If you’ve listened to our latest podcast episode, you’ve heard Dr. Brandi break down a number of women’s health and health technology misconceptions. When we met as a team to review the myths out there, it was interesting to see how many of these beliefs were familiar to most of us. And while in most cases we *knew* they weren’t true, our collective experience begged the question:
Where did many of these myths come from? Let’s explore.
Old wives tales that have withstood the test of time
“Old wives tales” are traditional or historic beliefs that have been passed down through generations through storytelling. Many old wives tales include home remedies that were developed due to a lack of medical access. Cultural norms and wisdom have also shaped these recommendations. Not all old wives tales are myths, but when information is shared primarily through word-of-mouth the room for human error increases.
Lagging research on women’s health issues
Women health care myths are also born from lack of adequate research into women’s health issues. Women of childbearing years are often excluded from clinical trials, and more research is needed around how common diseases impact women differently than men. The limited understanding of women’s health paired with stigmatized views around women’s reproductive and sexual health leave many women to devise their own solutions to their health issues. And when something seems to “work,” another health myth is born.
Information is freely shared
We are living in the Information Age where unfettered access to the internet has made it easier than ever to share ideas with a wide audience. The upside? More people have access to verified information that can help them improve their health and lives? The drawback? Anyone can share anything. It’s just as easy for bad information to circulate as it is to share good advice. The damaging myths that were spread during the Covid-19 pandemic were examples of how the unregulated nature of the internet contributes to the spread of health myths.
Women’s health myths aren’t new, but the nature of how these misconceptions are shared has changed in recent years. As more research and attention are given to women’s health issues, we look forward to spreading better information about women’s health.
