Erasing The Stigma Around Women's Sexual Health

My personal story with Bacterial Vaginosis.
wellness · 4 min
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Photo by Francesca Zama from Pexels

Physicians don't always know everything. I found this out the hard way last year when I was dealing with what I thought was just a yeast infection. It was going on for months. No matter what I did, it wouldn't go away. I had never had a yeast infection, so I thought it was normal to have them repeatedly. 

After seeing 3 different doctors and getting no new advice, I started to feel hopeless. Each time I went to a new clinic, they said the same thing. "Well, if it sounds like a yeast infection and looks like a yeast infection, it must be a yeast infection!" They repeated these words to me over and over, prescribing the same ineffective treatment each time. 

Months went by without anything changing. Sometimes, it was so painful I couldn't even sleep because it felt like part of my body was literally on fire. Almost every day I would think to myself, Was I going to have to live with this for the rest of my life? 

Finally, while talking to my friend at a party, I learned that she had been going through the same thing, except for one key difference. She didn't have a yeast infection. She had a recurring case of Bacterial Vaginosis.

I was bewildered. I have never even heard of it, but once she introduced me to the symptoms I realized everything lined up perfectly. The physicians I had seen were wrong the entire time. 

Thanks to that friend, I was able to go to a clinic and at last, ask for the right tests and correct treatment. 

What is Bacterial Vaginosis? 

Bacterial Vaginosis is a common condition where an excess of bacteria grows in the vagina. This bacteria causes swelling and pain down there that can be excruciating.

Trust me, I lived with it for six long months and I would never wish it on anyone else.

Here are the symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis: 

  • Excess Discharge
  • Itching or Burning 
  • Vaginal Irritation 

If you haven't noticed, it sounds a lot like a yeast infection. In fact, many women mistakenly diagnose themselves with that and they buy over the counter medicine to solve the problem. Unfortunately, it's a completely different problem and it needs a more rigorous treatment. Instead of a single-dose pill, you have to see a doctor and get a prescription for a week's worth of antibiotics. 

Another issue is that Bacterial Vaginosis is far more common than a simple yeast infection. Still, hardly any of the women in my life have heard of it, which is astounding. Marketing by big brands have focused heavily on yeast infections, to the point doctors and patients are being treated for the wrong condition. That leads me to the point of this article.  

Why Women Need to Talk About Sexual Health

If I hadn't casually mentioned my problem to my friend, it would have taken me a lot longer to find out the cause of my suffering. Even so, I had no idea what it was for half a year. That is a length of time that is not only absurd but dangerous. 

Women need to erase the stigma of talking about our sexual health as women because if they don't do so and the sexual health issue is left untreated then women would be putting their own lives at risk. 

When left untreated, Bacterial Vaginosis can lead to worse conditions like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) as well as an increase in the chance of getting various Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Both of those conditions are valid concerns that need to be taken seriously. 

Luckily, I saved myself time and energy solving the mystery of what was causing my problem by talking to a friend about it. However, many women still don't know about this. As such, if you find yourself in the same boat I hope this article helps you find the solution sooner than I did. Hopefully, we can address the stigma we face in society as women and help each other by talking freely about our bodies. 

If you found this story helpful, then I'd be honored if you share it with the women in your life so we can start this conversation. As women, we need to be more comfortable in ourselves and our bodies. Our health and wellness depend on it. 

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Opinions and Perspectives

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Macy-Ellis commented Macy-Ellis 3 years ago

The article makes important points about women's health advocacy.

4
Body_And_Soul-Fit_777 commented Body_And_Soul-Fit_777 3 years ago

This shows why we need to keep pushing for better healthcare.

6
Eleanor_56 commented Eleanor_56 3 years ago

The practical advice mixed with personal experience works well.

5
Lucia_Flutter commented Lucia_Flutter 3 years ago

I'm inspired to be more open about my own health experiences.

4
Meditation-Maven_42 commented Meditation-Maven_42 3 years ago

The emphasis on women supporting women is particularly meaningful.

