Shocking statistics emerging today reveal that women know more about beauty treatments than they do about sexual health concerns. Worryingly, this lack of knowledge is not only bad for their general wellbeing, but can put their fertility at risk, as some types of STD can lead to problems with conceiving in the future.
For example, 67 percent of women who were asked had heard of a Brazilian bikini wax, 48 percent had heard of the practice of ‘vajazzling’, but only 39 percent of this same group knew about a type of sexual health problem called Bacterial Vaginosis (BV).
Having BV can be dangerous for your wellness in a number of ways, as it makes you more at risk of developing an STI. It can also cause miscarriages and premature birth if it is left untreated in pregnant women, so it is vital that women know the signs and symptoms to look out for.
Despite this lack of knowledge, BV is prevalent, affecting one in three women, which makes it twice as common as thrush, which is a more well-known female gynaecological problem.
The risks are high for pregnant women too, so this is not just a minor concern. Pregnant women with BV are six times more likely to suffer from a miscarriage, and they are twice as likely to give birth to their baby prematurely.
BV affects the internal bacteria of the vagina and can lead to an unpleasant odour, but it can be quickly and easily treated with antibiotics. It often goes untreated, however, as women are too embarrassed to get help with the condition, choosing to get advice online rather than visit their GP.
Women have also been warned recently to steer clear of using shower gels and soaps on their genitals, as this can damage sensitive tissues and leave them vulnerable to STIs.
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