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This Won't Hurt
On sale
16th February 2023
Price: £22
‘A hugely informative and quietly furious call to arms.’ IRISH TIMES
‘A ground-breaking new book.’ EVENING STANDARD
‘A must read.’ DAILY EXPRESS
‘She is balanced in her evidence analysis, forensic in her research.’ TELEGRAPH
‘A vital subject that needs to be discussed -KATY HESSEL, AUTHOR OF THE STORY OF ART WITHOUT MEN
‘A valuable sociological perspective on women’s bodies and health and an even more valuable (and optimistic) view of a better future for all.’ GINA RIPPON
The idea that medicine is gender-neutral is a myth. This isn’t inflammatory rhetoric; it’s simply true. From the way pain is felt, to how heart attacks are diagnosed, to the very role society plays in the health of the body, the medical landscape in place today is one that was designed for, and by, men.
This book is about all the ways medicine is not gender-neutral, from research to treatment to diagnosis. Throughout history, flawed mindsets have paved the way for sub-par treatment, and the prevailing attitudes that still exist today have had terrible repercussions for women and their bodies.
Blending fascinating examples with historical and cultural context, and reflecting on her own personal experience with healthcare, Dr Marieke Bigg explores how women’s bodies have been ignored, misunderstood and misdiagnosed, whilst keeping an eye to a better future. This is a sharp and honest must-read, and an empowering tool for anyone committed to making this world safer to navigate for all.
‘A ground-breaking new book.’ EVENING STANDARD
‘A must read.’ DAILY EXPRESS
‘She is balanced in her evidence analysis, forensic in her research.’ TELEGRAPH
‘A vital subject that needs to be discussed -KATY HESSEL, AUTHOR OF THE STORY OF ART WITHOUT MEN
‘A valuable sociological perspective on women’s bodies and health and an even more valuable (and optimistic) view of a better future for all.’ GINA RIPPON
The idea that medicine is gender-neutral is a myth. This isn’t inflammatory rhetoric; it’s simply true. From the way pain is felt, to how heart attacks are diagnosed, to the very role society plays in the health of the body, the medical landscape in place today is one that was designed for, and by, men.
This book is about all the ways medicine is not gender-neutral, from research to treatment to diagnosis. Throughout history, flawed mindsets have paved the way for sub-par treatment, and the prevailing attitudes that still exist today have had terrible repercussions for women and their bodies.
Blending fascinating examples with historical and cultural context, and reflecting on her own personal experience with healthcare, Dr Marieke Bigg explores how women’s bodies have been ignored, misunderstood and misdiagnosed, whilst keeping an eye to a better future. This is a sharp and honest must-read, and an empowering tool for anyone committed to making this world safer to navigate for all.
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Reviews
'Dr Marieke Bigg's searing exposé of gender bias in medicine is equal parts frustrating and comforting...a must read.'
'A ground-breaking new book.'
'She skewers the medical and scientific experts for failing to listen to women about their problems and develop treatments.'
Asking all the right questions about the treatment of women's bodies and more importantly, answering them. Punchy, fascinating and vital.
A different outlook on what is getting to be a familiar refrain. Medicine is sexist! This book offers another window into the world where women's health concerns are dismissed as 'only to be expected'. Where, when dealing with women, medicine waits until a problem arises rather than find ways of preventing it. Where female problems are second class and to be endured, as opposed to men's problems, which are a matter of primary concern, and must be cured. A valuable sociological perspective on women's bodies and health and an even more valuable (and optimistic) view of a better future for all, if medical research just paid attention to women's bodies
A vital subject that needs to be discussed
A brilliant book...There is so much to unlearn, there is so much that also follows in terms of how medicine could support - rather than fail - half the world's population.
''[Marieke] is balanced in her evidence analysis, forensic in her research.'
'A hugely informative and quietly furious call to arms... with the skill and methodological precision of a surgeon.'