Women with the same medical conditions as men are less likely to receive active treatments such as surgery, stents, or strong pain medications, according to a new analysis of global research. The study highlights significant gender disparities in the management of several health issues, including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and Parkinson’s disease.
Researchers from the University of St Andrews reviewed 38 studies examining treatment differences between men and women. In 33 of these studies, women were consistently less likely than men to be offered interventions considered more aggressive or invasive. For example, women diagnosed with myocardial infarction, heart failure, or arrhythmias were generally prescribed medications, while men with similar diagnoses were more often treated with procedures like coronary bypass surgery or stent placements. Additionally, women were less likely to receive statins, commonly prescribed to manage cholesterol.
The study also found that men with Parkinson’s disease had a higher likelihood of being referred for deep brain stimulation, a specialized surgical treatment, compared to women. Similarly, men with liver failure were more frequently granted access to transplants. Among kidney patients requiring dialysis, women were less often provided permanent vascular access and instead spent more time relying on temporary catheters. Pain management also showed gender differences, with women less likely to be prescribed opioids.
The review noted a few exceptions where treatment rates did not differ markedly by sex, including stroke and diabetes care. Conversely, women were more likely than men to receive treatment for dementia.
These findings contribute to ongoing concerns about gender inequality in healthcare delivery. In the United Kingdom, for instance, previous government officials have acknowledged a "gender health gap" and appointed a women’s health ambassador to address disparities. Some have described the situation as reflective of “medical misogyny.”
The analysis found no clinical guidelines recommending different treatments based on patient sex, suggesting that unequal care rather than clinical necessity was the cause of these disparities. Dr. Andrew O’Malley, co-lead author of the study, emphasized the need for clinicians to ensure treatment decisions are grounded in clinical evidence rather than assumptions. He noted that previous research has shown female patients’ symptoms are more likely to be attributed to anxiety and that misdiagnoses occur more frequently among women, even when diagnostic tests support their conditions.
Dr. Miriam Veenhuizen, honorary lecturer at the University of St Andrews School of Medicine, said the consistency of gender disparities across various medical fields—including cardiology, surgery, transplant medicine, and emergency care—was striking. She added that the patterns persisted after adjusting for other factors, underscoring the pervasiveness of the issue.
The study’s findings underscore the importance of addressing potential gender biases in clinical practice to ensure equitable treatment for all patients.