# Gender disparities in medical treatment and outcomes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/gender-disparities-in-medical-treatment-and-outcomes
> Updated: 2026-09-25T05:15:20.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3.

Research from several institutions has highlighted persistent gender-based disparities in medical treatment and health outcomes. A study from the University of St Andrews, published in PLOS One, found that women are significantly less likely to receive intensive or invasive interventions—such as surgical procedures, stent placements, or strong painkillers—compared to men across specialties like cardiology, surgery, and emergency care.

In these findings, men were more frequently offered active treatments like bypass surgery, while women often received conservative pharmacological strategies. Researchers noted that medical professionals sometimes attribute women’s symptoms to anxiety, which can lead to potential misdiagnosis or undertreatment. A review of 41 papers published between 2018 and 2023 further indicated that women are frequently prescribed medication that does not align with established guidelines. Qualitative reports suggest women face systemic issues where symptoms are dismissed as being ‘all in their heads’ or attributed to hormonal fluctuations, with some professionals even suggesting pregnancy could resolve migraines or mental health disorders.

Gender also influences risks following specific procedures. Research from Karl Landsteiner Privatuniversität indicates that gender affects prognosis following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), specifically regarding the necessity of a pacemaker due to electrical conduction disturbances. Additionally, research from Queen Mary University of London indicated that gender affects how chronic conditions manifest; for example, women with Type 2 diabetes face a higher risk of mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, whereas men with the same diagnosis are more frequently diagnosed with cardiovascular and kidney diseases.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-25: Gender bias in medicine leads to treatment disparities for women

A study published in PLOS One reveals that women face ongoing medical disparities, including being less likely to receive invasive treatments and appropriate pain medication compared to men.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gender-bias-in-medicine-leads-to-treatment-disparities-for-women

### 2026-09-22: Medical studies reveal significant gender disparities in healthcare

Multiple studies reveal significant gender disparities in medical care, ranging from different treatment approaches for acute conditions to varying long-term risks following heart valve procedures and diabetes.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karl-landsteiner-privatuniversitt-study-finds-gender-affects-tavi-risks

### 2026-09-17: University of St Andrews research reveals gender bias in medical treatment

Research from the University of St Andrews reveals significant gender disparities in healthcare, with women less likely to receive invasive surgeries, stents, or strong painkillers than men.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gender-inequality-in-medical-treatment-revealed-by-study

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Cite as: Gender disparities in medical treatment and outcomes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/gender-disparities-in-medical-treatment-and-outcomes