World Health Day: The Fight for Women’s Intimate Health 

This World Health Day, we continue to shed light on a persistent issue that continues to impact women’s well-being—society’s silence around women’s intimate health.

From menstruation to menopause and pelvic floor disorders, countless conditions affecting women are overlooked, under-researched, and undiagnosed for years, leaving women to suffer in silence. So much is changing in the world for the benefit of women, but we still have a long way to go to break the stigma and relinquish the shame surrounding these vital health topics.

The Unspoken Toll 

Women’s intimate health remains shrouded in stigma, often leaving critical conditions like endometriosis, pelvic floor dysfunction, and menopause symptoms ignored or mismanaged. Research shows that conditions affecting millions of women receive disproportionately less funding and attention than other health concerns, leading to delays in diagnosis and inadequate treatment.

Our latest surveys provide striking insights into the challenges women face. In a study of 4,020 office workers across the UK, Spain, Italy, and France, a staggering 81% reported experiencing menopause symptoms such as fatigue, night sweats, and mood swings—yet only 43% felt supported by their workplace.

Alarmingly, 24% had to take time off work due to menopause-related symptoms, and 18% even considered quitting their jobs.

Meanwhile, menstruation remains a taboo topic for many young girls. A separate INTIMINA study of 1,000 girls aged 12-17 found that 65% feel shame or try to hide their periods at school. Only 32% feel comfortable discussing menstruation with their teachers.

This discomfort continues into adulthood, perpetuating cycles of misinformation and silence around reproductive health.

Mental Health: A Key Concern for Young Women

INTIMINA’s research into Gen Z girls aged 13-20 across the UK, France, Spain, and Italy further underscores the urgent need for open discussions on women’s health. Confidence (63%) and mental health (62%) emerged as the most important aspects of their lives, yet their ability to maintain positive mental well-being is often hindered by the stigma surrounding natural bodily functions.

Talking to friends (60%) and family (51%) were cited as the primary ways to manage mental health, proving the importance of open, stigma-free conversations.

A Need for Change

“Women’s health is not just a women’s issue—it’s a societal issue,” says Dunja Kokotovic, INTIMINA’s Global Brand Manager. “Too many women suffer in silence, fearing judgment or dismissal when discussing their symptoms. It’s time we change that narrative.”

“That is why we at INTIMINA are taking action to break the silence with initiatives like The Wonder Girls Guide Book, a free educational resource designed to help young girls navigate puberty without shame. We also advocate for better workplace policies to support women experiencing menopause and greater awareness of pelvic floor dysfunction, which affects millions yet remains widely unspoken,” concludes Kokotovic.

Fostering a more open and supportive environment for women’s intimate health is essential. Normalizing these conversations can help drive research, improve healthcare access, and ensure that women receive the support and understanding they deserve. By addressing these issues openly, society can contribute to breaking the stigma and creating a healthier future for all women.