BLEED

[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and ECW Press for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Bleed: Destroying Myths and Misogyny in Endometriosis Care releases March 21, 2023.

Bleed is part memoir, part journalistic prose.
Going into this, I knew that I would be able to relate to it. On many occasions, reading the experiences of others had me nodding my head and thinking all too well “yup”.
As someone that also suffers from some of the most debilitating chronic pains and symptoms, it was refreshing in a way to know that it isn’t just a figment of my imagination, yet, on the other hand, it’s frustrating to live in a world where so many individuals are still being gaslit and dismissed not only by men, but women as well.

The writing in Bleed is intellectual. I appreciated the emphasis on including terms such as “endo patients” that brought inclusion to everyone from cis-women, to non-binary, trans, and so forth.

There’s a lot of insight not only to endometriosis, but also the toll on mental health, medical facts, the way medications are prescribed and what kind of adverse side affects come with those.
Discourse includes detailed personal experiences, misogyny, gaslighting, marginalized people, racial inequality, suicide and suicidal thoughts, myths dating back to the early 1800’s, willingly choosing not to have children, and more.

Whether you have endo, pcos, a diagnosed or undiagnosed chronic illness, are a cis-woman or identify as something else, I think you’ll be able to either relate or hopefully gain a little insight as to how some individuals feel on a regular basis. Learning to cope to be high-functioning while in immense pain is a taxing skill in and of itself. Hopefully this brings necessary light and better advocacy to those who need it.


“Some may wonder why we put up with all this nonsense. To that I answer, do we really have a choice? We either live with it, or stop living.”

Though primarily about endometriosis and the author's experience with the disease, this book also has an extensive discussion of medical gaslighting, discrimination and misogyny in healthcare, and the pitiable lack of research and treatments for diseases that affect mostly women. I loved how the author incorporated intersectionality as well; though endo is thought of as a female disease, it also affects trans people and occasionally men. Endo can also be experienced by people of different races and ethnicities differently, which I hadn't thought of much and appreciated the discourse. Though this book was very frustrating to read (I've dealt with a lot of this myself as an endo patient), there was SO MUCH good information overall. Since undergoing infertility treatment years ago, I've made a point of advocating for endometriosis awareness on my own, and I will be recommending this book to everyone I know.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Bleed has shined a light on systemic misogyny in gynecological and endometriosis care. This book is an “evidence file” for medical trauma and systemic misogyny in healthcare. This book is for those who identify as cisgender, non-binary, and transgender.

Women are routinely denied hysterectomies in case they “change their mind”. This book had me intrigued and angrily tearing through the pages. I related so much to these situations without even realizing I was gaslit by the medical system. I’m a NURSE and I didn’t recognize it until I became on the patient side. I saw this before deciding to have kids, during pregnancy, immediately postpartum, and while FIGHTING for iud removal.

Everyone should read this book. I especially think medical professionals should, but if you identify as female at birth regardless of your identity now you ABSOLUTELY should read this to understand the fight gynecological patients have about their choices and rights. (Or lack there of). Read this if you are pro feminist, pro equality, I don’t care just read it. This was the most validating and infuriating book I’ve ever read so thank you dear author for sharing your fight for the happiest ending you could get in this unfortunate society.