Breaking the Silence on Pelvic Pain and Medical Gaslighting

Chronic pelvic pain is a silent epidemic affecting millions of women, yet it remains one of the most underdiagnosed and undertreated conditions in healthcare. A recent study published in JAMA on May 8, 2025, titled “Experiences of Care and Gaslighting in Patients with Vulvovaginal Disorders,” sheds light on the distressing reality many women face when seeking medical help for conditions like vulvodynia and other vulvovaginal disorders. The findings are both alarming and heartbreaking, revealing a pattern of dismissal and disbelief that leaves patients feeling unheard and invalidated. 

The study’s results are a stark reminder of the systemic issues within the medical community regarding women’s health: 

• 52.8% of patients considered stopping care because their concerns were ignored. 

• 41.6% were told they needed to relax more. 

• 20.6% were advised to drink alcohol to alleviate symptoms. 

• 20.6% were referred to psychiatry without receiving medical treatment for their physical symptoms. 

• 39.4% reported feeling made to look crazy by healthcare providers. 

These statistics underscore a troubling trend of medical gaslighting, where legitimate physical symptoms are dismissed. Such responses not only delay proper diagnosis and treatment but also exacerbate the emotional and psychological toll on patients. 

Medical gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where patients’ symptoms are minimized or dismissed, leading them to question their own experiences. In the context of chronic pelvic pain, this can manifest as providers attributing physical symptoms to stress, anxiety, or even suggesting that patients are imagining their pain. This not only hinders effective treatment but also erodes trust in the healthcare system. 

A study exploring the healthcare experiences of women diagnosed with vulvodynia in the United Kingdom found that many women felt their pain was dismissed and ignored due to their gender. Pain management was often prioritized over overall well-being and mental health, leaving patients feeling unsupported and unheard. (PubMed) 

The findings from these studies highlight a critical need for change in how the medical community approaches women’s health, particularly in the realm of pelvic pain. Healthcare providers must be trained to recognize and validate the experiences of patients with chronic pelvic pain. This includes taking symptoms seriously, conducting thorough examinations, and providing appropriate referrals to specialists when necessary. 

Moreover, there is a pressing need for interdisciplinary guidelines on vulvar pain disorders. An estimated 1 in 4 women experience vulvodynia, yet nearly 40% of those afflicted choose to endure the pain in silence. Of those who do seek help, 60% leave physicians’ offices without a diagnosis or relief. On average, it takes 7 years for these patients to get the correct diagnosis, with a significant cost burden averaging $6,000 out-of-pocket.  

If you are experiencing chronic pelvic pain, it is essential to know that you are not alone. Your pain is real, and you deserve to be heard, believed, and treated with respect. The dismissive attitudes and inadequate care highlighted in these studies are unacceptable. You have the right to compassionate, comprehensive, and competent healthcare. 

At Foundational Concepts, we understand the challenges you face and are committed to providing the care and support you need. Our team of pelvic floor physical therapists is dedicated to listening to your story, validating your experiences, and working with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. 

The medical community must recognize the validity of women’s health concerns and take action to address the issues that contribute to the dismissal of patients’ experiences. This includes: 

• Education and Training: Incorporating comprehensive education on women’s health, including pelvic pain disorders, in health care training at all levels to ensure healthcare providers are well-equipped to diagnose and treat these conditions. 

• Patient-Centered Care: Adopting a patient-centered approach that values and respects patients’ experiences, fosters open communication, and involves patients in decision-making processes. 

• Support and Resources: Providing patients with access to support groups, educational resources, and multidisciplinary care teams to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of chronic pelvic pain. 

By taking these steps, we can begin to dismantle the barriers that prevent women from receiving the care they deserve and ensure that no one has to suffer in silence. 

Chronic pelvic pain is not just a physical ailment; it is a complex condition that affects every aspect of a person’s life. The data in the JAMA study serve as a powerful reminder of the need for change in how we approach women’s health.  

If you are struggling with chronic pelvic pain, know that you are not alone. Your pain is valid, and you deserve compassionate and effective care. At Foundational Concepts, we are here to support you on your journey to healing. Together, we can work towards a future where every woman receives the care and respect she deserves. 

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Disclaimer: This blog is here for your help. It is the opinion of a Licensed Physical Therapist. If you experience the symptoms addressed you should seek the help of a medical professional who can diagnose and develop a treatment plan that is individualized for you.