The feminist health blog exploring patient experiences of dismissive, sexist and biased healthcare

‘It’s all psychological’: dismissed in agony with pudendal neuralgia and vulvodynia

Sexual & Reproductive Health

‘Making it up to get out of household chores’: the devastating aftermath of vaginal mesh

Physical Health

‘The cervix has nothing to do with sex’: Beyond the smear

Sexual & Reproductive Health

‘Death means we believe you now’: dismissed as a neurotic mother

#FivexMore: ‘Black women are not listened to in labour, and our pain is not taken seriously’

#BlackWomensHealthMatters, Motherhood

‘Some girls just have bad periods’: a 15 year wait to be diagnosed with endometriosis

#EndoMonth, Menstrual Health

News

Call out: Research on experiences of endometriosis care (trans-inclusive)

Call out: Research on experiences of endometriosis care (trans-inclusive)

Jun 18, 2021

Unwell Women: ‘Our experiences are disavowed by patriarchal forms of knowledge’

Unwell Women: ‘Our experiences are disavowed by patriarchal forms of knowledge’

Jun 11, 2021

Response to Nadine Dorries: Shouting louder isn’t the answer

Response to Nadine Dorries: Shouting louder isn’t the answer

Jun 10, 2021

Nearly five times more women than men have felt ‘not listened to’ when seeking medical help for their reproductive health

Nearly five times more women than men have felt ‘not listened to’ when seeking medical help for their reproductive health

Apr 29, 2021

Call-out: Research project on social anxiety in new mothers

Call-out: Research project on social anxiety in new mothers

Apr 28, 2021

Hysterical Women: How the gender pain gap harms women’s health

Hysterical Women: How the gender pain gap harms women’s health

Mar 22, 2021

Introducing #NotNeurotic, plus the return of #EndoMonth

Introducing #NotNeurotic, plus the return of #EndoMonth

Mar 1, 2021

Support Hysterical Women on Patreon

Support Hysterical Women on Patreon

Jan 29, 2021

Hysterical Women’s Christmas gift guide 2020

Hysterical Women’s Christmas gift guide 2020

Nov 24, 2020

Improving patient safety: ‘Women are being dismissed, disbelieved and shut out’

Improving patient safety: ‘Women are being dismissed, disbelieved and shut out’

Nov 6, 2020

Black Women’s Health Matters: What next?

Black Women’s Health Matters: What next?

Oct 30, 2020

Call-out: Research project on pelvic mesh complications

Call-out: Research project on pelvic mesh complications

Oct 23, 2020

Introducing Black Women’s Health Matters

Introducing Black Women’s Health Matters

Sep 30, 2020

Hysterical Women is back!

Hysterical Women is back!

Sep 14, 2020

So Hormonal: ‘Gender, sexuality, race and class all define how we experience hormones’

So Hormonal: ‘Gender, sexuality, race and class all define how we experience hormones’

Sep 14, 2020

Hysterical Women partners with Modibodi for sponsored mini series, Black Women’s Health Matters

Hysterical Women partners with Modibodi for sponsored mini series, Black Women’s Health Matters

Aug 3, 2020

Covid19, the Cumberlege Review, and the future of Hysterical Women

Covid19, the Cumberlege Review, and the future of Hysterical Women

Jul 20, 2020

Pain & Prejudice: ‘Medicine needs to acknowledge that it has let women down’

Pain & Prejudice: ‘Medicine needs to acknowledge that it has let women down’

Jan 8, 2020

Call for submissions on sexism, gaslighting and dismissal in women’s health

Call for submissions on sexism, gaslighting and dismissal in women’s health

Dec 18, 2019

Christmas gifting for the Hysterical Women in your life

Christmas gifting for the Hysterical Women in your life

Dec 16, 2019

Call-out: women’s health photography project

Call-out: women’s health photography project

Dec 9, 2019

Call-out: women in the Netherlands affected by chronic vulval pain

Call-out: women in the Netherlands affected by chronic vulval pain

Nov 26, 2019

Hysterical Women of The Week: 13 October

Hysterical Women of The Week: 13 October

Oct 13, 2019

Hysterical Women of the Week: 6 October

Hysterical Women of the Week: 6 October

Oct 6, 2019

Healing from trauma: ‘Women’s pain is easily put down to “her lot” – as if it is to be expected’

Healing from trauma: ‘Women’s pain is easily put down to “her lot” – as if it is to be expected’

