Today I am talking about another kind of health. Not the kind that’s all running and smoothies, but the actual kind where something is wrong. More specifically I’m going to talk about “feminine health”.
Canesten are a brand I am very familiar with. Multiple periods on antibiotics many years ago meant I had endless problems with thrush, and made a lot of use of their products. I was eventually diagnosed with a systemic Candida infection that had also given me skin rashes and digestive issues, which I treated with a combination of self help and medication from my Doctor.
Despite this, when they first got in touch about their #GetComfortable campaign I thought long and hard about whether it was a subject I would normally write about, then I realised that’s exactly what the campaign is about. Getting rid of that awkwardness we have about admitting that our lady parts are ever anything less than fresh, healthy and smelling of roses (top tip, if yours DOES smell of roses you might want to get that checked out as well).
It’s interesting that even the topic of the campaign “Feminine Health” is still a bit of a euphemism, because we’re not talking just about feminine health, but more specifically vaginal health.
Do you find Feminine Health a difficult topic to discuss?
For years I wouldn’t even go to the doctor about the repeated bouts of thrush. I just sheepishly bought my tablets and creams over the counter and slunk off to treat it myself. If I’d gone to the doctor sooner I could have saved myself a lot of time, and money for that matter. The new #GetComfortable Canesten website tells you to do exactly that. It also contains a lot of really helpful information about how to differentiate between thrush and other conditions such as Bacterial Vaginosis.
One thing we’re not always told is how to look after our lady parts on a daily basis. They’re just sort of “there”. I remember being told not to use soap once, but not really why. The reason is that the pH is different to the rest of your body. Most of the time just using water is absolutely fine, but if you are prone to infections you might find using a product that specifically helps maintain that pH balance useful. Canesten have a range of washes and wipes (really good for camping or gym bags!) that are perfect for this and worth checking out.
To help motivate us to get comfortable discussing our intimate health I have a £30 voucher for Triumph to giveaway so you can treat yourself to some new lingerie to help you get even more comfortable!
To be in with a chance of winning, I want to hear your stories, so all you have to do is leave a comment and tell me “What do you think will make you more comfortable with your intimate health?”.
Log into the rafflecopter widget to enter, and once you’ve left your comment there’s another couple of bonus entry options!
This post is in collaboration with Canesten, but as ever all thoughts, opinions and health issues are my own!
Terms and Conditions for Canesten ‘Get Comfortable’ Prize Draw Competition 1. This Canesten ‘Get Comfortable’ prize draw (“Prize Drawâ€) opening date is 20th December 2015 and the closing date for entries is 31st December 2015. 2. To enter the Prize Draw, entrants must post a comment in response to the Canesten ‘Get Comfortable’ social media post, via the Rafflecopter Widget. 3. Rafflecopter allows for secure, and fair management of giveaways, as the entries can be entered easily and the winner can be selected randomly within the widget. 4. Only one entry per person will be accepted. Multiple or third party entries are not permitted. 5. The Prize Draw is open to UK residents aged 18 or over, excluding employees of the Promoter, their families, agents or anyone else connected with the Promoter. 6. One winner will be selected at random from all valid entries received on or before the closing date. 7. The prize is one £30 Triumph voucher. 8. The winner will be notified by email from the promoter, within 28 days of the closing date. 9. The winner must notify the promoter of their postal address for delivery of the prize within 28 days of being notified that they are the winner. If the winner does not respond within 28 days a new winner will be selected at random from the remaining valid entries. 10. The prize is not transferrable or exchangeable and cannot be taken as cash. 11. The Promoter will not be liable if the prize cannot be taken by a winner for any reason beyond the control of the Promoter. 12. Owing to exceptional circumstances outside its reasonable control, the Promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the Prize Draw or these terms and conditions at any stage but will always endeavour to minimise the effect to entrants in order to avoid undue disappointment. 13. The decisions of the Promoter are final and no correspondence will be entered into. 14. Each entry may be subject to relevant social media’s terms of use. 15. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for entries that are not received for any reason.
