It’s important to speak up for yourself when visiting the doctor, especially for women who might feel overlooked. Sometimes, doctors may not fully understand the unique needs of underrepresented women, like those from different races or backgrounds. If you feel your concerns aren’t being heard, it’s okay to ask more questions or even get a second opinion. Make sure to share all your symptoms, ask for explanations if you don’t understand, and keep notes of your visits. Remember, your health is important, and you deserve to be treated with care and respect.
Research has shown that women, particularly women of color, may receive different treatment from doctors than others. This is why it’s so important to ask about all your options and insist on the best care possible. Don’t be afraid to trust your instincts and push for what you need to feel better.
One way to practice advocating for yourself is by asking for more information about your diagnosis. For example, if your doctor says you don’t need any tests, but you still feel sick, you can say, “I’m still feeling unwell, and I’d like to understand why. Can we look into other options or tests?” This helps make sure your concerns are taken seriously.
References:
Hagan Thomas, T., Vetterly, S., Kaselitz, E. B., Doswell, W., & Braxter, B. (2024). A Qualitative Exploration of Self‐Advocacy Experiences of Black Women in the Perinatal Period: Who Is Listening?. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmwh.13630
Hutchens, J., Frawley, J., & Sullivan, E. A.. (2023). Is self-advocacy universally achievable for patients? The experiences of Australian women with cardiac disease in pregnancy and postpartum. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2023.2182953
Treder, K., White, K. O., Woodhams, E., Pancholi, R., & Yinusa-Nyahkoon, L. (2022). Racism and the reproductive health experiences of US-born Black women. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 139(3), 407-416. 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004675