Oct 2, 2019

Hysterical Women of The Week: 30 September

Hysterical Women of The Week: 30 September

Sep 30, 2019

Hysterical Women of The Week: 22 September

Hysterical Women of The Week: 22 September

Sep 22, 2019

Hysterical Women of The Fortnight: 14 September

Hysterical Women of The Fortnight: 14 September

Sep 14, 2019

Hysterical Women of The Month: August 19

Hysterical Women of The Month: August 19

Aug 31, 2019

Hysterical Women of The Week: 11 August

Hysterical Women of The Week: 11 August

Aug 11, 2019

Hysterical Women of The Week: 21 July

Hysterical Women of The Week: 21 July

Jul 21, 2019

Hysterical Women of The Week: 14 July

Hysterical Women of The Week: 14 July

Jul 14, 2019

Hysterical Women of The Week: 7 July

Hysterical Women of The Week: 7 July

Jul 7, 2019

Hysterical Women of the Week: 30 June

Hysterical Women of the Week: 30 June

Jun 30, 2019

Hysterical Women of the Week: 23 June

Hysterical Women of the Week: 23 June

Jun 23, 2019

Hysterical Women of the Week: 17 June

Hysterical Women of the Week: 17 June

Jun 17, 2019

Hysterical Women of the Week: 9 June

Hysterical Women of the Week: 9 June

Jun 9, 2019

Hysterical Women of the Fortnight: 2 June

Hysterical Women of the Fortnight: 2 June

Jun 2, 2019

Hysterical Women of the Week: MHAW19 special

Hysterical Women of the Week: MHAW19 special

May 19, 2019

Hysterical Women of the Week: 12 May

Hysterical Women of the Week: 12 May

May 12, 2019

Hysterical Women of the Week: 7 May

Hysterical Women of the Week: 7 May

May 7, 2019

Hysterical Women of the Fortnight: 28 April

Hysterical Women of the Fortnight: 28 April

Apr 28, 2019

Hysterical Women of the Fortnight: 14 April

Hysterical Women of the Fortnight: 14 April

Apr 14, 2019

Hysterical Women of the Week: 31 March

Hysterical Women of the Week: 31 March

Mar 31, 2019

Hysterical Women of the Week: 24 March

Hysterical Women of the Week: 24 March

Mar 24, 2019

Hysterical Women of the Week: 17 March

Hysterical Women of the Week: 17 March

Mar 17, 2019

Hysterical Women of the Week: 10 March

Hysterical Women of the Week: 10 March

Mar 10, 2019

Hysterical Women of the Week: 3 March

Hysterical Women of the Week: 3 March

Mar 3, 2019

Hysterical Women of the Week: 24 February

Hysterical Women of the Week: 24 February

Feb 24, 2019

Doing Harm: ‘Hysteria is a waste basket diagnosis for symptoms that medical science can’t yet explain’

Doing Harm: ‘Hysteria is a waste basket diagnosis for symptoms that medical science can’t yet explain’

Feb 19, 2019

Hysterical Women of the Week: 17 February

Hysterical Women of the Week: 17 February

Feb 17, 2019

Hysterical Women of the Week: 10 February

Hysterical Women of the Week: 10 February

Feb 10, 2019

What global health can learn from feminism

What global health can learn from feminism

Feb 8, 2019

Hysterical Women of the Week: 6 January

Hysterical Women of the Week: 6 January

Jan 6, 2019

Call for submissions on sexism, gaslighting and dismissal in women’s health

Call for submissions on sexism, gaslighting and dismissal in women’s health

Dec 18, 2018

Hysterical Women of the Week: 16 December

Hysterical Women of the Week: 16 December

Dec 16, 2018

Hysterical Women of the Week: 8 December

Hysterical Women of the Week: 8 December

Dec 8, 2018

Detained, disbelieved, dismissed, and denied essential medical treatment: healthcare in Yarl’s Wood

Detained, disbelieved, dismissed, and denied essential medical treatment: healthcare in Yarl’s Wood

Dec 5, 2018

Hysterical Women of the Week: 1 December

Hysterical Women of the Week: 1 December

Dec 1, 2018

Hysterical Women of the Week: 25 November

Hysterical Women of the Week: 25 November

Nov 25, 2018

Hysterical Women of the Week: 18 November

Hysterical Women of the Week: 18 November

Nov 18, 2018

Hysterical Women of the Week: 11 November

Hysterical Women of the Week: 11 November

Nov 11, 2018

Hysterical Women of the Week: 3 November

Hysterical Women of the Week: 3 November

Nov 3, 2018

Hysterical Women of the Week: 28 October

Hysterical Women of the Week: 28 October

Oct 28, 2018

Hysterical Women of the Week: 20 October

Hysterical Women of the Week: 20 October

Oct 20, 2018

Hysterical Women of the Week: 13 October

Hysterical Women of the Week: 13 October

Oct 13, 2018

A (wo)manifesto for Hysterical Women

A (wo)manifesto for Hysterical Women

Oct 9, 2018

Physical Health

Ill Feelings: ‘It was useful to dismiss us – to tell us we were trouble, rather than change the system we were troubling’

