Nine in 10 women have felt “embarrassed” after experiencing a female health symptom in public, according to research. A study, of more than 4,000 women, found 89 percent have been left feeling uncomfortable and self-conscious by the likes of hot flushes, heightened emotions, excessive sweating, severe period pain, or leaks, while around others.
These “Public Displays of Womanhood” – all natural bodily functions – have led to 12 percent of those who experience them cancelling social plans, while one in 20 now avoid going out altogether.
Two-thirds also faced comments from others as it happened – leaving them feeling self-conscious, anxious, and even ashamed.
It also emerged that despite raised awareness campaigns in recent years, 57 percent of those polled still feel women’s health remains a taboo topic. And 32 percent feel generally uncomfortable when talking about the subject, or about symptoms they may be experiencing.
The study was commissioned as part of the Bupa Wellbeing Index, with Dr Samantha Wild, its clinical lead for women’s health, saying: “In many cases, Public Displays of Womanhood (PDWs) are normal bodily functions which can occur from time to time, and are nothing to be embarrassed about.
“There is still a perceived stigma around women’s health, which is why women feel so ashamed when these things happen. But speaking about experiences – whether with friends, family, or a partner – can help to break the taboo, and normalise PDWs.
“However, when PDWs begin to impact day-to-day life, such as going to work, exercising, or socialising, and lead to mental health concerns, as many women in the study have said, then it’s important to speak to a doctor who will be able to look into whether these symptoms are normal or need further investigation, and guide you through a treatment plan.”
The study found that, of those who have experienced a women’s health symptom in public, the most common were excessive sweating (76 percent), heightened emotions (69 percent), and hot flushes (68 percent).
Meanwhile, 58 percent have experienced period blood leaking where it’s visible to others, and others have suffered urinary incontinence (58 percent), or leaking breasts (34 percent) – both of which are common during and after pregnancy.
These left 34 percent forced to abandon what they were doing and go home early, while one in 10 had to rush off and buy new clothes.
As a result, a third are anxious about it happening again – with around one in 20 (six percent) choosing to work from home more often to avoid being around others, just in case.
The study also found women feel uncomfortable talking to their male manager (42 percent), child (24 percent), and even their partner (12 percent) about women’s health.
And two-thirds think it is still viewed as an embarrassment if you experience a women’s health symptom in public, leaving 53 percent worried about suffering one in the future.
Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO for Bupa Global & UK, said: “These latest insights from the Bupa Wellbeing Index show how women’s health needs to be more part of the conversation.
“A lack of understanding leads to stigma, which makes people even more reluctant to talk about the day-to-day health concerns and experiences women face.
“Bupa’s vision is for a world where no woman is held back in society or the workplace due to health inequality, and we are committed to giving employers, educators, and healthcare practitioners the tools to achieve this.
“We’re starting with a pledge to our own people to create an environment where women feel comfortable speaking about their experiences, as well as offering our Period Plan to all our colleagues in the UK.”