ITV x Opinium: Medical Misogyny
Our recent research for ITV raised some concerning figures when it comes to medical misogyny.
We found that:
- 3 in 5 women in the UK have experienced reproductive health issues.
- 1 in 3 reported waiting over a year for a diagnosis.
- 51% of women felt dismissed by a medical professional.
- Over half were misdiagnosed before receiving the correct treatment.
Vicky Pattison opened up about her struggle with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), revealing a 5-year wait for her own diagnosis. She interviewed women across the UK who faced delays up to 30 years, showing the systemic neglect affecting women across generations and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Women reported feeling ashamed, silenced, and isolated. Many were made to feel their suffering was “just PMS” and expected to “deal with it,” often by female medical professionals. Public reaction was immediate and strong, with viewers sharing their own traumatic experiences of being dismissed and unsupported.
Insights with impact:
- Vicky personally wrote to Health Secretary Wes Streeting demanding urgent reform and accountability.
- Following the live broadcast, Wes Streeting’s team reached out to arrange a meeting, committing to discuss the findings of the GMB investigation.
- The segment sparked widespread media coverage and public discourse, bringing medical misogyny to the national spotlight.
Media Outcome:
- The segment was featured on Good Morning Britain with Vicky Pattison, prompting immediate social media response and coverage in national papers.
- It significantly amplified awareness around diagnostic delays and systemic bias in women’s healthcare.
Check out the full report here:
For more insights with impact get in touch with our Political and Social research team (politicalsocial@opinium.com).
