The impact of vaginal health on women

*This article contains data based on a UK survey conducted by DR.VEGAN^® of 68 customers of pH Hero^®, nationally representative, during May 2024. All survey findings reflect our own efforts and have not been influenced or verified by any external organisations or third-party entities.

We conducted a survey of 1,202 women of various ages to explore the often-untouched subject of vaginal health. The consumer survey aimed to uncover the prevalent issues women face, their causes, and the broader impact on their lives and relationships. 

The silence around vaginal health

95% of the 1,202 women surveyed believe that vaginal health is insufficiently addressed in educational settings. Additionally, more than one-third admitted to lacking adequate knowledge about proper vaginal care. This data underscores the need for better education and an open dialogue to prioritise women's health.

Common causes: vaginal infections and UTIs

The survey revealed that one-third of the women experienced vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), urinary tract infections (UTIs), or thrush, with over 10% dealing with these issues daily. The survey revealed a number of factors contributed to these conditions:

• Shower and bath products: Over a quarter of customers noticed a decline in their vaginal health due to the shower or bath products they used.
• Stress: 23% reported stress as a significant factor in their vaginal health. In our gut health consumer survey of over 700 people, 66% said their gut health worsens when stressed. This can create a domino effect. Stress can impact your gut health, which in turn can impact your vaginal health through the gut-vagina axis.
• Seasonal changes: extreme changes in weather like heat waves or cold spells. 
• Diet: Consumption of foods and drinks high in sugar, alcohol, carbohydrates, or spices also played a role in vaginal health. Women’s intimate health specialist, Jessica Childs, provides nutritional tips to support vaginal health.

Period-related infections

15% of the 1,202 women in our survey said they experienced infections or thrush around their menstrual cycle. This is believed to be due to period care products that are not designed to support the vaginal microbiome, leading to conditions including thrush, BV, and irritating rashes.

You may be interested in reading our PMS consumer survey, discovering symptoms of an unhealthy period or what PMS type you are. 

Vaginal dryness and atrophy

Over half of the women surveyed suffered from vaginal dryness and/or vaginal atrophy, with half of these experiencing it at least weekly. Vaginal atrophy, characterised by the thinning, inflammation, and drying of the vaginal wall, is primarily caused by a drop in oestrogen levels during menopause. Postmenopausal women were found in the survey to be five times more likely to experience vaginal atrophy compared to perimenopausal women, and also suffered more frequently from UTIs.

Vaginal health and sexual wellbeing

More than one-third of the respondents reported pain during sex due to infections, dryness, or irritation. With sex often exacerbating these issues as well, this can be a source of frustration and discomfort, further complicating women's health. Certain foods, supplements, and natural lubricants can help alleviate vaginal dryness, making sex more comfortable.

Probiotics and vaginal health

Only 29% of the women surveyed currently take a probiotic to support their vaginal health, despite the significant connection between the gut microbiome and the vagina. When asked, 'How effective would you say pH Hero^® has been in supporting you?', among the 68 women who took DR.VEGAN’s pH Hero^®, 77% said they found it effective in addressing vaginal health, while 90% said they felt the difference from issues within eight weeks.* 

*Based on a UK survey conducted by DR.VEGAN^® of 68 customers, nationally representative, during May 2024. All survey findings reflect our own efforts and have not been influenced or verified by any external organisations or third-party entities.