Last Updated on 4 October 2020 by Colette
Advertorial content
This post is an uncomfortable one. About something uncomfortable. Something I don’t think I’ve ever written about and certainly not something I would really talk about. Intimate health isn’t high on my list of topics of conversation but that’s the point of this post. Feminine hygiene & health is vitally important but something which we have a tendency to keep quiet on. Something which we worry about and quietly google to try and find out what’s causing the discomfort so that we don’t have to go to the GP and show him (or her) “down there”.
 |
| Photo Credit: Hey Paul Studios via Compfight cc |
I must admit that having had three children I’m less shy about what’s going on down there. If it needs treating, it needs treating. I will never forget arriving at the hospital in labour with Ben and one of the nurses telling me to “leave my dignity at the door” – and whilst she said it in jest, she wasn’t far wrong. I remember feeling all coy when I had that first internal examination, being carefully covered with a sheet and so forth but by the time I’d been in labour for 26 hours and had an emergency c section the whole world seemed to have seen my wares – it certainly left me less self conscious when it came to my “girl’s bits”. That said I’m still not skipping with joy when it comes to be time to lie legs akimbo in the Dr’s surgery . . .
Smear tests, thrush and funny smells are all things bound to make us girls cringe and bury our heads in the sand but they are all issues which need addressing. As someone prone to chest infections which need treating with antibiotics I’m no stranger to a bout of thrush as a parting gift from my illness. It took me a long time to realise that it was thrush I was suffering from and that it was the antibiotics which were causing it – my own lack of knowledge around this certainly prolonged my discomfort as I tended to just leave it to clear up on its own rather than getting treated appropriately. I remember waking myself up in the night with intense irritation of it (that’s the politest way I can think of putting it . . . I’m sure you know what I’m talking about!)
Now that I know I can be prone to thrush – I also know ways I can help myself to avoid it, or at least curtail it’s stay! The right underwear, the right hygiene products . . . you can get more information about thrush on the Canesten site.
Do you find it awkward talking about feminine intimate health? #GetComfortable with Canesten and let me know your tips for not feeling embarrassed about discussing your intimate health.
*This post has been supported by Canesten, but all thoughts are our own*
Just remember that the nurse/doctor/health visitor/consultant hears women and men talk about their bits and sees their bits most days you are not in anyway different – you are just the norm!
I agree with Tracy, I just think about the 1,000's of times the person I'm talking to has had this conversation. I also feel like they are very important body parts that do lots of things for us and deserve some respect. I hope my daughter's generation feels more comfortable talking about their bodies than our does.
I think it's so important to be able to open up about these things. I think the best way to approach it is that the mild discomfort of talking about thrush or similar issues isn't as bad as the discomfort of leaving it untreated!xx
Talk about it. The more people talk about their intimate health the more normal it will seem 🙂
Having had gyno problems from my teens and twenties and subsequently lots of miscarriages and fertility treatment before my darling daughter arrived I don't feel as self concise anymore. The Dr's and Nurses are doing their jobs and although it is physically uncomfortable they really have seen and heard it all. I always found telling them that I was anxious before an examination always helped as they put me at ease.
talking about it
As I had i have pcos and had to see a gyno I've got use to having checks now.
The best way is to talk about it andjust try and relx too.
I really hate how things like this are social accepted as embarrassing etc because they shouldn't be. They are actually very normal and people need help with them etc so good for you. And a really well written article great read xx
I like to talk about these things with another female friend, who I feel comfortable with. And who has a good sense of humour, so we can lighten things up a bit 🙂
I try to remember that doctors and nurses simply want to heal whatever part of the body needs it and that they aren't embarrassed with any part. Always rehearse how you are going to explain what the problem is before you go – it does help.
