This week the subject was sex and gynaecological issues. The people taking part all have an interest in gynae health and we shared various tweets about the inconsistences of healthcare and the lack of support that some women get when dealing with their gynae health issues whether it be womb cancer, PCOS, endometriosis or other gynae issues.
Towards the end the chat turned from talking about the negative side of things to the positive – yes there are some “good news” stories out there.
It was mentioned that if we shared positive stories about gynae healthcare then that would help other women challenge sub-standard care that they might be getting. After all, if you think the care you are getting is what everyone is getting then you are more likely to put up with it but if you know that better care practice is possible then you will want it for yourself too, right?
It’s easy in this day and age to constantly talk down and be negative about the NHS – we all know they are under immense pressure and cut-backs are everywhere but very often all it takes is a different approach and a little more understanding to make things better for patients.
Sexual health issues that occur as a result of gynae health issues are very often overlooked as they are not seen as important by HCP’s so many women suffer unnecessarily, and often for many years. Even something as simple as going for a smear test can cause great anguish in some women.
However, we know there are some women out there who have had good quality support and treatment from HCP’s so it is important that we start to focus on the good so that all women know the standard of care that should be available to us all.
It is up to those of us that work in this area of gynae health care, many of us who have gynae issues ourselves and are running small support organisations to be the voice for all women and speak up on their behalf.
We want to see change and we want to see services improve for all women experiencing gynae health issues. It doesn’t have to cost money; sometimes all it takes is just a change in attitude.
Kaz xx