Chapter 11 Flashcards
Gender and Physical Health (30 cards)
What are 4 types of bias in the medical system that affect women and LGBTQ+ people?
(1) Women are often left out of medical research.
(2) Gender stereotypes influence treatment.
(3) Care is sometimes too much (unneeded surgery) or too little (missed conditions).
(4) Doctors often don’t listen or talk down to women patients.
Why do women live longer than men?
Women are biologically protected (like having two X chromosomes), avoid risky behavior more, seek medical care more often, and are more tuned in to health changes.
What is morbidity, and who experiences it more?
Morbidity means having poor health or illness. Women experience more of it than men (e.g., fatigue, anemia, chronic pain).
How does economic status affect health?
Poorer people have shorter life spans and worse health due to lack of access to quality care, unsafe living conditions, and more stress.
What are two major health issues for women in developing countries?
1) Lack of access to health care, and (2) Female genital mutilation (FGM), which causes long-term health issues and is still practiced in many countries.
How do heart attack symptoms differ between men and women?
Men feel chest pain, while women often feel tiredness or shortness of breath—so women’s heart attacks are often missed.
Why is breast cancer widely talked about, and how is it detected?
It gets attention due to the cultural focus on breasts. It’s detected by self-exams and mammograms (recommended for women over 50 every 1–2 years).
What is a hysterectomy and why is it controversial?
It’s surgery to remove the uterus. It’s sometimes done unnecessarily when less extreme treatments would work.
What is osteoporosis, and who is at risk?
A condition that weakens bones, mostly affecting older women. It can be prevented by exercise and calcium/vitamin D.
What is ableism?
Discrimination based on disability; it devalues people with disabilities.
Why are women with disabilities more likely to face educational barriers?
Schools may lack accessible buildings, interpreters, and support services.
What is an invisible disability?
A disability that is not immediately noticeable, like multiple sclerosis or chronic fatigue.
What dilemma do women with invisible disabilities face at work?
Whether to reveal their disability and risk bias or hide it and struggle in silence.
How does ableism affect personal relationships?
Women with disabilities are often seen as unattractive or asexual, limiting dating opportunities.
What is HIV and how does it affect the body?
HIV is a virus that destroys the immune system by attacking white blood cells, making the body unable to fight infections.
Why are women more biologically vulnerable to HIV than men?
HIV is more concentrated in semen than vaginal fluid, and women’s bodies have more surface area exposed during sex, increasing the risk.
How can HIV be transmitted?
Through unprotected vaginal/anal sex, sharing needles, during childbirth, and breastfeeding.
What are some early symptoms of HIV?
Fatigue, fever, weight loss, rashes, diarrhea. Women may also have vaginal infections or cervical cancer.
What are the psychological effects of HIV/AIDS?
Depression, anxiety, fear, anger, and stress are common. Some people feel empowered when they share their diagnosis.
Why don’t people always use condoms?
Embarrassment, power imbalances in relationships, alcohol use, and myths like “it can’t happen to me.”
What helps prevent STIs like HIV and HPV?
Using condoms, getting regular Pap smears, and vaccines like Gardasil for HPV.
Why is smoking especially dangerous for women?
Smoking increases women’s risk of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, cervical cancer, infertility, and early menopause. It also causes babies to have low birth weight.
Why might women start smoking, especially in youth?
Peer pressure and to control weight.
What is alcohol use disorder?
A repeated pattern of alcohol use causing problems like missing work or school, legal issues, or family conflict.
