Female reproductive healthcare: common conditions and biases

Historically, gynaecology and obstetrics occupied a marginalised position within healthcare specialties, often relegated to the status of a ‘Cinderella service’ (Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists, 2019; National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2021). This perception stemmed from societal attitudes and gender bias, which influenced how gynaecological and obstetric services were viewed in comparison to other specialties.

Nowadays, gynaecology is recognised as an essential specialism, employing a range of healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists, specialist nurses and psychologists, to provide vital care to women of all ages, playing a crucial role in diagnosing and treating a broad range of women’s health issues. However, this historical context is important to consider when examining certain areas of practice, as unconscious bias can still exist and impact healthcare professionals’ decisions (Bourdieu, 2001; Chapman et al, 2013). Therefore, intuitive decision making in healthcare can act as a double-edged sword, where it can be