largely on male models.
Women may experience different warning signs, including fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, and jaw or back pain. These differences can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of death.
Because the signs are less recognized, women are in some cases sent home instead of being treated.
The way forward
To address these disparities, it is necessary health systems that reflect the realities of women. This includes more inclusive research, better data, improved diagnostic tools and better recognition of women’s symptoms and experiences.
It is also essential to strengthen the leadership of women. Data shows that greater inclusion can improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality rates.
