Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-07 06:00:00
In my early days of writing about vaginal health for Nation.Africa, I was motivated by the controversy surrounding the use of “Yoni pearls” by Kenyan women for “vaginal detox.” This practice was warned against by scientists in Kenya due to its potential health risks, including the increased risk of vaginal cancer. It was evident that there was a need for open discussions about vaginal health to counteract the profit-oriented perpetuation of shame and silence.
As a feminist, I have faced resistance in my efforts to destigmatize conversations about the vagina. From fellow parents who use pet names to describe their children’s private parts, to conservative colleagues who dismiss my efforts, and social media keyboard warriors who criticize me, the resistance is not unique to Kenya. The conversation surrounding a woman’s vagina is often clouded by stigma, shame, and indifference, making it a global issue.
I was surprised to learn from a male gynecologist that some patients found it difficult to say the word “vagina” and instead resorted to using euphemisms like “down there.” The reactions to my article were mixed, with some praising it while others criticized it. However, an American reader provided an eye-opening perspective, shedding light on the serious health implications of the silence surrounding the vagina.
Sherrie Palm, CEO of the Association for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support, highlighted the link between pelvic organ prolapse and the stigma attached to discussing vaginal health. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when a woman’s pelvic floor muscles, tissues, and ligaments weaken and stretch, and it is estimated that up to 50% of women worldwide will experience pelvic organ prolapse during their lifetime.
Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse can include pain, bulging, and various issues affecting a woman’s daily life. The lack of awareness and the impact on women’s lives was underscored in a study titled “Pelvic organ prolapse: The lived experience.” The study highlighted the surprise and disbelief of women experiencing prolapse symptoms, as many were unaware that such issues were possible.
My own research revealed that I had experienced mild prolapse symptoms during my pregnancy nine years ago, which fortunately disappeared after a few months. However, not everyone is as lucky, as some women suffer from severe symptoms like urinary incontinence. The stigma surrounding vaginal health impacts women globally, with developing countries, in particular, being affected due to the taboo nature of discussing such issues.
It is clear that the silence surrounding vaginal health affects both the general population and medical practitioners, and it is time for this silence to end. The global impact of the stigma tied to discussing vaginal health poses a serious health crisis that must be addressed. It is essential to promote open, honest, and shame-free discussions about vaginal health to ensure the well-being of women everywhere.
Read the original article on Daily Nation