Hazel Rea – @beachrambler
Can I just say how irritating I find the whole "feminine hygiene" concept? It makes it sound like women are especially dirty or diseased. I wish it would just say "tampons, pads and cups" or "menstruation, thrush, and cystitis". This is one of my current bugbears, and I'm trying to be open about these issues so my son and daughter know they are not things to hide. –@teabookgabby
I find I can say anything to close friends. That's what distinguishes a friend and a great friend for me. I think being bale to have people to be that honest with definitely helps you learn more than if you keep it all to yourself. Tips from other women certainly help!
Try and relax and talk to family and close friends. Other people are in the same position. Talking about it helps feel more comfortable
The more you talk about it the less daunting it becomes.
Remember it's their job.
Such a great post and a great giveaway! I really think that things like this shouldn't be a taboo subject. We all go through things like this and it's so hush hush. I remember well doing the whole cover up job too for the first internal and then come my daughter being born I just didn't care anymore. xx
Talk to people you feel comfortable with and if seeing a doctor or nurse if they are the same sex you may find it easier to talk to them.
just talk about it more
Talk to someone you can trust (friend, relative…), then little by little you'll feel more confident about seeking medical attention. Remember it's your health at the end of the day! Doctors have seen other peoples bits and bobs & yours is no different (:
Like everyone else said. We all have the same bits so we shouldnt feel embarassed to talk about it.nthe more you do the less embarrassing it becomes x
After 4 children, I have little embarrassment about 'down there!' I am actually ok to talk to the doctor about it.Kaz x
haha like most people, my tip would be to have a baby. There is no longer any embarrassment about anything after people have seen you sh*t yourself.
relax they are there to help you , i work in maternity and the best thing to do is be calm and create a relaxing enviroment and put them at ease
Try to relax and remember that you're only human. Take a deep breath and if it helps, practise talking in the mirror to yourself
I said goodbye during pregnancy, so now I have very little shame and can talk about things in a matter-of-fact way. If you detach yourself emotionally and remember that professionals are actually professional then you'll be able to get through it no problem.
everyone has problems and getting them out means that any serious issues are discovered quickly xx
Pregnancy helped me because I had no choice and just accepted it was for my baby's good. Just getting on with it and regularly talking makes it somewhat easier.
Always remember we are all human beings we all have the same body parts
I used to be embarrassed discussing my intimate health issues but after I discussed it once I was at ease and felt very comfortable discussing it again
It is a huge relief after you have discussed it, Doctors and health workers face this kind of discussions several times per day, they will never laugh at you or make you feel uncomfortable
just try talking about it to someone you feel close to and then others as you will get used to it
I think it's important to try talk to someone who you feel comfortable talking to but at the same time if you have a health issue it's so important to get it sorted no matter how embarrassing as the chances are they've probably seen worse!!
Great post. After 3 children I'm kind of used to people looking down there haha
I work in a doctor's surgery so it's kind of par for the course for me! But I think if more people talk about it in normal situations, women's health problems will lose their social stigma x
I say to myself that the GP or nurse has seen it all before and I'm no different.
I hate having to talk about this subject to my GP. Have no idea why I still get so embarrassed after having 2 kids. Now I'm pregnant in my third trimester and suffering terribly, nothing is helping at all.
After having 4 kids nothing is left out of our talks from why does my willy keep getting bigger to look mummy i have sore bits.. I always tell my kids its better to go a bit red but get a problem sorted rather than keep quiet and let it get worse, I always answer my children honestly , we have a laugh and a giggle about it were only human, I dont make a big deal about everyone has the same bits and we all have the same problems now and then.
I always think there's other people that have the same problem x
have a girly chat over some wine
always remember you will not have been the first with the problem
I try to tell myself that unless i am willing to discuss problems they will not go away, plus i am sure many people before me have been in the same boat!
After having the kids I'm so much more open to talking about my bits and any issues that arise. You just have to remember that they have talked about this a gazillion times and seen a lot!
Remember they have probably seen it all before and most likely worse
To have confidence and know you're not the only one!
