This World Health Day, we It continues to shed light on the enduring issues that continue to affect women’s well-being: the silence of society regarding women’s intimate health.
From menstruation to menopause and pelvic floor disorders, countless conditions affecting women are overlooked, understudied, undiagnosed for years, and women suffer in silence. While many things are changing in the world for the benefit of women, we still have a long way to break the stigma and abandon the shame surrounding these important health topics.
Implicit tolls
Women’s intimate health remains covered in stigma and often ignore or mismanage serious conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic floor dysfunction, and menopause symptoms. Research shows that millions of women receive disproportionately less funding and attention than other health concerns, leading to delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment.
Our latest research provides impressive insight into the challenges women face. Surveys of 4,020 office workers from the UK, Spain, Italy and France 81% reported experiencing menopause symptoms Fatigue, night sweats, mood fluctuations, etc. –However, only 43% felt they were supported by the workplace..
Surprisingly, 24% had to take time off from work For menopause-related symptoms, and 18% even thought about quitting Their work.
On the other hand, menstruation remains a taboo topic for many young girls. Another Intinina study focusing on 1,000 girls aged 12-17. 65% feel shame Or try to hide the period at school. Only 32% feel comfortable discussing menstruation With their teacher.
This discomfort lasts until adulthood, perpetuating a cycle of misinformation and silence about reproductive health.
Mental Health: Important Interests for Young Women
Intimina’s research on Gen Z Girls, ages 13-20 across the UK, France, Spain and Italy, further highlights the urgent need for open discussions about women’s health. Confidence (63%) and mental health (62%) emerged as the most important aspects In their lives, however, their ability to maintain positive mental well-being is often hampered by the stigma surrounding natural bodily functions.
Talking to friends (60%) and family (51%) was cited as the main way to manage mental healthproves the importance of open, unstigmatized conversations.
The need for change
“Women’s health is not just a woman’s problem, it’s a social issue,” says Dunja Kokotovic, global brand manager at Interina. “Too many women suffer from silence and fear judgment or firing when discussing their symptoms. It’s time to change that story.”
“That’s why we’re at Intina, and we’re taking action to break the silence with initiatives like this. Wonder Girls Guidebooka free educational resource designed to help young girls navigate adolescence without embarrassment. It also advocates for better workplace policies to support greater awareness of women experiencing menopause and pelvic floor dysfunction.
It is essential to foster a more open and supportive environment for women’s intimate health. Normalizing these conversations can drive research, improve access to healthcare, and ensure women receive the support and understanding they deserve. By addressing these issues openly, society can help break the stigma and create a healthier future for all women.