5
LiviaX commented LiviaX 3 years ago

This kind of information sharing can literally change lives.

1
GenevieveS commented GenevieveS 3 years ago

The article effectively addresses both medical and social aspects.

4
Elsa_Sunny commented Elsa_Sunny 3 years ago

We need more conversations like this in healthcare settings.

0
AmayaB commented AmayaB 3 years ago

The impact of marketing on medical care is an interesting angle.

8
Zakaria_Zine commented Zakaria_Zine 3 years ago

This story emphasizes the importance of proper medical testing.

7
SoulAligned_999 commented SoulAligned_999 3 years ago

I'm surprised by how common these issues actually are.

6
EmeryM commented EmeryM 3 years ago

The focus on breaking silence around women's health is powerful.

2
Harmony_Waves commented Harmony_Waves 3 years ago

This article will help many women advocate for better care.

2
Anastasia_Mystic commented Anastasia_Mystic 3 years ago

The distinction between different conditions is really helpful.

6
MatthewWright commented MatthewWright 3 years ago

We should all feel empowered to discuss our health openly.

3
Dominic commented Dominic 3 years ago

The author's journey to finding answers is unfortunately too common.

0
FitnessWith_Intention_101 commented FitnessWith_Intention_101 3 years ago

This highlights the need for better women's health education.

5
Lily commented Lily 3 years ago

I appreciate the clear explanation of different treatment approaches.

0
Holistic_Happiness commented Holistic_Happiness 3 years ago

The article shows how important it is to share our experiences.

7
RoxyJ commented RoxyJ 3 years ago

This kind of honest discussion helps reduce shame and stigma.

4
Krugman_Column commented Krugman_Column 3 years ago

The emphasis on proper testing is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

7
Clarissa_Firefly commented Clarissa_Firefly 3 years ago

I'm grateful for writers who tackle these important topics.

7
Kit_Commentary commented Kit_Commentary 3 years ago

The article effectively combines personal experience with medical information.

7
SmileMore_LiveMore_19 commented SmileMore_LiveMore_19 3 years ago

This shows why we need to question medical assumptions sometimes.

0
Isabella-Martin commented Isabella-Martin 3 years ago

The personal story makes the information more relatable and memorable.

4
Charlotte_98 commented Charlotte_98 3 years ago

We need to create more safe spaces for these conversations.

7
EricS commented EricS 3 years ago

The connection between proper diagnosis and effective treatment is key.

1
Littleton_Lines commented Littleton_Lines 3 years ago

This article has helped me understand my own symptoms better.

6
Genesis-Cooper commented Genesis-Cooper 3 years ago

The impact of silence on women's health is well illustrated here.

7
Katie_Love commented Katie_Love 3 years ago

It's crucial to advocate for ourselves in medical situations.

1
Carlson_Critique commented Carlson_Critique 3 years ago

The article could have included more information about prevention methods.

2
NoemiJ commented NoemiJ 3 years ago

I'm going to be more open about discussing these issues with my friends.

7
Nourish-Your_Soul commented Nourish-Your_Soul 3 years ago

This story highlights the importance of comprehensive testing.

8
Mia-Jones commented Mia-Jones 3 years ago

The author's persistence in seeking answers is admirable.

2
OConnell_Observations commented OConnell_Observations 4 years ago

We need more open discussions like this in our community.

4
LoneWolfX commented LoneWolfX 4 years ago

The information about PID risks is particularly important.

8
Briar_Dream commented Briar_Dream 4 years ago

It's empowering to see women speaking up about these issues.

1
Jocasta_Lavender commented Jocasta_Lavender 4 years ago

The article makes a great point about the impact of marketing on medical care.

5
StillnessWithin commented StillnessWithin 4 years ago

This reminds me to be more proactive about my own health care.

2
JanelleB commented JanelleB 4 years ago

The medical profession needs to listen more to women's experiences.

2
HealthyHabitsDaily commented HealthyHabitsDaily 4 years ago

I'm amazed at how many women relate to this experience.