Comments
134 responses to “#GetComfortable with Canesten and a Giveaway!”
Loved the article. Made me think. What would make a personal difference is finding time to exercise more. I move very little in any given day.
By talking more openly about it with my friends & family, this will also make them feel more comfortable too
To be honest, not a lot, I don’t like talking about things like that 🙁
nothing i am quite confident
talking more openly
A more adult conversation about it.
I’ve never really had a problem with it. I think from the moment I first started having sex as a teenager I’ve dealt with what needed to be dealt with as and when I’ve needed to. I went to the family planning clinic for the pill, had smear tests whenever they were due. I’ve also had various ongoing issues which I’ve never had a problem talking to the doctor about. Yes its a little undignified being checked at the doctors and I don’t like it, but that’s just a part of life. You have to take responsibility and look after yourself!
I don’t have a problem. If I have a problem, I will discuss it as required.
I think if people are more open about it, it’d make everyone a bit more comfortable about themselves.
maybe there should be more blogs and open conversations to help encourage other women to discussing themselves
Being able to find someone that you trust and feel very comfortable with, to talk about these issues x
finding someone to talk about it with
Perhaps would feel a bit more comfortable about it if my mum was more approachable, I plan to be a lot more open with my children and talk to them so they fell more comfortable in talking about things if they need to!
By remembering we all have a problem at some point and it is better to go a little bit red and get the problem sorted than be quiet and let it get worse 🙂 My children are very open and have taught me to laugh it off have a giggle and not be too serious but most importantly get the help you need 🙂
I think it needs to start at a younger age at school or maybe doctors should do a class for young girls about these issues as well as, the importance of smear tests and breast checks. It might make us less embarrassed to talk about it later on in life. If I need to talk to anyone I discuss it with my husband or doctor
never feel shy to talk about it x
Worry less, take it with a pinch of salt, talk openly with a close friend or familt member
No feeling shy or embarrassed when talking about these topics and remembering everyone has to deal with this at some point!
i am already confident at discussing this
Very handy products x
i am a very open talker about ladies health especially after having to have a hysterectomy due to problems , everyone deserves to discuss everything !!
by speaking with people i trust
Being able to discuss it more openly
I speak to people trust so I guess safety from immature people
Worry less but talk when need to.
It doesn’t other me
I think it’s important to be matter of fact about it and start talking at a young age. If you’re raised to believe your body is somehow shameful, of course you won’t want to talk about it.
Talking about it with someone is quite easy for me so confident x
I always remind myself that to a doctor this is nothing different from a sprained ankle – it’s something to be fixed.
talk to someone you trust, you will feel better after!
Being a nurse i have seen most things that go wrong in your pants and with easy access to doctors i don’t have the normal worries.
Being honest with myself
more people talking about it
If someone led the conversation and gave the opportunity for people to participate whenever they feel comfortable.
Speaking about it to close relatives and/or my best friend (people who I can trust). Also, hearing or reading about other peoples experiences through videos and blogs I find can be quite reassuring at times.
Think they should be easier to buy in supermarkets without being embarrassed by packing or anything xx
I’m quite open about it already but if it’s the right person to speak with.
it being talked about in the media more often will make it more acceptable/less embarrassing to talk about
A fuller check at your gp would be great & would get more women talking & thinking about their feminine care
Probably talking about it to a woman.
Talking it through with someone who has similar issues so I don’t feel alone xx
I don’t get embarassed anymore, having 2 kids takes that away from you. I would say that every needs to talk about it openly and frankly, if it becomes normal no one will be uncomfortable
I don’t like talking about it with my Dr because I know him and no matter how much people say it isn’t odd it just is! A chemist or at a clinic, female Dr or friends is fine though.
Being in a ridiculous amount og pain is what got me to talk to my Dr. After the first time, I became a lot more blase about it.
realising everyone deals with it I guess and that will me worth it in the long run
I try to relax and remember i’m only human – other people have these problems, concerns, etc too!
