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DO WOMEN REALLY KNOW WHAT’S UP “DOWN THERE?” - Survey Shows Surprising Lack of Knowledge around Feminine Health Issues -
White Plains, New York, Feb. 27, 2007—Even though Ivy League women are well-versed in many topics of importance, from history to Einstein, they’re not as well informed about female anatomy -- and what they can do to manage their own health. That’s the major finding of The Vagisil® I.Q. Survey, administered to 300 female Ivy Leaguers, ages 18 to 25 by independent research firm, MarketTools, questioning respondents about their knowledge of feminine health. How Much Women Really Know ... and See Nine out of 10 of the women surveyed said their knowledge of their female body parts ranked at an eight and above, based on a scale of 10. But they are not as knowledgeable as they claim. More than 45 percent did not know what BV was. Also referred to as Bacterial Vaginosis, BV is the most common vaginal infection . In fact, four out of five women surveyed (82.6 percent) believe yeast infections occur more frequently than BV. BV is often mistaken for a yeast infection since the symptoms sometimes can be the same: abnormal vaginal discharge, vaginal odor, itching and/or burning. However, the treatment for each infection is quite different. While a yeast infection can be treated with over-the-counter products, BV must be diagnosed by a medical professional and treated with prescription antibiotics. In addition, more than 90 percent of women surveyed thought re-occurring yeast infections are common among most women. The reality is, while most women will experience at least one yeast infection in her lifetime, only five percent will have chronic re-occurring infections. Since many seem hesitant and embarrassed to examine their own anatomy, it’s little wonder that women have some misconceptions. The survey results show that nearly 50 percent of the female Ivy Leaguers never or rarely looked “down there.” Yeast Rises to the Top The women surveyed appeared to blame a great deal of their feminine health problems on yeast. Nearly half of these women said the most common cause of vulvar itching is from a yeast infection. The truth: research with over 1000 women revealed that two-thirds attribute the primary cause of their vaginal itch to exercise/perspiration or their monthly period. In fact, only 7 percent of women report having a yeast infection in the last year . And one out of three women falsely believes that poor hygiene causes yeast infections. Three-quarters of the surveyed women also think a yeast infection can be prevented by wearing cotton underwear, wearing loose-fitting jeans or eating yogurt. The reality is that these measures do not prevent a woman from getting a yeast infection. , Many yeast infections result from antibiotic use, diabetes or pregnancy and are therefore often unavoidable. In the End, Knowledge is Empowering Are women leery about discussing, learning more or examining their body parts because it is taboo? Does it come down to women feeling embarrassed about such a personal topic? Vagisil says, the research proves “Yes!” “There is an underlying emotional toll to vaginal discomfort and itch that is often not addressed -- in public, or even by women on an individual level,” said Jane Wadler, VP of Marketing for Vagisil. “Discussions with doctors and focus groups reveal that women blame themselves for these conditions. However, often the cause of many of these conditions is beyond their control.” With education and understanding, women can better self-treat, get symptomatic relief or know when to visit a healthcare professional. Survey Methodology A quantitative telephone survey of 200 adult females was conducted December, 2006 by MarketTools. The survey targeted a random sample of females ages 18-25 who are attending or have attended an Ivy League university. The survey, conducted on behalf of Combe Inc., explored the knowledge level of females in the above demographic around sensitive feminine health issues. About Vagisil® Vagisil products, including Original Strength Vagisil® Creme, Maximum Strength Vagisil® Creme, Vagisil® Medicated Anti-Itch Wipes, Vagisil® Deodorant Powder and Gynecort® Anti-Itch Creme, can be used to help with the symptoms associated with external vaginal discomfort, like itch, odor, wetness and burning while the prescribed medicine works at treating the infection. The new VagisilTM Screening Kit, which helps women identify the possible source of their vaginal discomfort, will be widely available in May in the feminine hygiene section at food, drug and mass merchandise stores. |
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