Ill Feelings: ‘It was useful to dismiss us – to tell us we were trouble, rather than change the system we were troubling’

Oct 8, 2021

Multiple Sclerosis: ‘She rolled her eyes at me and made me feel like a complete idiot’

Multiple Sclerosis: ‘She rolled her eyes at me and made me feel like a complete idiot’

Apr 19, 2021

Medical weight stigma: ‘I almost died because medical professionals wouldn’t look past the size of my belly’

Medical weight stigma: ‘I almost died because medical professionals wouldn’t look past the size of my belly’

Apr 7, 2021

Vasculitis: ‘My doctor didn’t believe me. She said “sometimes things hurt”, then tried to blame my weight’

Vasculitis: ‘My doctor didn’t believe me. She said “sometimes things hurt”, then tried to blame my weight’

Feb 24, 2021

‘As a queer asylum seeker I can’t be myself with healthcare professionals. They just don’t understand’

‘As a queer asylum seeker I can’t be myself with healthcare professionals. They just don’t understand’

Feb 22, 2021

Scratch That: ‘Have TSW sufferers been ignored for so long because most of our voices are female?’

Scratch That: ‘Have TSW sufferers been ignored for so long because most of our voices are female?’

Feb 15, 2021

‘I have two neurological disorders. One doctor said it was just a cold, another discharged me saying I could live with it’

‘I have two neurological disorders. One doctor said it was just a cold, another discharged me saying I could live with it’

Feb 10, 2021

‘Doctors need to do a better job of listening to the people who know their own bodies best’

‘Doctors need to do a better job of listening to the people who know their own bodies best’

Feb 8, 2021

A Girl In One Room: ‘I’ve lost trust in doctors over 14 years of not being believed or understood’

A Girl In One Room: ‘I’ve lost trust in doctors over 14 years of not being believed or understood’

Feb 2, 2021

Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Prescription for Wishes

Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Prescription for Wishes

Jan 12, 2021

‘The worst thing about M.E, for me, is that I feel like a forgotten human being’

‘The worst thing about M.E, for me, is that I feel like a forgotten human being’

Dec 11, 2020

M.E: ‘I felt alone for so long. I felt like I was faking it even when the pain was bringing me to the floor’

M.E: ‘I felt alone for so long. I felt like I was faking it even when the pain was bringing me to the floor’

Nov 26, 2020

‘As a Black person in the US, seeing a doctor you don’t know can feel like Russian roulette’

‘As a Black person in the US, seeing a doctor you don’t know can feel like Russian roulette’

Oct 21, 2020

Chronic illness: ‘I’m not a hypochondriac, so why are you treating me like one?’

Chronic illness: ‘I’m not a hypochondriac, so why are you treating me like one?’

Sep 25, 2020

‘Hysterical until proven otherwise’: how NICE is trying to tell women their pain is all in their heads

‘Hysterical until proven otherwise’: how NICE is trying to tell women their pain is all in their heads

Sep 18, 2020

Appendix Has Left the Chat: ‘Why was it so easy to dismiss my pain, and write it off as hormonal or psychological?’

Appendix Has Left the Chat: ‘Why was it so easy to dismiss my pain, and write it off as hormonal or psychological?’

Mar 11, 2020

‘I wanted to keep dancing so badly, but the doctors were like: whatever’

‘I wanted to keep dancing so badly, but the doctors were like: whatever’

Nov 27, 2019

‘I nearly died because doctors said I was wasting my own time and theirs’

‘I nearly died because doctors said I was wasting my own time and theirs’

Nov 20, 2019

‘I think you’re a little bit stressed love’: a pituitary tumour misdiagnosed as stress

‘I think you’re a little bit stressed love’: a pituitary tumour misdiagnosed as stress

Sep 18, 2019

‘A middle aged mental health patient – what illness has she given herself now?’

‘A middle aged mental health patient – what illness has she given herself now?’

