Break the Stigma: Empowering Women's Health

Discover women's health insights from more than 5,000 women across the UK and why it's so important to break the stigma around women's health issues, so women are empowered to openly discuss their health concerns.

The prevalence of stigma surrounding women's health

In OnePoll’s latest survey of more than 5,000 women, it was revealed that only 35% of women feel very confident discussing women's health issues with their doctor.  Just two-thirds of women would tell close family or friends when experiencing issues with 39% of those saying they "don't think it's appropriate". Further more, while 81% feel confident to openly discuss women's anatomy with medical professionals and 73% are confident to do the same with their partner, this drops significantly for intergenerational family discussions. Only 44% are confident to discuss women's anatomy with parents and just 40% would be confident having such a discussion with children. This indicates a likelihood that these stigma is being passed down from generation to generation.

Brands and agencies seeking to breakdown such barriers on public platforms are often thwarted. Censorship and removal of posts and advertising aimed at normalising real women's health terms and experiences is more common than you'd think. Of the 4,542 women surveyed who are on social media, 36% said they'd seen women's health posts hidden due to 'sensitive content', this rose to 64% for 18-24 yrs and 50% for 25-34yrs. 28% saw posts totally removed and 17% saw social media content banned.

These statistics highlight the prevalence of stigma surrounding women's health. Many women clearly feel embarrassed or uncomfortable discussing topics such as menstrual health, reproductive issues, or menopause which can prevent women from seeking healthcare support and advocating for themselves, so they get what they need for their health and well-being.

Promoting education, information and awareness about women's health

One way to break the stigma surrounding women's health is by promoting education, information, and awareness.  Our research showed that 62% of women will do personal research prior to seeking medical advice with 85% of those turning to the internet in the first instance.  73% of black and black British women will do personal research and 72% of women aged 18 to 24 years will do the same.  However, figures relating to the accuracy of content are consistently low.  Just 22% of women say that information published by mainstream media is either completely or mostly accurate and 19% believe the same of health and well-being social accounts. Health and well-being women's magazines fair better with 34% believing they are mostly or completely accurate.

By providing women with accurate and reliable information about their bodies and health, we can empower them to make informed decisions and take control of their own health and well-being.

Educational campaigns and initiatives can play a crucial role in spreading awareness about women's health issues. In fact, 65% of women think the best way to tackle taboo's around women's health is to educate people from school onwards with brands and communications playing a central role.  Gareth Lucy, Communications Director for Essity UK & ROI says “From working with accredited education bodies to provide resources for schools, to driving awareness of the issues and highlighting solutions through PR initiatives… We all know the power that brands can have, so let’s use it to drive positive change.”

The role of healthcare professionals in the women's health revolution

Healthcare professionals have a vital role to play in the women's health revolution. It is crucial for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers to create a safe and non-judgmental space for women to discuss their health concerns.

Yet, it's with healthcare professionals that some of the biggest barriers remain. One survey respondent said "Women's health is not taken seriously enough by doctors where men's health and pain barriers are pandered to."

The health care environment is a minefield of out dated and offensive terms with 34% of women saying they had heard terms such as 'Lazy Uterus', 'Incompetent Cervix' and 'Habitual Aborter' from a medical professional. One respondent, educated in healthcare said such terms were "part of my nursing training".

One of the key issues with this is not just the direct effect it has on female patients, but that such terms then get picked-up and proliferated across a multitude of communications channels. 34% of women had seen or heard such terms in news articles and stories and 32% said the same of social media. Other common places included TV, movies, radio, literature and at school.  

Many healthcare professionals are now leading the charge in breaking the stigma by discussing women's health openly and normalizing such conversations. Medical professionals on the internet and social media are quickly becoming a popular source of reliable information on women's health topics with 23% using them as a source of education. This rises to 34% for 18-24 year old women, 27% of whom admit they lack confidence in discussing a women's health issue with healthcare professionals.  52% also say they lack the confidence to ask to see a different Doctor or healthcare professional.

Where next for women's health?

There is clear evidence that progress has been made in breaking the silence surrounding women's health, with 63% of women agreeing that the amount of reliable information for women on their health issue is greater than it was 10 years ago. That said, there is still work to be done to ensure that the women's health revolution continues to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of women in society.

While many women's health issues such as fertility, menstruation and menopause have had a share of the spotlight in recent times, many more areas remain shrouded in stigma. The women from our research were clear about taboos that still need to be challenged. Abortion and sexual health topped their list with 42% each but reproductive health, miscarriage, childlessness,  pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding & postpartum, women's pain and women's cancers also featured heavily.

Additionally, advocacy and policy changes are necessary to ensure that women's health remains a priority. 55% of women say that the government has not placed enough focus on addressing women's health issues on a societal level and 48% say there is not enough female leadership in the medical profession.  

Breaking the silence and empowering women's health is crucial for the well-being of women across the UK. By addressing the prevalence of stigma, promoting education and awareness, involving healthcare professionals and continuing the women's health revolution, we can create a society where women feel confident, supported, and empowered to openly discuss their health concerns.