3
NeonSpecter commented NeonSpecter 4 years ago

The focus on breaking stigma is so important for future generations.

8
Natalie_Robinson commented Natalie_Robinson 4 years ago

This story shows why we need to trust our instincts about our own bodies.

3
PenelopeXO commented PenelopeXO 4 years ago

The article could have mentioned that stress can make these conditions worse.

0
EternalSeeker commented EternalSeeker 4 years ago

It's important to note that these conditions can affect women of all ages.

5
Michael-Ray commented Michael-Ray 4 years ago

I wish I had read this article years ago when I was struggling with similar issues.

0
BalancedBites commented BalancedBites 4 years ago

The comparison between different treatments is really informative.

4
ClaudiaX commented ClaudiaX 4 years ago

Healthcare providers should read this to understand the patient perspective better.

5
Chelsea_Lights commented Chelsea_Lights 4 years ago

The power of women supporting women really comes through in this story.

0
CoreyT commented CoreyT 4 years ago

I went through something similar but felt too embarrassed to talk about it with anyone.

5
Kristina99 commented Kristina99 4 years ago

The article does a good job of explaining why silence can be dangerous.

2
HollyJ commented HollyJ 4 years ago

This shows why we need better education about women's health issues in medical schools.

6
Freya_Rain commented Freya_Rain 4 years ago

It's remarkable how a simple conversation with a friend solved what multiple doctors couldn't.

3
Energized-Living_55 commented Energized-Living_55 4 years ago

The part about feeling hopeless really resonated with me. I've been there too.

6
HannahTorres commented HannahTorres 4 years ago

Reading this makes me wonder how many other conditions we're not talking about enough.

0
AriannaM commented AriannaM 4 years ago

The emphasis on communication and sharing experiences is crucial for improving women's health.

4
Adeline-Stewart commented Adeline-Stewart 4 years ago

I'm surprised more doctors don't automatically test for both conditions.

7
SimplicityRules commented SimplicityRules 4 years ago

The article could have mentioned that some women experience no symptoms with BV.

1
Sabrina_Wonder commented Sabrina_Wonder 4 years ago

This story highlights the importance of being your own health advocate.

3
EchoDimension commented EchoDimension 4 years ago

It's concerning how many doctors jump to conclusions without proper testing.

2
Tammy-Townsend commented Tammy-Townsend 4 years ago

The description of symptoms will help many women recognize when they need to seek specific testing.

8
Jessica commented Jessica 4 years ago

We need to stop treating women's health issues as taboo topics.

4
Madison91 commented Madison91 4 years ago

This article has given me the courage to be more open about my own health struggles.

5
Sage_Starburst commented Sage_Starburst 4 years ago

I feel less alone knowing others have gone through similar experiences.

6
Milbank_Memo commented Milbank_Memo 4 years ago

The connection between marketing and medical assumptions is something I'd never considered before.

0
TimmyD commented TimmyD 4 years ago

It's frustrating how women's pain is often dismissed or minimized in healthcare settings.

7
Victoria-Adams commented Victoria-Adams 4 years ago

The author's experience shows why we shouldn't always accept the first diagnosis we receive.

1
MysticData commented MysticData 4 years ago

I'm grateful for friends who are open about these topics. They've helped me through similar situations.

2
ChakraBalance commented ChakraBalance 4 years ago

This article should be required reading in health education classes.

0
OrganizedAndHappy commented OrganizedAndHappy 4 years ago

The stigma affects more than just individuals. It impacts public health as a whole.

2
Eva-Murray commented Eva-Murray 4 years ago

I had no idea BV could lead to such serious complications if left untreated.

4
LostInData commented LostInData 4 years ago

The medical community needs to update their approach to women's health issues.

6
AuroraJames commented AuroraJames 4 years ago

My mother never talked about these things with me. I'm breaking that cycle with my own daughters.

8
Veronica_Bloom commented Veronica_Bloom 4 years ago

It's interesting how many women automatically assume they have a yeast infection without proper testing.

