No beauty or fashion posts from me today; today I’m talking about women’s health. Ok so it may not be every woman’s favourite topic of conversation but it’s pretty important, yet there still seems to be reluctance to talk about it, the big question is why? All things Gynae (yes there I said it) affect each and every single woman so why shy away from it?
For me I’m super lucky to have been brought up in such an open and honest family when it comes to women’s health, I remember asking my Mum what tampons were for at the age of 3 and rather than fobbing me off she managed to come up with a brilliant explanation that was perfect for my age (will definitely be using the same answer for Boo when the time comes), so I’ve always felt really comfortable discussing any women’s health questions or problems I may have with my Mum.
I was really shocked and a little saddened to learn that research carried out by Mumsnet on behalf of BMI Healthcare found that 71% of women would be more likely to talk to their partner about problems conceiving, while only 30% would speak to their own mother, and just 18% would talk to their sister.
Me and my sister like to ring each other up and serenade / shout obscenities at each other (aren’t we such a loving bunch!), so for me she’d be one of my first choices when it comes to discussing good old ‘down there’ issues.
Auntie, Grandma, Mummy and Boo!
It seems I’m not the only one who thinks that like everything else in life Mums know best; Mr Andrew Baxter, Consultant Gynaecologist for BMI Thornbury Hospital, comments: “It’s great that women share any concerns with their partner…However, in these cases, mum may actually be more useful that your other half as other women are more likely to have been through the same thing and can offer advice, while some conditions also have a genetic link.”
Our Mums are part of us, they grew us so if anyone is best placed to try fill in the blanks it’d be them, plus apart from helping you learn about any genetic conditions that may need to be flagged with your GP, they can do what they do best, support you and reassure you that you’re not alone.
I am a member of the Mumsnet Bloggers Network Research Panel, a group of parent bloggers who have volunteered to review products, services, events and brands for Mumsnet. I have not paid for the product or to attend an event. I have editorial control and retain full editorial integrity
