Women are embarrassed talking about their bodies with 2% whispering or using lowered voice – to order intimate products from the counter

Women are embarrassed when talking about their own bodies with more than a fifth (21 per cent) – even whispering or using a lowered voice – to order intimate products from behind the counter.
The UK’s biggest ‘vagina study’, of 5,000 women, found they feel uncomfortable discussing anything to do with their private parts and 30 per cent would prefer to turn to the internet for advice rather than a healthcare professional.
While 42 per cent would be mortified talking about private matters with close friends, whether that’s discharge, STI’s or common medical problems like thrush or bacterial vaginosis.
And 74 per cent think females are taught from an early age to hide their experiences, and ‘be discreet’ when referencing anything to do with their bodily functions.
Lack of education about intimate health
Dr Shazia Malik, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, who is working with women’s intimate healthcare brand Balance Activ, said: “It’s clear there is a lack of education about intimate health from a young age, leading women to feeling too embarrassed to even consult a healthcare professional.
“Some things need to change and we can start doing this now by educating ourselves and others.
“It’s really important for women to be able to spot the signs of any changes in the vagina or vulva, which is why it’s great that there are tools and support out there to help and encourage women to speak more openly.”
The study found those aged 45-55 even have a ‘name’ for their lady bits (28 per cent) and prefer using that over vagina or vulva.
And even though seven in 10 know what they go through is completely natural, they’d rather minimise it as much as possible.
While younger women aged 18 to 24 said while they learnt a little about their biology at school (47 per cent), more than half (57