Jun 26, 2019

Antidepressant withdrawal and serotonin syndrome: ‘I felt like I was dying, but doctors put it down to my mental health problems’

Antidepressant withdrawal and serotonin syndrome: ‘I felt like I was dying, but doctors put it down to my mental health problems’

Jun 12, 2019

‘Maybe it’s your birth control’: My GP, M.E, and the fight to be believed

‘Maybe it’s your birth control’: My GP, M.E, and the fight to be believed

Dec 12, 2018

‘An overanxious mother and a hypochondriac daughter’: chronic illness post-HPV vaccine

‘An overanxious mother and a hypochondriac daughter’: chronic illness post-HPV vaccine

Nov 28, 2018

‘Making it up to get out of household chores’: the devastating aftermath of vaginal mesh

‘Making it up to get out of household chores’: the devastating aftermath of vaginal mesh

Nov 22, 2018

‘It’s all in your head’: a 16 year wait to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia

‘It’s all in your head’: a 16 year wait to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia

Oct 24, 2018

Mental Health

Earthed: ‘As a woman, you’re made to feel as if you have no expertise about yourself’

Earthed: ‘As a woman, you’re made to feel as if you have no expertise about yourself’

May 5, 2021

‘As a queer asylum seeker I can’t be myself with healthcare professionals. They just don’t understand’

‘As a queer asylum seeker I can’t be myself with healthcare professionals. They just don’t understand’

Feb 22, 2021

Wakey: ‘Good mental health shouldn’t be left to chance’

Wakey: ‘Good mental health shouldn’t be left to chance’

Dec 3, 2020

‘Mental illness in the Black community is a loud whisper; no one talks about it’

‘Mental illness in the Black community is a loud whisper; no one talks about it’

Nov 17, 2020

‘Why are you worrying about your health when you were told that you’re fine?’

‘Why are you worrying about your health when you were told that you’re fine?’

Oct 14, 2020

Bipolar: ‘They didn’t trust my Jamaican psychiatrist, and they didn’t trust me with my own body’

Bipolar: ‘They didn’t trust my Jamaican psychiatrist, and they didn’t trust me with my own body’

Oct 12, 2020

Black Minds Matter: ‘For some reason there’s a belief that Black people are stronger’

Black Minds Matter: ‘For some reason there’s a belief that Black people are stronger’

Oct 9, 2020

World Mental Health Day 2019

World Mental Health Day 2019

Oct 10, 2019

When physical disability and mental ill-health collide: ‘At least we know now you’re not making it up’

When physical disability and mental ill-health collide: ‘At least we know now you’re not making it up’

Aug 7, 2019

Antidepressant withdrawal and serotonin syndrome: ‘I felt like I was dying, but doctors put it down to my mental health problems’

Antidepressant withdrawal and serotonin syndrome: ‘I felt like I was dying, but doctors put it down to my mental health problems’

Jun 12, 2019

‘This isn’t just something all women go through, like starting your period or having a zit on prom night’: living with PMDD

‘This isn’t just something all women go through, like starting your period or having a zit on prom night’: living with PMDD

Apr 10, 2019

Call for submissions: PMDD and mental health

Call for submissions: PMDD and mental health

Apr 3, 2019

The Colour of Madness: ‘The strong, black woman stereotype gets in the way’

The Colour of Madness: ‘The strong, black woman stereotype gets in the way’

Jan 8, 2019

Dump The Scales: ‘Must I look like a skeleton to have an eating disorder?’

Dump The Scales: ‘Must I look like a skeleton to have an eating disorder?’

Jan 3, 2019

Introducing the Women’s Mental Health Network

Introducing the Women’s Mental Health Network

Dec 14, 2018

‘I have to act like Mary Poppins on crack’: menstrual health in the workplace

‘I have to act like Mary Poppins on crack’: menstrual health in the workplace

Oct 30, 2018

‘Just a teenage phase’: life with Borderline Personality Disorder

‘Just a teenage phase’: life with Borderline Personality Disorder

Oct 10, 2018

Mad Women In The Attic: World Mental Health Day 2018

Mad Women In The Attic: World Mental Health Day 2018

Oct 10, 2018

Periods

‘My doctor diagnosed me with everything from epilepsy to migraines before realising I actually had endometriosis’

‘My doctor diagnosed me with everything from epilepsy to migraines before realising I actually had endometriosis’

Jul 7, 2021

Call out: Research on experiences of endometriosis care (trans-inclusive)

Call out: Research on experiences of endometriosis care (trans-inclusive)

Jun 18, 2021

Endometriosis: ‘I felt betrayed by my body and the professionals who had failed to recognise my pain’

