Nine in 10 women have felt “embarrassed” after experiencing a female health symptom in public.
A study, of more than 4,000 women, found 89 percent have felt 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.
The study was commissioned as part of the Bupa Wellbeing Index, and Dr Samantha Wild, its clinical lead for women’s health, said: “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.
“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.”
TOP 10 MOST COMMON ‘PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF WOMANHOOD’
- Sweating (76 percent)
- Heightened emotions (69 percent)
- Hot flushes (68 percent)
- Severe pain i.e. period or pelvic/abdominal (67 percent)
- Diarrhoea (62 percent)
- Dizziness or fainting (62 percent)
- Breakout of spots/ acne (58 percent)
- Period blood leaking/ visible on clothes (58 percent)
- Leaked urine (58 percent)
- Vomiting (54 percent)