6
Sophia23 commented Sophia23 4 years ago

The symptoms list is helpful, but I wish there was more information about prevention.

1
HighVibeTribe commented HighVibeTribe 4 years ago

This reminds me why we need more female healthcare providers who understand these issues firsthand.

6
Ryan_1998 commented Ryan_1998 4 years ago

I've learned more from this article than from several doctor visits combined.

7
Amelia commented Amelia 4 years ago

The author's friend probably saved her from developing more serious complications. That's the power of sharing experiences.

4
CalebThomas commented CalebThomas 4 years ago

It's sad that women still feel they need to hide their health concerns in 2023.

2
Stephens_Stories commented Stephens_Stories 4 years ago

The section about potential complications if left untreated is eye-opening. We can't afford to stay silent about these issues.

8
Cynthia_Daisy commented Cynthia_Daisy 4 years ago

I'm actually dealing with similar symptoms right now. This article has motivated me to get proper testing done.

1
Joanna_Ortega commented Joanna_Ortega 4 years ago

The point about marketing by big brands is spot on. They've created this narrow focus on yeast infections.

8
FlowState-Zen_07 commented FlowState-Zen_07 4 years ago

I disagree about doctors not knowing everything. Most are well-informed, we just need to be more assertive in asking for specific tests.

4
PhoenixH commented PhoenixH 4 years ago

The fact that a casual conversation at a party led to the solution shows how valuable sharing our experiences can be.

8
Haberman_Herald commented Haberman_Herald 4 years ago

This article made me realize how important it is to get a second opinion when something doesn't feel right.

6
Kennedy commented Kennedy 4 years ago

The marketing of yeast infection treatments has definitely overshadowed other common conditions.

7
Iris_Dew commented Iris_Dew 4 years ago

I've noticed doctors tend to jump to yeast infection as a diagnosis without doing proper testing.

1
BlairJ commented BlairJ 4 years ago

Six months is such a long time to suffer. I can't imagine the frustration the author must have felt.

6
Ayla_Rising commented Ayla_Rising 4 years ago

The comparison between BV and yeast infection symptoms is really helpful. I never knew they could be so similar.

3
Cynthia-Todd commented Cynthia-Todd 4 years ago

I'm sharing this with my daughters. It's important they know they can talk about these things openly.

6
RachelKing commented RachelKing 4 years ago

We need more articles like this that break down the barriers and encourage open discussion about women's health issues.

4
Bernstein_Bulletin commented Bernstein_Bulletin 4 years ago

The stigma around women's health is real. I remember feeling so embarrassed to even bring up these issues with my doctor.

2
PiperRose commented PiperRose 4 years ago

This reminds me of when I kept getting prescribed antibiotics for what turned out to be a completely different condition. Sometimes doctors get stuck in their ways.

1
Green_Gazette commented Green_Gazette 4 years ago

I wonder how many other women are suffering in silence thinking they just have recurring yeast infections.

8
Emily_95 commented Emily_95 4 years ago

The medical industry needs to do better. Six months of suffering because doctors wouldn't look beyond their initial assumption is unacceptable.

7
StarlitShadow commented StarlitShadow 4 years ago

Actually, BV is quite common. I'm a nurse and see cases frequently. The problem is women often don't talk about it.

6
Kinsley_Glimmer commented Kinsley_Glimmer 4 years ago

It's shocking how little awareness there is about BV compared to yeast infections. I had never heard of it until reading this article.

5
Holistic_Glow_360 commented Holistic_Glow_360 4 years ago

The part about doctors repeatedly misdiagnosing really frustrates me. I've experienced similar situations where medical professionals just brush off women's health concerns.

1
SerenitySoul commented SerenitySoul 4 years ago

I appreciate the author's courage in sharing such a personal story. We really need to normalize these conversations.

0
Nathaniel-Wayne commented Nathaniel-Wayne 4 years ago

This article really hit home for me. I went through something similar and felt so alone until I started talking about it with my friends.

3

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