I dont find it that uncomfortable luckily my family are quite open…but i see it as we are all human x
Nothing, I’ve never found it an issue.
Being open about everything
I talk to my female doctor.
I think maybe if the packaging and marketing for hygiene products was a bit more modernised and aimed at younger people. The products usually look like they’re from the 80s and aimed at older women.
I’ve never had a problem with discussing any health issue with a doctor, male or female, I don’t know if its because I’ve always been so open about it in general with family and friends but I’m quite comfortable discussing anything. I’ve always viewed it as health professionals are trained to treat and diagnose problems, they really don’t judge or think anything of it, we all experience health issues so it isn’t something to be embarrassed about. I do think it needs to be more widely accepted in day to day life and the media can help with that. It really should be a taboo subject for anyone.
I meant to say it really shouldn’t be a taboo subject for anyone!
I’ve not found a problem talking about things like this with my female friends/doctor – not that it comes up a lot in general conversation (but then we talk about mooncups, periods, etc anyway). I’m lucky enough never to have had thrush but I don’t take antibiotics and have a fairly good immune system which I believe helps.
I don’t have issues talking to very close friends about stuff like this, BUT when you get a friend who you think could handle it in a mature way and acts like she’s never been kissed (erm, I know you have lol) it’s embarassing. I don’t mind talking to doctors about any issues I might or think I might have but do prefer a female doctor if any examinations are taking place. Was brought up to be a bit more “open” (not too open though) and could chat about periods etc with Mum from an early age. I think the more people who are willing to take a mature approach to chatting about this the better. More people will feel they can approach their friends if they have any concerns.
I dont have issues talking about things like that
I actually don’t think there’s anything that would make me more comfortable – if I was to have any problems at all, I wouldn’t hesitate to talk about it or discuss it and I have no problems doing to the doctors for any personal issues – I would rather have the problems sorted and not have to worry about them than just suffer in silence.
Nothing to be shy about. Everyone is human so if you remember that I find that’s what makes me feel more comfortable and less shy.
a female GP would be nice
I am comfortable to talk about my intimate health. If I had a problem I would rather get it sorted quickly than be to scared to get it look at. You have to meet life head on whatever the obstacle,
The more women discuss this the more acceptable it becomes to discuss it. I had to have a colonoscopy not long ago and it was amazing how once I had mentioned it I ‘collected’ people who were also in the same position and we had an unofficial support network set up before you could blink – keep up the good work.
Being honest with friends
Talking about it, but as I am an introvert, reading about it first. I think it just needs an open dialogue/info exchange between women. I’m pretty comfortable about my intimate health, but only after years of reluctantly having to deal with it! Thanks for writing this one!
I feel lucky that the bond I have with my roller derby team allows us to talk about anything with each other, with no judgement, a lot of support and humour. I feel like everyone just needs to talk about it more, as unnerving as it is the first time to do it.
Just feeling more relaxed I think xx
I usually am ok, but it might be more comfortable if I knew other people were talking about it despite feeling uncomfortable xx
To speak with a person who I know well
I don’t think I will ever enjoy talking about such issues, but I just take a deep breath and get on with it, and I can’t think of anything that will make it easier for me
I would prefer if I could speak to a sympathetic female doctor, but there does not seem to be a way to request a specific gender of the doctor when making an appointment.
Just remembering that it’s an issue everybody has to deal with!
remembering everyone is in the same boat
I have always been comfortable discussing this with friends but tend to keep it to myself or discuss with a doctor
More information about it about so that it becomes more normal to talk about.
more people opening up to talk about it
Being brought up to talk openly about it and not making it such a taboo subject
Talking more openly and confidently
Find I can talk about it with friends
It helps when you can read reviews and discussion on products as you can for anything else
My mum couldn’t even manage a chat about periods with me, just produced a pack of sanitary towels, said that I might be needing these soon, and ran away. So just being calmly honest and open. We all have those private parts.
