From misdiagnosis to medical bias: Why do women live longer but in worse health?

UN data shows that women around the world are still less likely to be taken seriously, accurately diagnosed, or receive appropriate treatment.

From misdiagnosis to deep-rooted medical bias, gaps in healthcare systems continue to impact women’s health, safety, and quality of life.

Although health care is a basic human right, it is still not guaranteed for everyone, and disparity persists in one of the most important aspects of daily life.

Women often have their pain ignored, their symptoms misunderstood, and their conditions delayed. According to UN Women, this reflects “A medical system that was historically designed without taking into account the needs of women.”

From the tools used in screening to the data that shapes diagnosis and treatment, these vulnerabilities are rooted in healthcare systems, with devastating consequences.

What the data shows

UN Women reports tangible progress. Between 2000 and 2023, maternal deaths decreased by 40%, From 328 to 197 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Teenage fertility rates (early pregnancy) decreased from 66.3 to 38.3 births per 1,000 girls They are between 15 and 19 years old between 2000 and 2024. The percentage of births conducted under the supervision of specialists increased from 60.9% to 86.6%, and the percentage of women using modern family planning methods increased from 73.7% to 77.1%.

However, these gains are mixed. In the least developed countries, the number of births to teenage girls increased from 4.7 million births in 2000 to 5.6 million births in 2024..

Women also have a longer life expectancy than men, but they spend more years in poor health. In 2021, women spent an average of 10.9 years in poor health, compared to 8 years for men.

This includes chronic diseases such as musculoskeletal disorders, gynecological diseases, migraines, and depression.

Six disturbing facts

1 – Continued use of old tools

The colposcope, widely used for pelvic examinations, has changed little since its design in the 19th century.

Despite medical advances, Many diagnostic tools have not evolved to prioritize women’s comfort, dignity, and safety.

Efforts to redesign these tools are emerging, particularly through innovations by women, but their adoption in public health care systems remains limited.

2- Longer life and worse health

Although women live longer, However, they spend a greater proportion of their lives in poor health; About 25% more than men.

This often means prolonged chronic pain, fatigue, and untreated conditions, along with high rates of misdiagnosis.

3- Research and funding gaps persist

The cases most often affect women Not adequately studied or funded. Premenstrual syndrome, which affects the majority of women and girls, receives relatively less attention than conditions such as erectile dysfunction.

For decades, this imbalance has shaped the way women’s pain is understood, misunderstood, ignored, often normalized and left unaddressed.

Policies are witnessing promising changes. In 2023, Spain approved paid leave during menstruation, joining other countries such as Japan, Indonesia and Zambia. However, social stigma and lack of awareness still affect the uptake of this holiday.

4- Delayed diagnosis is common

Endometriosis affects about one in ten women and girls worldwide, or approximately 190 million cases. However, diagnosis may take between four to twelve years.

This reflects the delay A broader pattern in which women’s pain is normalized or ignoredwhich leads to long-term suffering and delayed treatment.

5- Historical exclusion from research

Until 1993, women were largely excluded from clinical trials. As a result, many treatments have been developed based on male biology.

This had long-lasting effects. Women are more likely to experience side effects from medications, and symptoms may be misinterpreted. Diseases that primarily affect women, including autoimmune diseases, still face a lack of research.

These gaps persist today, especially in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, where data sets may still lack adequate representation of women.

Recent research has highlighted the importance of incorporating sex and gender into clinical studies – including during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic – to ensure the safety and effectiveness of treatments for all.

And other problems Underrepresentation of women in leadership positions in health care. This is critical because female 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, the The known symptoms are mostly based on the male pattern.

Women may experience various warning signs, including fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, and jaw or back pain. These differences can delay diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of death.

Because these signs are less common, in some cases women are sent home instead of being treated.

The best way

These disparities need to be addressed Health care systems that reflect the reality of women. This includes conducting more comprehensive research, improving data, developing diagnostic tools, and greater recognition of women’s symptoms and experiences.

Strengthening women’s leadership role is also crucial. Evidence suggests that increasing inclusion improves patient outcomes and reduces mortality rates.