Podcaster and comedian Emma Doran is encouraging more open discussions around women’s health, particularly vaginal health, which is often considered too taboo for general conversation.
The Dubliner has made the comments as statistics show most women will experience vaginal bacterial or yeast imbalance in their lifetime, and over half will recur within 12 months. Common conditions and issues such as thrush are often caused by an unbalanced vaginal microbiome. Symptoms include itching, discharge and odour, which can have a negative effect on both physical and mental health.
Emma Doran says there’s no reason why we can’t have these intimate health conversations, rather than suffering in silence: “Taking care of our vaginal health is just as important as taking care of our heart, lungs, or brain. I didn’t know until recently, for example, that the vagina has its own microbiome. We’ve come a long way in terms of having open discussions about issues affecting women, but I do think that vaginal health is the last taboo we need to shatter. Don’t be afraid to approach your GP or pharmacist for help or advice.”
Dr Maeve Davis is a Cork based GP. She says looking after vaginal health should never be overlooked: “A healthy vaginal microbiome should be prevalent in a bacteria called lactobacilli, which plays a very important role in regulating pH levels. This in turn can prevent a lot of unpleasant infections like thrush, which is very common and can cause a lot of distress and discomfort. I would always tell my patients to prioritise their vaginal health and never feel embarrassed about seeking advice from your doctor or pharmacist if you are worried about this. There are some really effective over the counter supplements on the market nowadays that can help keep your vaginal microbiome healthy and balanced. It’s always great to ask about these things.”
Supplement producer PrecisionBiotics, which has its roots in UCC, recently launched new product Women’s Flora, designed for women who are actively seeking to maintain a healthy vaginal balance. The product has been formulated with scientifically tested bacterial strains prevalent in a healthy vaginal microbiome. The company, which is known for its flagship products Alflorex and Zenflore, has also just launched ‘Good Bacteria’ on the Irish market, a daily bacterial supplement for use during or after a course of antibiotics.