Knowing you're not the first and you won't be the last. The doctors have seen it all before!
talk to someone you can trust, you will feel better after!
for the consultant or the nurse its not new. they deal with them everyday and they only there to help us. I would search online too just get an idea or to get bit more information
Only discuss what you feel comfortable with, though talking about it does getting easier with time x
EVERYONE has either a penis or vagina, so why worry?
Talk to a doctor/nurse and then treat yourself to a pamper session.
Humour always helps!
i think just remembering we are all made the same!
I think we definitely need to be less shy about talking about our feminine health – after all, a fanny is a fanny, we all have them! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas #love2blog
I used to be a nurse, hence not feeling embarrass at all. Lol
It's just their job and they have seen it thousands of times before in all shapes and sizes!
I don't really have any tips as I am the worst for talking about intimate things.
If you're talking to a professional such as a doctor or nurse then just remember they have seen/heard it all before (and a lot worse than what you have). If talking to friends then you know how much of a friend they are by how blunt you are, using the correct words in a matter of fact way is the best.
If you're talking to a professional such as a doctor or nurse then just remember they have seen/heard it all before (and a lot worse than what you have). If talking to friends then you know how much of a friend they are by how blunt you are, using the correct words in a matter of fact way is the best.
If you're talking to a professional such as a doctor or nurse then just remember they have seen/heard it all before (and a lot worse than what you have). If talking to friends then you know how much of a friend they are by how blunt you are, using the correct words in a matter of fact way is the best.
If you're talking to a professional such as a doctor or nurse then just remember they have seen/heard it all before (and a lot worse than what you have). If talking to friends then you know how much of a friend they are by how blunt you are, using the correct words in a matter of fact way is the best.
Having had gynae problems from a relatively early age, any apprehension has been knocked right out of me! But now that I work at a hospital and have regular meetings with gynae consultants and nurses, should I have to have an investigation, I will be going to a different hospital. I don't relish the idea of having a gynae exam and hours later sitting opposite the doctor across a boardroom table, that would be too much!
Remember that when talking to professionals they are bound by confidentiality. Know that you are not the first person to come to them with these issues.
You just have to remember that everyone has the same bodies and doctors have heard everything before.
Just remember that it happens to lots of people. I think that having children makes it much easier to talk.
Every woman has got one, there is nothing to be embarrassed about.
The more you talk about it the less embarrasing it becomes and they have seen it all before.
A doctor of the same sex makes it easier.
The most important thing to remember when speaking to a health care professional is that they've heard it all before. Neither you or your problem are unique and they're used to patients feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable. It's just another body part!
I insist on a female doctor then I don't get embarrassed
Just remember that if you don't talk about it, if something happened to be wrong, you'd never know
A good friend put off going to the doctors due to embarrassment and sadly passed away from an aggressive cancer that was caught too late. This was more than enough to convince me and others that any amount of embarrassment is not worth risking your long term health.
try and talk about it straight away instead of putting it off. the longer you wait the worse it gets 🙂
Just remember that the health professionals have seen/heard it all before.
I have no issues when talking about intimate health as I have been brought up to discuss problems no matter how sesitive they are x
I would much rather talk to another woman.
I would much rather talk to another woman.
Join a health forum and post there – nobody knows who you are, so you can be more open about things.
If you are more comfortable with a particular person at your medical practice or hospital clinic ask for an appointment with them, then at the appointment remember that they have seen and heard it all before and they are not embarrassed so no need for you to be either
Talk to a female doctor and think they hear this everyday
Find a person a your GP either Nurse or Doctor who you feel you can talk to and remember whatever you say or ask them no matter how silly or embarrassing you feel it is they have heard this and more before and that is what they are there for.
I think if you start by saying some people might find this embarrassing but, and just chat away about it, it's all fine. Better to talk than get even more ill worrying about it.
Whatever the problem, your health professional will have seen it before. Just bear this in mind when making the appointment and try not to be coy. Doctors have limited time to deal with their patients. The quicker you get to the point, the quicker they can help you.
The more you talk about it the less daunting it becomesif you talk with family thats good too
I am not very embarrassed as I grow up knowing it is normal to talk about it.
