Empowering Women to Address Unspoken Health Issues

Today is Day 3 of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health Week, and at Evoca Women’s Health, we are focusing on the theme “Empowering Women to Speak the Unspoken.” Women experience various changes throughout their lives, each bringing different symptoms and challenges. Unfortunately, some health issues are often considered too embarrassing or misunderstood, preventing women from seeking the help they need.

At Evoca Women’s Health, we want to empower women to have open conversations about these issues without shame or stigma. Here are some common but often unspoken women’s health issues that deserve attention:

1. Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence affects up to one in five women of any age and up to one in three women who have had a baby, regardless of the delivery method. This condition can manifest as leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, jumping, or during physical activities, and can even occur during sex or orgasm. It can also lead to frequent urges to urinate, affecting daily life, work, and sleep.

Many women try to manage incontinence on their own by restricting fluid intake, which can lead to other health problems. However, urinary incontinence is a common condition that often goes untreated. There are many effective treatments available, including pelvic floor exercises, medications to calm bladder contractions, and treatments for conditions like vaginal prolapse. It’s important to speak with your doctor about your symptoms and explore the options available to improve your quality of life and improve your bladder symptoms.

2. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Heavy menstrual bleeding affects up to one in four women and can significantly disrupt daily life. While many women are taught to accept painful or heavy periods as a normal part of being a woman, this doesn’t need to be the case. If your menstrual bleeding is heavy enough to impact your daily routine, it’s time to address it with your healthcare provider.

Heavy menstrual bleeding can have several causes, such as fibroids or adenomyosis, and these conditions can often be managed effectively. Treatments range from intrauterine devices that also provide contraception, to medications that reduce menstrual flow, or treatments specifically for managing symptoms during perimenopause. Addressing heavy menstrual bleeding is crucial not only to manage the discomfort of heavy periods, but also to prevent complications like iron deficiency anaemia, which can cause chronic fatigue and hinder daily activities.

3. Pain with Intercourse or Vaginal Pain

Experiencing pain during intercourse or in the vagina is more common than many realise, but it is not normal and should not be ignored. This pain can result from various causes, such as overly tight or spasming pelvic floor muscles, or chronic conditions like vaginitis, which cause discomfort or inflammation of the vaginal tissue.

If left unaddressed, pain with intercourse can create a negative feedback loop where the body tenses up in anticipation of pain, making the situation worse. Thankfully, there are many treatments available, including topical preparations in the vagina, pelvic floor physiotherapy, and medications to calm nerve responses. It’s important to discuss these symptoms with your doctor so they can help you find relief and improve your quality of life.

4. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Despite being very common, there is still significant stigma around sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Even with careful use of condoms, it is still possible to contract STIs, but most can be effectively treated if addressed promptly. Early treatment usually prevents any long-term effects.

Your Evoca doctor is there to help you assess your risk and manage any infections in a non-judgmental way. If you are experiencing symptoms of an STI or are concerned about your sexual health, it is important to seek medical advice promptly.

Speak Up for Your Health

Women’s Health Week is a great opportunity to empower yourself to address any health concerns that have been weighing on your mind. At Evoca Women’s Health, we are here to listen without judgement and provide the care you need. Celebrate Women’s Health Week by taking charge of your health and speaking up about any issues you are facing.

If you don’t have a regular women’s health doctor, consider booking an appointment with one of Evoca’s experienced, skilled, and passionate GPs. Let’s empower each other to have these courageous conversations and improve our health and well-being together.

Book your appointment today and start your journey to better health.

By embracing and addressing these unspoken issues, you are taking a vital step towards improving your health and well-being. Let’s make every conversation count!