ABORTION, sexual health and menstruation are still the top 'taboo' subjects surrounding women’s health, according to research.
Research of 5,022 women found 29% believe there are stigmas around discussing menopause.
And just under a quarter (24%) feel the same way about mental health.
This figure rises to 34% among 18-34s, and decreases to 13% in respondents over 55.
Of those who use social media, 36% have seen posts related to women’s health hidden due to ‘sensitive content’.
And only 19% believe information posted on women’s issues by health and wellbeing social media accounts is completely, or even mostly accurate.
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The report was created by research agency OnePoll, spokesperson Amy Price said: “Taboos around women's health perpetuate inequality.
“It's time to challenge these norms and ensure that women's well-being is a priority in every conversation.
“We can no longer afford to overlook women's health issues due to societal taboos.”
To combat the issues around women’s health issues being taboo in conversation, 65% believe education needs to start at school.
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Exactly six in 10 think more accurate data and information should be given to – and distributed by – the mainstream media.
And 46% want to see the end of censorship terms on social media, to help spread word of women’s health issues.
More than half (55%) of respondents believe the government isn’t doing enough to address women’s health issues on a societal level.
The study also found 16% have taken steps to reduce their stress levels as a result of a women’s health issue.
This was slightly higher in 18 to 24s (20%), 45 to 54s (19%), those in full-time employment (18%), those with children aged five to 11 (20%) and lower for those who are white (15%).
Just over three-quarters (76%) also believe they would not have been able to make life changes without the support of people around them.
More than half (60%) would actively talk and share a personal women’s health issue with close family members.
But of those who wouldn’t, 42% consider such things a ‘private matter’, while 20% would be too embarrassed.
Gareth Lucy, spokesman for hygiene and health company Essity, said: “What’s particularly shocking about the taboos and stigma surrounding women’s health is that in some cases we’re not talking about health matters that only a minority of women experience, we’re talking about matters that all women experience.
“For example, menstruation and menopause are a fact of life so it seems incomprehensible that these are taboo subjects.
“Whatever barriers are preventing women from being able to talk openly and candidly about their health need to be broken down.
“The research tells us there’s a problem, now it’s up to government, industry and healthcare professionals to work together and provide the solutions.”
Amy Price for OnePoll.com added: “Avoiding taboo topics doesn't make them disappear; it only perpetuates the stigma.
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“Women and men need to have courageous conversations and create spaces for healing and change.
“Breaking taboos is not about shock value; it's about opening the door to understanding and acceptance.”
Top areas of women’s health still considered taboo
1. Abortion
2. Sexual health
3. Menstruation
4. Menopause
5. Mental health
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