Half of women do not see a doctor until they have severe symptoms.

The Health and Women study offers such data.Image: R. Moreno

Studying ‘Health and womenfrom the University of Alicante shows that at least half of women wait to get severe symptoms go to the doctor. Manu Reyes reports in Noticias Cuatro., the vast majority come to a consultation alone and admit that they are silent about ailments associated with menstruation or menopause. 1504 women took part in the study.

The woman says: “We always leave our things for last.” Another woman says: “I anti-medical“I leave at the last minute when I can’t take it anymore.” Maria Teresa Ruiz, professor of preventive medicine at the University of Alicante, reports some reasons: “Working hours in which they are not allowed to go to the doctor, but they are also on their own housework and care“

These alarming data indicate the need to improve medical and, above all, labor and social aspects. The mother says: “I think it’s because of everyday life. Until we see each other and we already care a lot, we leave it” We strive not only for the longevity we achieve, but also for the quality of life it is necessary to meet these years in the best conditions.

“Women who lack balance spend only 30% of their time on improving their health.”

Maria Teresa Ruiz states: “50% of the time per week women who reconcilethey can attribute it to what we call health promotion tasks such as rest, leisure, sports and self-care. Women who don’t put up

“They only allocate 30% of the time.” 49.7% of women who took part in the study admit that they usually wait until severe symptoms appear before seeing a doctor.

At the same time, 66.7% believe that women and men they react differently experience the same symptoms or illnesses. The study also shows that 56.9% of participants believe that they are not heard and the same efforts are not made for diagnosis and treatment as for men. 46.6% of respondents say they disagree with the statement that doctors are interested in their social and family context, and only 14.3% believe this is the case.

“The starting point for understanding women’s health is knowing their self-perception.”

Maria Teresa Ruiz states: “The starting point for a better understanding of women’s health is knowing that their self-perception” Thus, it is observed that 68% of the participating women admit that the perception your own health status over the last year it is good or very good, while only 6% have a bad or very bad perception.

The study was carried out by Pysma Ibérica thanks to the Organon commission and with the support of University of Alicante

. It was carried out between June and July 2022 on women aged 18 to 75 years living in Spain. This is his second report, including current situation of women in Spainthe underlying causes and experiences of the most common health problems, as well as menstruation or lack thereof.