Women may be less likely than men to receive invasive or intensive treatments for the same medical conditions, according to a new review by researchers at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
The study found differences across several areas of medicine. These included cardiology, surgery, transplant medicine and emergency care. Researchers said the findings show a consistent pattern in how doctors manage male and female patients.
However, the researchers stressed that the review does not establish whether women or men receive better overall care. It also does not show that every treatment difference results from discrimination or unequal medical decisions.
Study Finds Differences Across Medical Care
Researchers examined 41 studies published between 2018 and 2023. They found repeated differences in treatment between men and women with similar medical conditions.
Women with heart failure, heart attacks and tachycardia were more likely to receive medication and other conservative care. Men were more likely to receive invasive procedures in some of the studies.
These procedures included coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention. Both treatments can improve blood flow to the heart in appropriate patients.
The researchers also found differences in treatment for people with Parkinson’s disease. Men were more likely to receive referrals for deep brain stimulation, which uses an implanted device to help manage certain symptoms.
Women were also less likely to receive a liver transplant or receive referrals for some surgical procedures.
Researchers Point to Consistent Pattern
Miriam Veenhuizen, an honorary lecturer at the St Andrews School of Medicine, said the consistency of the findings stood out.
“While the direction of the findings was not a surprise, the consistency was,” Veenhuizen said.
The researchers said sex differences already play a role in several areas of medicine. Differences can affect diagnosis, treatment decisions and patient management.
However, the study does not determine why these treatment patterns occur. Factors such as disease severity, patient preferences, clinical risks and other medical considerations may influence treatment choices.
Doctors Urged to Review Treatment Decisions
Andrew O’Malley, co-lead of the study, said the findings should encourage clinicians to examine how they make treatment decisions.
“For clinicians, the findings are a prompt to check whether treatment is being offered on clinical grounds rather than assumption,” he said.
The researchers said more work is needed to understand the reasons behind the differences. Further studies could also help determine whether treatment patterns affect health outcomes for men and women differently.
The review highlights the importance of assessing patients according to their individual medical needs rather than relying on assumptions linked to sex.
