Pain is the most common reason for doctor visits. And yet it is one of the most challenging medical conditions to treat, in part because it is so subjective and individualized. You and your friend might have the exact same diagnosis and yet feel the pain in completely different ways. That’s why it’s so important to remember that your pain is real and that you deserve the right treatment.

There’s also a gender gap when it comes to pain. Women have more frequent, longer lasting and more severe pain than men. However studies show that the medical system does not take women’s pain seriously.