Israeli Panel Highlights Challenges of Invisible Diseases Affecting Thousands of Women
A special episode of the Israeli program "These Religious Women" focused on invisible illnesses that affect thousands of women, emphasizing the heavy toll these conditions take on their lives. The panel included Avivith Zahavi Bienstock, coordinator for endometriosis at the Breira Foundation; Roni Nof Meltz from the organization Women for Their Bodies; Dalit Shmueli, chair of the Shades of Purple association for fibromyalgia and chronic pain sufferers; and Yafit Shoval from the association treating painful bladder syndrome.
The discussion centered on defining "invisible diseases" and why many women endure years of pain, medical tests, and uncertainty before being believed. Chronic pain conditions, especially fibromyalgia, were highlighted, with panelists describing how women often hear dismissive comments like "it's all in your head" or "you're just tired," which deepen feelings of isolation and mental distress.
Endometriosis was also discussed, focusing on distinguishing normal menstrual pain from symptoms requiring medical evaluation. The panel stressed that many girls grow up believing pain is an inherent part of womanhood and sometimes learn early that their pain might not be taken seriously. Unique challenges faced by women in religious and traditional communities were addressed, where discussing intimate issues such as menstruation and gynecological pain remains difficult. The panel called for respectful, open dialogue within these communities to prevent women from suffering alone.
Other topics included menopause, which remains stigmatized and poorly understood despite its significance, and painful bladder syndrome, often accompanied by shame and silence. The panel also raised concerns about gender disparities in medical diagnosis and treatment, citing cases where women with heart attacks or severe pain are diagnosed late. They urged increased awareness of how diseases manifest differently in women and the need to listen carefully to their complaints.
The episode concluded with a unified message encouraging women to persist in seeking medical help if they feel something is wrong, despite the challenges. The panel called for greater awareness of invisible diseases, more open conversations about women's health, and genuine attention to pain that is not outwardly visible.
