Pain Conditions
in Women
The problem
Women suffer from conditions characterized by chronic pain at much higher rates than men. These include: endometriosis, fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, migraines, painful bladder syndrome (IC), irritable bowel syndrome, vulvodynia, and hypermobility syndromes. Despite the fact that women are the main sufferers of chronic pain, studies indicate that their pain is under-diagnosed and undertreated.
In addition, many of these pain conditions have no visible expression and are difficult to diagnose. Patients thus suffer late or mistaken diagnosis and treatments, as well as suspicion and mistrust by medical staff.
Promoting change
1
We wrote a position paper on the topic in collaboration with patient groups suffering from chronic pain conditions.
Based on our position paper we initiated a discussion at the Knesset Committee on the Status of Women and Gender Equality on this topic.
2
We have supported two initiatives in our Bor'ot Incubator:
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The Endometriosis Ambassador Program - 17 patients with endometriosis were trained to become experts on their condition through in-depth understanding of medical, social, personal, and gender aspects of the disease. These activists went on to found Endometriosis Israel, a non-profit organization that revolutionized endometriosis awareness in Israel and promotes knowledge, research on the condition, and supports patients.
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Reconnect - A Knowledge and Action Group for Women Suffering from Vulvodynia/Vestibulodynia. Activists from this group later established Shlema - the Israeli organization for vulvodynia. Shlema provides information to patients and medical staff about pain syndromes of the pelvic and works to change policies on behalf of those suffering from them.
3
4
We continue to raise awareness through the media and social networks to the needs of women suffering from pain conditions.