For many people with endometriosis, getting a diagnosis is a long, exhausting battle. Not just against the disease itself but against a medical system that often dismisses their pain. The term medical gaslighting refers to situations where doctors downplay or ignore symptoms, making patients feel like their pain isn’t real. Endometriosis gaslighting is a common thing.
What Medical Gaslighting Looks Like
Medical gaslighting can take many forms, but here are some of the most common ways endometriosis gaslighting affects sufferers:
- Dismissal of pain – Doctors may suggest that any period pain is normal.
- Misdiagnosis – Endometriosis is oftentimes misdiagnosed with other conditions such as IBS, Cohn’s Disease, or even an STD.
- Downplaying symptoms – Severe pain, heavy bleeding, and other debilitating symptoms brushed off as a normal period.
- Pushing ineffective treatments – Some doctors insist that birth control or pregnancy will “cure” endometriosis, despite research proving otherwise.
These experiences don’t just delay diagnosis—they cause real emotional harm, making patients feel unheard and powerless.
The Unique Struggles Black Women Face in Getting Diagnosed
Medical bias makes the endometriosis journey even more complicated for Black women. Studies show that Black patients are less likely to have their pain taken seriously by doctors. For endometriosis, this means:
- Longer diagnosis times – Black women are often misdiagnosed with fibroids or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) instead of endometriosis.
- Lack of research – Endometriosis has long been considered a “white woman’s disease,” leading to a lack of studies and awareness about how it affects Black women.
- Racial bias in pain treatment – Some doctors still believe harmful myths about Black people having a “higher pain tolerance,” leading to inadequate treatment and implicit bias.
We covered this issue in more depth in Healthcare Disparities in the Black Community Today. Where we break down the racial disparities in healthcare system today.
How to Advocate for Yourself
If you’re dealing with medical gaslighting, here are some steps you can take:
- Track your symptoms – Keep a detailed log of your pain, bleeding, and other symptoms to show doctors.
- Seek a second (or third) opinion – If one doctor dismisses you, find another who will listen.
- Bring backup – A friend or family member can help advocate for you during appointments.
- Request specific tests – Ask for a pelvic exam, ultrasound, or laparoscopic surgery to check for endometriosis.
- Join a support group – Connecting with others who understand can be empowering and provide valuable resources. (Join our support group here)
Your Story is Powerful—Share It
Medical gaslighting thrives in silence. By sharing your story, you help expose these harmful practices and push for change. If you’ve faced dismissal or bias, don’t stop fighting for the care you need.
️ Have you experienced medical gaslighting? Share your story in the comments or on social media using #EndoAdvocacy.
Looking for more resources? Check these out:
- Endometriosis Foundation of America
- The Black Women’s Health Imperative
- Black Women Feel Pain Too Support Group
Together, we can demand better care for endometriosis sufferers.