Endometriosis: ‘I felt betrayed by my body and the professionals who had failed to recognise my pain’

Apr 30, 2021

Adenomyosis: ‘It shouldn’t be up to us to tell our doctors which conditions to look for’

Adenomyosis: ‘It shouldn’t be up to us to tell our doctors which conditions to look for’

Apr 26, 2021

PMDD: ‘By considering my viewpoint, and listening to me talk, my doctor validated my feelings’

PMDD: ‘By considering my viewpoint, and listening to me talk, my doctor validated my feelings’

Apr 12, 2021

‘Healthcare providers need to understand the impact of untreated endometriosis’

‘Healthcare providers need to understand the impact of untreated endometriosis’

Mar 31, 2021

Endo Art: ‘Women do not even get the privilege of owning their pain’

Endo Art: ‘Women do not even get the privilege of owning their pain’

Mar 29, 2021

Endometriosis: ‘It pains me to say, but I knew I’d be taken more seriously now I could say sex was painful too’

Endometriosis: ‘It pains me to say, but I knew I’d be taken more seriously now I could say sex was painful too’

Mar 26, 2021

‘13 hours of surgery, months of recovery. For what? My surgeon had left an ovary inside me’

‘13 hours of surgery, months of recovery. For what? My surgeon had left an ovary inside me’

Mar 24, 2021

‘Why did I have to climb the endometriosis treatment ladder, just to get the procedure we knew would help?’

‘Why did I have to climb the endometriosis treatment ladder, just to get the procedure we knew would help?’

Mar 19, 2021

Fertility status unknown: ‘I cried almost as if I was already mourning the loss of a child’

Fertility status unknown: ‘I cried almost as if I was already mourning the loss of a child’

Mar 18, 2021

‘I chose not to have children so I wouldn’t be in pain anymore. But in fact, I ended up in even more pain.’

‘I chose not to have children so I wouldn’t be in pain anymore. But in fact, I ended up in even more pain.’

Mar 16, 2021

Endometriosis & PCOS: ‘I gave up on trying to seek help. I told myself maybe this is all in my head’

Endometriosis & PCOS: ‘I gave up on trying to seek help. I told myself maybe this is all in my head’

Jan 26, 2021

‘It took 23 years to be diagnosed with endometriosis; I’ve lost count of how many times I visited the doctors’

‘It took 23 years to be diagnosed with endometriosis; I’ve lost count of how many times I visited the doctors’

Dec 16, 2020

Endometriosis: ‘As I lay clenching my stomach in agony, I heard the physician saying my pain was all psychological’

Endometriosis: ‘As I lay clenching my stomach in agony, I heard the physician saying my pain was all psychological’

Nov 19, 2020

PMDD: ‘Would my mental distress always be dismissed because it was associated with my period?’

PMDD: ‘Would my mental distress always be dismissed because it was associated with my period?’

Nov 10, 2020

‘Endometriosis was perceived as a white women’s disease, but Black women’s pain is often ignored by medical professionals’

‘Endometriosis was perceived as a white women’s disease, but Black women’s pain is often ignored by medical professionals’

Oct 19, 2020

Endometrioma: ‘For the first time in 17 years, a doctor had actually listened to me’

Endometrioma: ‘For the first time in 17 years, a doctor had actually listened to me’

Sep 23, 2020

Period Symptoms Your Doctor Shouldn’t Ignore

Period Symptoms Your Doctor Shouldn’t Ignore

Jul 17, 2019

Hormonal: ‘You’re being hysterical’ is the ultimate ‘shut up’

Hormonal: ‘You’re being hysterical’ is the ultimate ‘shut up’

Jul 11, 2019

Period Power: ‘There’s such a binary view of our experience of the hormone cycle’

Period Power: ‘There’s such a binary view of our experience of the hormone cycle’

Jun 19, 2019

‘Vindicated by proving it’s not all in my head’: the journey to an endometriosis diagnosis

‘Vindicated by proving it’s not all in my head’: the journey to an endometriosis diagnosis

Jun 5, 2019

‘This isn’t just something all women go through, like starting your period or having a zit on prom night’: living with PMDD

‘This isn’t just something all women go through, like starting your period or having a zit on prom night’: living with PMDD

Apr 10, 2019

Ask Me About My Uterus: ‘If I’d had more resources and support, I would have had a different outcome’

Ask Me About My Uterus: ‘If I’d had more resources and support, I would have had a different outcome’

Mar 28, 2019

Oblivi-osis: A poem to my endo surgeon

Oblivi-osis: A poem to my endo surgeon

Mar 20, 2019

‘Some girls just have bad periods’: a 15 year wait to be diagnosed with endometriosis