I think the more you talk about it the less embarrassing it becomes so lets talk talk talk and make it normal for our kids generation too by starting with being open with them right from the start, not using silly names for body parts!
Do not look the doctor in the eye when talking about intimate things but cast your glance slightly away from them and you will save yourself (and possibly the doctor) embarrassment.
If you need to see a health professional, make some notes about bits you want to talk about. then if you get embarrassed refer to your notes so you don't miss anything out
Just remember you are not alone – If I feel a little uncomfortable I ask to see a female doctor or nurse
Start up a conversation if the dr is a stranger. It always helps me to feel more comfortable. If you know them, chat away!
Ask any questions you need answering.
Talking to your mum or a close friend can help some. Just remember, at the end of the day we're all human, with the same bits and experiencing the same bodily functions 🙂
take someone you trust with you for morale support
Read up on stuff and have a idea about things
Don't Google!! Lol
But take someone with you if it makes you feel easier and try to see a doctor you trust
Be brave about it
They have probably see it all before. And I must admit after having my daughter it kind of makes talking about these things less of an issue!
I just think that they have probably heard it many times before
Use humour, as it lightens the mood considerably
Remember that you're not the first or only one to have the problem and won't be the last.
Just think about how big-headed it sounds to think that, of all the vaginas your doctor has seen over the years, yours is the one which she'll be joking about over a pint with friends! Just keep remembering it's not more exciting/disgusting to her than a stapler is to an office worker.
It's easy to say – but just don't worry – people are there to help
I'm quite happy talking to friends and family
Chemists sell Canesten over the counter, so as long as you are sure you are buying the right product, and you can ask the pharmacist
for a private consolation, you don't need to visit your GP if you don't want to. If you are going to your GP practice, you could probably ask to just see the nurse or a lady doctor if you wanted. I don't think people in general are as embarrassed as in the past because there is so much more information openly available.
@polly58
Buying over the counter is easy but make sure your buying the right product
Be honest and open, they will probably have heard it all before.
We all have the same problems – it just isn't embarassing
everyone has the same bits – you have nothing different from the rest of the planet
Have a baby-nothing will ever be worse than the embarrassment of child birth!
Always remember a doctor will have seen worse!
I think the best tip is that with time and experience talking about personal things becomes easier because you realise that no one is or has a right to judge you.
I've had pre-cancerous cells a couple of times and although it's still embarrassing i make sure i go for my smear tests as it would be stupid to let something that can be prevented from happening for the sake of a couple of minutes of embarrassment
Whatever the problem is they will have heard it before and you will not be the only one so try to remember this and tell yourself I am not the first x
Speaking from the health professionals point of view, I have heard it all a thousand times. It is a completely normal thing to go through so there really is no need to be embarrassed, the more open and honest you are about the issue and symptoms that are irritating you, the quicker we can find the best product to find the solution
It's only recently that because it is easier to talk about these things that has made it important to go to the GP or health clinics to talk about this kind of problem. We should all be able to be more open as it is sometimes sharing something that can help you realise that it's not all in your mind and that there's real help out there…xxx
Don't be afraid to open up, more often then you think the person you are talking to will have gone through the same, known someone who has had the same or is probably too embarrassed for you. As for health professionals they are likely to have heard this more times then you could imagine
I have an amazing group of friends and nothing is off limit. Just remember that many others are often going through similar situations x
I talk things through with close family members or friends first who will reassure you that it is just the same when talking to healthcare professionals so if necessary picture your friends face when talking to your nurse or GP about intimate symptoms – Happy New Year everyone x
Have key points written down so you remember what to say
Pretend you are acting in a play/film and that your character has the symptoms – provides a bit of detachment.
Remember that health professionals deal with things like this all the time, it's their job.
I was told many years ago to imagine the medical personnel in their PJs or in the bath so you are not intimidated or embarrassed. It works for me.
