Premieres Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 10 p.m. on KPBS TV / PBS App
Through the personal and inspiring stories of four patients urgently searching for answers to mysterious symptoms, "Below The Belt: The Last Health Taboo" exposes widespread problems in our healthcare system that disproportionately affect women. From societal taboos and gender bias to misinformed doctors and financial barriers to care, the film shines a light on how millions are effectively silenced. Through its powerful, intimate storytelling, it’s a tribute to the strength of women and a stirring message for better care.
Through the inspiring stories of four patients urgently searching for answers to mysterious symptoms, Below the Belt exposes widespread problems in our healthcare system that disproportionately affect women. From societal taboos and gender bias to misinformed doctors and financial barriers to care, the film shines a light on how millions are effectively silenced.
People with endometriosis symptoms see 8 doctors over 10 years on average before diagnosis. Patients are often told symptoms are normal or "part of being a woman." Symptoms are not well-taught or well-understood even by healthcare providers, which leave many patients in a unique position to find answers themselves.
Treatments for endometriosis are difficult to navigate and often come with side effects. First, patients are often offered pain medication and hormonal medications. These medications are band-aids that do not treat the underlying disease. Then, they are offered surgery, yet most OBGYNs are ill-equipped to provide the advanced surgery necessary to properly treat endometriosis.
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