‘Some girls just have bad periods’: a 15 year wait to be diagnosed with endometriosis

Mar 13, 2019

‘Man’s broke, innit’: living with endometriosis

‘Man’s broke, innit’: living with endometriosis

Mar 5, 2019

Bloody Shame

Feb 28, 2019

‘All I wanted was to be listened to’: The fight for an endometriosis diagnosis

‘All I wanted was to be listened to’: The fight for an endometriosis diagnosis

Jan 16, 2019

‘I have to act like Mary Poppins on crack’: menstrual health in the workplace

‘I have to act like Mary Poppins on crack’: menstrual health in the workplace

Oct 30, 2018

Menopause

Surgical Menopause: ‘Women so often have their experiences invalidated’

Surgical Menopause: ‘Women so often have their experiences invalidated’

Apr 14, 2021

M-Boldened: ‘So many people have menopause symptoms shrugged off, ignored, or belittled’

M-Boldened: ‘So many people have menopause symptoms shrugged off, ignored, or belittled’

Jan 14, 2021

Black Women in Menopause: ‘There was nothing for me as a Black woman’

Black Women in Menopause: ‘There was nothing for me as a Black woman’

Oct 7, 2020

The M Word: ‘Society has taught women to feel ashamed of their bodies’

The M Word: ‘Society has taught women to feel ashamed of their bodies’

Feb 12, 2020

Breast Cancer Treatment – Doctor’s Dilemma or Patient’s Choice?

Breast Cancer Treatment – Doctor’s Dilemma or Patient’s Choice?

Nov 6, 2018

‘Me & My Menopausal Vagina’: World Menopause Day 2018

‘Me & My Menopausal Vagina’: World Menopause Day 2018

Oct 17, 2018

‘My GP said it was probably stress’: World Menopause Day 2018

‘My GP said it was probably stress’: World Menopause Day 2018

Oct 16, 2018

Sexual Health

My Broken Vagina: ‘I left so many appointments feeling like I was wasting the doctor’s time’

My Broken Vagina: ‘I left so many appointments feeling like I was wasting the doctor’s time’

May 12, 2021

Vulvodynia: ‘I began to accept that I’d never be able to have sex that didn’t leave me with a burning pain’

Vulvodynia: ‘I began to accept that I’d never be able to have sex that didn’t leave me with a burning pain’

Feb 3, 2021

Informed consent in the breast clinic: ‘I felt cornered, and like I didn’t have a say in what was happening’

Informed consent in the breast clinic: ‘I felt cornered, and like I didn’t have a say in what was happening’

Dec 14, 2020

Lichen Sclerosus: ‘Doctors are supposed to do no harm, but all I see is years of preventable physical and emotional harm’

Lichen Sclerosus: ‘Doctors are supposed to do no harm, but all I see is years of preventable physical and emotional harm’

Dec 7, 2020

Vagina Problems: ‘Pain that impacts people with a uterus or vagina is simply not regarded as important’

Vagina Problems: ‘Pain that impacts people with a uterus or vagina is simply not regarded as important’

Nov 2, 2020

We need to talk about racial inequalities in sexual health and HIV

We need to talk about racial inequalities in sexual health and HIV

Oct 29, 2020

Decolonising Contraception: ‘White supremacy has shaped our understanding of sex and relationships’

Decolonising Contraception: ‘White supremacy has shaped our understanding of sex and relationships’

Oct 26, 2020

The Gender Orgasm Gap: ‘How would the doctor have responded to my anorgasmia if I was a cis man?’

The Gender Orgasm Gap: ‘How would the doctor have responded to my anorgasmia if I was a cis man?’

Sep 21, 2020

‘I’m 26, and for six years I haven’t had a sex life’: the birth of Queens of Eve

‘I’m 26, and for six years I haven’t had a sex life’: the birth of Queens of Eve

Jan 21, 2020

The national scandal of barbaric outpatient hysteroscopy

The national scandal of barbaric outpatient hysteroscopy

Dec 11, 2019

‘Aren’t the days of “doctor knows best” over?’: Why healthcare needs a feminist revolution

‘Aren’t the days of “doctor knows best” over?’: Why healthcare needs a feminist revolution

Sep 25, 2019

Overeactomy: ‘He laughed and sent me on my merry way’

Overeactomy: ‘He laughed and sent me on my merry way’

