Est. 1887
About the Institute
Over 130 years of prestigious, uninterrupted dismissal.
Institute for Minimizing Women's Pain™ — Chartered by Royal Indifference, 1887
Our Mission
"To provide women experiencing chronic pelvic pain with the confidence that they are, in all likelihood, completely fine — and that if they are not fine, they will probably feel better if they try yoga."
*This mission statement was approved by a board of seven directors, none of whom have a uterus.
Our History
The Institute for Minimizing Women's Pain™ was founded in 1887 by Sir Reginald Notlistening, a distinguished London physician who, after a long career of telling women their symptoms were 'hysteria,' decided to formalize the practice.
Founding
Sir Reginald Notlistening establishes the Institute in a modest Harley Street townhouse, with a mission to 'provide women with the reassurance that nothing is wrong.' First annual report notes 847 patients seen; 847 told to rest.
*Sir Reginald's medical degree was from the University of Edinburgh. His bedside manner was from somewhere else entirely.
Expansion to the United States
The Institute opens its first American chapter in Boston, Massachusetts. Founding director Dr. Cornelius Patience introduces the landmark 'Wait and See' protocol, which remains our primary treatment methodology to this day.
†The 'Wait and See' protocol has been updated once, in 1987, to add the word 'please' before 'wait.'
The Ibuprofen Revelation
Following the widespread availability of ibuprofen, the Institute publishes its most-cited paper: 'Have You Tried Ibuprofen? A Comprehensive Review.' The paper concludes that ibuprofen is 'probably enough.' It has not been updated.
‡This paper has been cited 4,200 times. Approximately 4,197 of those citations are critical.
The Yoga Initiative
Following a wellness retreat attended by three board members, the Institute formally adds yoga to its recommended treatment protocols. The decision was made by a show of hands. No clinical data was consulted. The motion passed unanimously.
§Board members have since clarified they 'really liked the retreat' and stand by the recommendation.
Digital Expansion
The Institute launches this website, bringing our century-old tradition of dismissal to a global audience. We are proud to be the first institution of our kind to achieve Certified Dismissive™ status in the digital age.
**Certified Dismissive™ is a certification we gave ourselves. The process was rigorous.
Our Values
Reassurance Over Diagnosis
We believe that a confident 'you're probably fine' from a medical professional is worth more than years of expensive diagnostic testing. Certainty is overrated. Reassurance is free.
Tradition
Our protocols have been refined over 130 years of consistent application. We see no reason to update them simply because 'new research exists.' The old research was perfectly good.
Efficiency
The average Institute consultation lasts 7 minutes. We consider this a feature. Longer appointments only give patients more time to describe symptoms, which helps no one.
Optimism
We maintain an unwavering institutional belief that patients will feel better soon. This belief is not based on evidence. We find it more durable that way.
Accreditations & Affiliations
Certified Dismissive™
Self-Issued, 2024
Victorian Medical Tradition Award
Awarded 1887; not reviewed since
Journal of Minimizing Women's Pain
Founding Publisher & Sole Peer Reviewer
Yoga Alliance Partner
Unofficial; they do not know about this