Women’s Health – Let’s Talk About It!

Women usually have no problem openly discussing back pain, a nagging cough, or a headache with friends. But when it comes to vaginal issues, many women agree it’s usually a different––private––story. It is much more challenging to ask your friends questions like, “Does your labia tissue ever bother you while exercising?” or, “Do you also leak whenever you cough or laugh a little harder than normal—or is that just me?”

There are only so many Google and WebMD searches a person can do—the most helpful and reliable avenue to take is often having a good old-fashioned conversation about these sensitive topics with your close friends and healthcare providers. Taboo topics like labial appearance, constipation, incontinence (the list goes on and on) are important to be addressed on a normal basis. It doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out conversation either! Talking about your vaginal health should be as effortless and natural as possible. Sometimes this is easier said than done—and we understand that! About a quarter of the female population is suffering from symptoms in silence because they are too embarrassed to bring it up with anyone. Knowing you aren’t the only one in the world with this issue will help ease your mind and open up the conversation surrounding women’s health.

For example, it has been estimated that anywhere from 25% to 45% of women have suffered from urinary incontinence, which is more simply known as leakage, at least once in the past year. This means that at least one out of every four of your friends can most likely relate with you about your incontinence symptoms. They may be able to offer advice about certain remedies that worked for them or refer you to a trusted healthcare provider who helped them get their quality of life back.

Too often we hear from people who state they have been suffering from very treatable symptoms for years, even over a decade sometimes. After their successful treatment or surgery, they often wish they had sought help earlier. Don’t let this be you! As soon as you see symptoms that disrupt your daily activity, talk to someone about it. Talking with friends first is a great idea, and scheduling an appointment to talk with a healthcare professional will likely give you the insight you have been wondering about for months or years.