Aug 14, 2019

Trust Women: 10 years on, remembering the legacy of Dr Tiller

Trust Women: 10 years on, remembering the legacy of Dr Tiller

May 31, 2019

Vagina: A Re-education: ‘I had a really horrible, painful experience, but I blamed myself for being weak’

Vagina: A Re-education: ‘I had a really horrible, painful experience, but I blamed myself for being weak’

May 22, 2019

‘Every woman harmed by mesh has been failed by the system. It is institutional betrayal’

‘Every woman harmed by mesh has been failed by the system. It is institutional betrayal’

May 10, 2019

Mesh Lives Matter: Told I would ‘have to live with the pain’

Mesh Lives Matter: Told I would ‘have to live with the pain’

May 8, 2019

‘It’s all psychological’: dismissed in agony with pudendal neuralgia and vulvodynia

‘It’s all psychological’: dismissed in agony with pudendal neuralgia and vulvodynia

May 3, 2019

‘Years of GPs dismissing me with UTI after UTI’: life and love with interstitial cystitis

‘Years of GPs dismissing me with UTI after UTI’: life and love with interstitial cystitis

Feb 26, 2019

Valentine’s Day 2019: Let’s talk about sex(ual dysfunction)

Valentine’s Day 2019: Let’s talk about sex(ual dysfunction)

Feb 14, 2019

‘Most doctors didn’t even look at me’: when misdiagnosis leads to cancer

‘Most doctors didn’t even look at me’: when misdiagnosis leads to cancer

Feb 6, 2019

#SmearForSmear and the very real obstacles to cervical screening

#SmearForSmear and the very real obstacles to cervical screening

Jan 24, 2019

‘The cervix has nothing to do with sex’: Beyond the smear

‘The cervix has nothing to do with sex’: Beyond the smear

Nov 13, 2018

Motherhood

Perinatal Mental Health: ‘Everyone wants to hold the baby, but who holds the mum?’

Perinatal Mental Health: ‘Everyone wants to hold the baby, but who holds the mum?’

May 14, 2021

Obstetric anal sphincter injury: ‘Would a man wait three years to be fixed with full bowel incontinence?’

Obstetric anal sphincter injury: ‘Would a man wait three years to be fixed with full bowel incontinence?’

Apr 21, 2021

‘Pregnancy after loss paralyses you between happiness and fear – but doctors have said so many insensitive things to me on this journey’

‘Pregnancy after loss paralyses you between happiness and fear – but doctors have said so many insensitive things to me on this journey’

Mar 22, 2021

#NotNeurotic: An alternative Mother’s Day perspective

#NotNeurotic: An alternative Mother’s Day perspective

Mar 14, 2021

#NotNeurotic: ‘Having a positive birth experience helped me to feel confident and enjoy the process’

#NotNeurotic: ‘Having a positive birth experience helped me to feel confident and enjoy the process’

Mar 13, 2021

#NotNeurotic: ‘All birthing people are entitled to safe, dignified, maternity care that respects their right to make decisions about their own body.’

#NotNeurotic: ‘All birthing people are entitled to safe, dignified, maternity care that respects their right to make decisions about their own body.’

Mar 12, 2021

#NotNeurotic: ‘As a non-binary parent, I spent my pregnancy silencing and censoring myself’

#NotNeurotic: ‘As a non-binary parent, I spent my pregnancy silencing and censoring myself’

Mar 11, 2021

#NotNeurotic: ‘They just didn’t believe me’ – pregnancy with hyperemesis gravidarum

#NotNeurotic: ‘They just didn’t believe me’ – pregnancy with hyperemesis gravidarum

Mar 10, 2021

#NotNeurotic: ‘Something was wrong – despite many medical professionals insisting otherwise’

#NotNeurotic: ‘Something was wrong – despite many medical professionals insisting otherwise’

Mar 9, 2021

#NotNeurotic: Misogynoir, Misdiagnosis and Miscarriage

#NotNeurotic: Misogynoir, Misdiagnosis and Miscarriage

Mar 5, 2021

#NotNeurotic: The Keeper of the Caesareans

#NotNeurotic: The Keeper of the Caesareans

Mar 4, 2021

#NotNeurotic: Katiana’s story – ‘It took an autopsy to confirm what my intuition already knew’

#NotNeurotic: Katiana’s story – ‘It took an autopsy to confirm what my intuition already knew’

Mar 3, 2021

#NotNeurotic: How healthcare fails mothers, trans & non-binary parents

#NotNeurotic: How healthcare fails mothers, trans & non-binary parents

Mar 2, 2021

I Am Not Your Baby Mother: ‘Black mothers’ lives still don’t matter. But at least I’m still alive to tell you that’

