Women’s knowledge, attitudes and perception of the vagina –
an
international survey
E. Ng1, C. Ramers-Verhoeven2
1Organon International, Medical
Services, Roseland, NJ, USA, 2NV Organon, Oss, Netherlands
Objective
To examine women’s knowledge, attitudes and perception of the vagina in a large
group of women of reproductive age.
Methods Two surveys were conducted: one in
the United States (US) and another in Europe (11 countries), Canada and Brazil (worldwide
[WW]). Women aged 18-44 years completed online interviews.
Results Over 10,500
women worldwide completed the surveys (9441 WW women and 1117 US women). Overall
results are presented for the 13 countries in the WW survey. The vast majority
of women (95% WW/90% US) thought that it was important that women were educated
or well informed about their vaginas. About a quarter of WW women (26%)
considered themselves to be very knowledgeable about the vagina compared with
51% of US women. About half of the women thought that the vagina is the body
part that women know the least about and around half were not confident about
whether their vagina was the right size (47% WW/57% US). More than half, however,
were comfortable with looking at their vagina (65% WW/55% US) and with inserting
something (such as a tampon or their fingers) into their vagina (62% WW/77% US).
More US women somewhat or strongly agreed that discussions about the vagina
should not be held in public (29% WW/47% US). However, the majority of women
thought that society has too many misconceptions about the vagina (65% WW/59% US)
and that vaginal health did not receive the attention it deserves (66% WW/65% US).
Women also felt that understanding one’s vagina will help increase sexual
satisfaction (87% WW/80% US). Interestingly, while 48% of WW women were
comfortable speaking with healthcare professionals about vagina-related issues,
79% relied on their advice when choosing a contraceptive. In the United States,
79% of women said that they were comfortable talking to their physician about
vagina-related matters and 64% relied on their advice for contraceptive choice.
Conclusions Women would universally welcome more information on vagina-related
matters and felt that society would also benefit from additional education on
this topic. Furthermore, a more open approach is needed to educate women about
their vaginas and in matters such as choice of contraception.