Being comfortable with the people u are talking to
people need to be more open
Being able to speak to a female nurse/doctor – my GP surgery has so many male locums. If I want a female I have to wait weeks/months at a time or be seen by a very young unapproachable nurse.
Pushing myself to talk about it with my friends more
If you have a problem do not hesitate to talk to your doctor or nurse as they have seen it all before.
I’m quite comfortable talking to family and close friends, but if you aren’t then talk to a doctor or nurse as they deal with these things all the time
More open communication and somewhere to get answers without direct human interaction.
I think it’s important to start talking about it at a young age and being more open with your friends
Talking more openly was embarrassed at first but everyone is in the same boat at the end of the day x
I think i would feel more comfortable about my intimate health and talking about it if other people were more open talking about it around me
If talking with a GP prefer them to be female or can easily talk to my mum or other female relatives.
I don’t mind talking about it I have few friends but we are close so it is not embarrasing for me to talk about these things
I can talk to close friends about these things. Has definitely got easier as I have got older and not so embarassable.
I have no problem at all discussing this, I’m not easily embarrassed!
I don’t mind talking about this
I’m fine talking about it with a doctor as and when needed.
Promote the subject so other people are comfortable talking about it without it being such a taboo thing
I am comfortable talking about my intimate health but more comfortable if others are being open about it with me
nice piece
Talking to someone you trust
I’m already confident and able to talk about these issues but I’m sure not everyone is.
Great article. I’m already quite confident but it did make me think x
Speaking with a woman.
more people talking about it
Try not to feel embarrassed as you are not alone – talk to those you feel comfortable with
Talking to a stranger, perhaps a clinic where i would be likely to see the person again
Just remembering we all have bits and pieces and noone is exempt from the little problems we may have from time to time
To be honest I feel totally confident about talking about it – we all have the same!
Coming through three years of treatment for pre cancer of the cervix has made me comfortable discussing intimate things . The treatment saves many lives if u have changes tell your doctor
Talking about it more with my close female friends & family. That way I could feel better when they talk about their experience with their issue and going to the doctor.
confidence makes taking about it easier
I have three daughters and have always encouraged them to talk openly to me about any issues so we share experiences all the time. They are in their twenties now and still confide in me about intimate health and hopefully it has helped them deal with any problems
being more confident with my body is key
More awareness!
I love reading and finding out more before I talk to a consultant. This way I know what to expect and what to ask.
Being open about it
Other people talking about their own problems, would make me more confident discussing my own
Seeing a GP you trust. A specialist once gave me clomide multiple birth pills – how stupid can you get? I am still angry about it years later and she should have known better
Sharing is caring!
More Awareness
I dont have a problem with it but its nice to have a friend to talk to
The most important thing is to have confidence and learn that your body is your temple, that you won’t get another so be proud of it and dont care what anyone thinks especially when it comes to the importance of health and well-being.
Nothing, I am already extremely comfy talking about anything and everything
Wine helps! But apart from that, I don’t shy away from talking about personal issues such as this, I’m just a bit awkward about it … which I’m going to say is a side effect of being British!
Having someone I can trust to talk to x
Articles like yours are very helpful and make it easier for people to understand problems & then discuss them.
More comfortable underwear 😀
having some one to trust to talk to xx
Being able to talk online or even book in at the doctors online with a few words to say what’s up would certainly make me more open to chat face to face as i know if be more prepared mentally
Kelly Ellen Hirst
Discussing it with friends first, been comfortable with what you want to discuss, then gradually it will become easier x
This article is a great start and the links within it are great.
I hate talking about stuff like this but really wish it was more openly talked about and less of a taboo. I like your article and hope it will help people be more willing to discuss.
more cotton underwear
Do not feel shy to talk about it
I’m not sure there is an answer to that really! Rescue Remedy? Deep breaths, trying not to overthink the situation and remembering that we are all human and face similar issues