I Am Not Your Baby Mother: ‘Black mothers’ lives still don’t matter. But at least I’m still alive to tell you that’

Feb 25, 2021

PMSL: ‘Incontinence is dismissed as a natural part of being a woman’

PMSL: ‘Incontinence is dismissed as a natural part of being a woman’

Dec 1, 2020

Tokophobia: ‘Anxious and terrified, but too pregnant for mental health support’

Tokophobia: ‘Anxious and terrified, but too pregnant for mental health support’

Nov 12, 2020

Miscarriage: ‘I have never felt so alone as I did at that moment’

Miscarriage: ‘I have never felt so alone as I did at that moment’

Oct 5, 2020

The Motherhood Group: Black mums need more support before, during and after birth

The Motherhood Group: Black mums need more support before, during and after birth

Oct 1, 2020

#FivexMore: ‘Black women are not listened to in labour, and our pain is not taken seriously’

#FivexMore: ‘Black women are not listened to in labour, and our pain is not taken seriously’

Sep 16, 2020

‘I said I needed to push, but the midwife did not believe me’

‘I said I needed to push, but the midwife did not believe me’

Sep 10, 2019

Give Birth Like A Feminist: ‘women should feel like they’re in the driving seat’

Give Birth Like A Feminist: ‘women should feel like they’re in the driving seat’

Aug 21, 2019

‘The fight is as hard as the illness’: battling with postpartum thyroiditis

‘The fight is as hard as the illness’: battling with postpartum thyroiditis

Apr 24, 2019

‘Death means we believe you now’: dismissed as a neurotic mother

‘Death means we believe you now’: dismissed as a neurotic mother

Mar 30, 2019

‘Minimising, infantilising and dismissive’: the language of childbirth

‘Minimising, infantilising and dismissive’: the language of childbirth

Mar 29, 2019

‘An overanxious mother and a hypochondriac daughter’: chronic illness post-HPV vaccine

‘An overanxious mother and a hypochondriac daughter’: chronic illness post-HPV vaccine

Nov 28, 2018

Each month the Hysterical Women Book Club highlights a new book on women's health, chronic illness or the gender health gap, as well as featuring a Q&A with its author.

You can browse and buy all Book Club picks at Bookshop.org, supporting local independent bookshops and the future of the Hysterical Women blog.

Book of the Month

Ill Feelings: ‘It was useful to dismiss us – to tell us we were trouble, rather than change the system we were troubling’

Q&A with Alice Hattrick, author of Ill Feelings, by Roisin McLaughlin-Dowd

My Broken Vagina: ‘I left so many appointments feeling like I was wasting the doctor’s time’

Earthed: ‘As a woman, you’re made to feel as if you have no expertise about yourself’

Surgical Menopause: ‘Women so often have their experiences invalidated’

I Am Not Your Baby Mother: ‘Black mothers’ lives still don’t matter. But at least I’m still alive to tell you that’

A Girl In One Room: ‘I’ve lost trust in doctors over 14 years of not being believed or understood’

M-Boldened: ‘So many people have menopause symptoms shrugged off, ignored, or belittled’

Ill Feelings: ‘It was useful to dismiss us – to tell us we were trouble, rather than change the system we were troubling’

Oct 8, 2021 | Books, Physical Health

Q&A with Alice Hattrick, author of Ill Feelings, by Roisin McLaughlin-Dowd

‘My doctor diagnosed me with everything from epilepsy to migraines before realising I actually had endometriosis’

Jul 7, 2021 | Menstrual Health

Guest post by Tanya Patel, founder of online maternity and breastfeeding brand Lily and Ribbon

Call out: Research on experiences of endometriosis care (trans-inclusive)

Jun 18, 2021 | Hysterical Women, Menstrual Health

Researcher Jodie Hughes would like to hear from anyone with endometriosis

Unwell Women: ‘Our experiences are disavowed by patriarchal forms of knowledge’

Jun 11, 2021 | Books, Hysterical Women

Q&A with Dr Elinor Cleghorn, author of Unwell Women: A Journey Through Medicine And Myth in a Man-Made World

Response to Nadine Dorries: Shouting louder isn’t the answer

Jun 10, 2021 | Hysterical Women

Guest post by Ellie Hopkins, founder & CEO of Chronically Awesome

Perinatal Mental Health: ‘Everyone wants to hold the baby, but who holds the mum?’

May 14, 2021 | Motherhood

Guest post by Steph Cullen