Remember that health professionals have seen, heard and read about all your problems before and take away all emotions, all you are left with are skin, bone and body parts, not very interesting, exciting or unique.
we are all the same…………….. the health professionals have seen it all before YOU WILL NOT BE THE FIRST so just talk
Just imagine you are typing the conversation online, it's always much easier to talk when it's written down. Or. If you are visiting your doctor or nurse, it's ok to take a list of questions so you don't go blank when you're there
Kelly Ellen Hirst
be comfortable with your body and realise lots of people are going through the same thing as you
You have to be confident and understand that whatever size or shape you are you're beautiful. You have one body so don't let shame or guilt unsettle you.
Having open friends to talk to is a big help I don't see why people are ashamed of their bodies, everyone has health issues at one stage of their life, be open ask for help if you need it why should it all be such a taboo
Be assured that other women have been through it before and don't be embarrassed by something that is more than likely a normal thing.
I think a little humour can lighten the embarrassment
Remember that however bad you think your condition is, they've heard worse. A lot worse!! On that basis just say it, it'll be a relief to both of you 🙂
It's there job to look after people and advise them on what to do. There will always be someone who has had worse or has felt worse and it can only get better from that point onwards. Your life is worth much more than to be embarrassed or ill because of health issues.
I get that drs and nurses are there to help but never quite got over the doctor treating me for some irregularities me lying on a bed raised to his eyeline and him speaking to my vgina instead of to me
I don't have any tips exactly, I would just say, if someone is a bit embarrassed that, everyone has bits and bobs! and any health professional has seen it all before, there's really nothing to be worried about 🙂 (I say that, but I still get terribly shy!!)
The way to not get embarrassed about it is to make it normal. It is normal, don't think of it as a taboo in your mind. Be confident and love your body. x
Doctors and nurses, and most likely your friends will not thing your problems are weird or embarrassing!
Just remember you won't be telling them anything they haven't heard before!
Just put on your metaphorical big girl pants and remember it's all been said before 🙂
Just remember that the doctors & nurses have seen it/heard it all before.
Professional people take everything in their stride 🙂
I dont feel embarrassed as you know they see so many people everyday and they may have even suffered from the issue themselves, when we go home and jump in the bath were all the same naked and all with worries so its best to talk about it and free your mind
when iwas in my teens/twentys I found things like this a bit embarrassing, but now 5 kids it doesn't bother me in the slightest (lol)wish iwasn't so embarrassed now cause everyone has these kind of problems at some point
The chances are, you will never see these people again and they see that many people in their line of work that it is highly unlikely that they would remember you! Just think of a stranger that you pass in the street, would you remember them as a person you had once passed?! Its the same situation.
Think Happy Thoughts and it will be over before you know it 😀
remembering that I am talking to professionals who only want to help me and most likely have seen it all before 🙂
I let a group of students watch my colposcopy on a great big screen in a tiny room, so after that I feel no embarrassment about talking about vaginas and any intimate problems! They see lots in a day, so relax
Just remember the doctor/nurse will have seen it all before and will act professionally. It is also over very quickly so surely it will be better to put up with a few minutes of awkwardness to deal with the discomfort and avoid future complications.
I would say relax and don’t over think it, and remember that chances are pretty good that the other person has experienced similar anyway!
Health professionals have probably heard and seen it all before. The human body is just a very intricate amazing machine and you wouldn't be embarrassed about taking your car in for a service now would you? Same principle. Far better to endure a bit of awkwardness than suffer in silence.
Talk to your female friends as it is very likely they have had or know someone who is having the same issues as yourself
Similar to you Colette I became a lot less shy after I had my babies! I think the important thing to remember is that we're all human and will all have slightly 'embarrassing' things going on at one time or another. Doctors see all sorts of things day in day out so to them it's all in the course of a day's work. The important thing is your health and wellbeing, so blush if you must but go get treated!
Health is more valuable than pride or embarrassment. It's important to catch any infection early, so see a Dr at the earliest opportunity – they will always have seen something worse!!
Be honest, we've all got private bits!!