It is a sad fact that women have a harder time navigating the healthcare system. In fact, a recent story shared by Em (@epstudio.creative) is an unfortunate but perfect example of how dismissive some doctors can be. The Utah resident’s story, uploaded on Instagram and TikTok, resonated with many, racking up over 740,000 views across both platforms. It all began with her getting a total hysterectomy at 28.
Em explained, “There were a lot of things that led me to the decision of getting a hysterectomy so young. Mainly, I had horrible, horrible cycles. I had stage 2 endometriosis, pelvic congestion syndrome, and severe enough PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) that I am convinced that if I hadn’t gotten a hysterectomy when I did, I wouldn’t be alive today.”
She noted that her situation was so bad that multiple doctors recommended this as a treatment plan. Not only that, the nurses were allegedly shocked by how smooth her recovery was. After the procedure, she was referred to an endocrinologist to help manage hormone replacement therapy. She claimed that it took her eight months to get an appointment. It should be noted that this is Em’s story and we don’t have the doctor’s perspective. It shouldn’t be treated as verified fact.
The appointment is when things took an alleged misogynistic turn
According to Em, “Immediately, he is grilling me about why I decided to have a hysterectomy at 28. He basically said that PMDD wasn’t a thing, and it wasn’t a valid reason to get a hysterectomy. And he said that I should have just dealt with the pain of endometriosis so that I could have popped out a few more babies.”
She further alleged, “He told me that he wouldn’t help me with hormone replacement therapy, and he actually thought that the estrogen patches that my OBGYN put me on, I needed to get off of. When I asked why, he said, ‘You decided to have a hysterectomy at 28. This is just the consequences of your actions.’”
Em told her viewers that she didn’t stay to be treated poorly. When they walked out to the reception, she claimed, “I looked at [the receptionist], I looked at him, and I said, there will be absolutely no need to rebook. And I walked out. And reported him.”
In the caption of her post, she stated, “I don’t know why this doctor decided to take out his personal (BS) opinions on me, but it turns out I’m not the only one he’s done this to. It shouldn’t matter WHY I decided to get a Hysterectomy, it’s my body and it doesn’t matter how many kids I did or didn’t have, that shouldn’t be the qualifier for care.” In a similar case, a TikToker stated that she felt euphoric after her hysterectomy.
UN Women highlighted that Em’s experience isn’t unique. They noted that across the world, women are more likely to have their pain dismissed, their symptoms misread, and their conditions diagnosed too late.
The report explains that the medical system wasn’t designed with women in mind. Until 1993, women were largely excluded from clinical trials. This means that for decades, treatments were reportedly built around male bodies. It has les to situations where drug dosages and symptom definitions often don’t account for female biology. In confirmation, the comments on her posts were filled with similar stories of medical neglect or prejudice.
One TikTok user wrote, “When i was 15 EVERY TIME i went to my doc for my horrible periods she accused me of lying to the point she started to convince my mom i was lying until she realized how much i was throwing up, couldnt walk, couldnt stay awake, kept passing out ect so she took me to another doc n now im on my 4th doc and now im mid getting diagnosed w endo its [not] as bad as other girls stories it jst infuriates me.”
On Instagram, users shared equally jarring experiences. One person wrote, “They refused to do internal echo’s despite me giving consent, because I was a virgin and it would ‘ruin me for my husband’ (I am Lesbian, Ace, and have CSA trauma. What husband?) … Doctor 4 was a woman! Internal echo finally done; I was bleeding into my abdominal cavity and had two uteri!” In fact, last year, a woman’s hysterectomy was cancelled after her husband did not consent.
As the UN Women report points out, for many women, a longer life doesn’t necessarily mean a better life. They reportedly spend more years dealing with chronic pain, fatigue, and being dismissed by the medical system. Em’s advice to others is clear: “Don’t let stupid doctors bully you. Stand your ground and don’t let them treat you that way.”
Published: Aug 4, 2026 05:40 am