I know this is not a topic we like to discuss much. Most women feel embarrassed to even discuss any subject related to their intimate parts but I think this is an important subject and we need to start talking about it so we know better about our female intimate health. That is why I agreed when Canesten asked me to take part in their Myth Buster Campaign, as I really want to help other women to feel confident and happy to talk about their intimate health. Women shouldn’t feel it is a taboo topic and they should discuss it as naturally as possible.
Also, I have great news because I am running another fab GIVEAWAY thanks to Canesten for one of my lovely readers to win A £50 Amazon Voucher. If you would like to find out more, check the details at the bottom of this post.
ABOUT CANESTEN
Canesten is is the number one brand in the Women’s Intimate Health category, offering solutions for all common intimate conditions, as well as, everyday intimate care products. Its market position provides the opportunity to educate women on intimate health matters whilst enabling them to self-diagnose and self-treat knowledgeably and with confidence.
TALKING ABOUT INTIMATE HEALTH
Have you heard about thrush or Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) before? Do you know what they are? Have you been through this before and perhaps you didn’t know which one you had it? It is so important to learn more about their differences so then we know how to treat them.
I personally have been through both and I had to learn about it myself and I felt so embarrassed about it the first time. But the truth is that I shouldn’t have felt like that because these things happen. We just need to learn more about it so we then know what to do. The first thing I did was to get a GP appointment to discuss my symptoms. But do you know that now you don’t even need to do this because Canesten has a page dedicated fully to understanding the symptoms of each of them so we can choose which one to treat? They even have a test for you to take so you can confirm your symptoms. I thought this was fantastic!
MYTH BUSTER CAMPAIGN
Canesten are striving to promote a more confident approach to feminine intimate health and therefore empower women to make the right choices for their body. They are committed to helping women by offering them healthcare products and knowledge, so then women can keep in control of their intimate health.
If women know more about their intimate health, they will be better equipped to make the right health decisions. So, if women are more willing to speak openly, this can help them to be more confident and comfortable in their own bodies and happier overall.
WHAT IS BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS (BV)?
BV is the most common cause of vaginal infections in women of childbearing age, however, women are still confused between this and thrush.
Over 75% of women will suffer from thrush at least once in their life, whilst sufferers of BV may not have even heard of the condition itself. Bacterial vaginosis (known as BV) is caused by the presence of certain bacteria which leads to a pH imbalance in your vagina. Your vagina is normally acidic, which helps prevent bad bacteria from growing and maintains the level of good bacteria. If this pH balance becomes less acidic, it can affect the environment of your vagina, which in turn can lead to the development of BV. Most people experience symptoms of BV such as unpleasant odour, watery discharge, greyish white looking discharge.
MYTH BUSTERING QUIZ
Canesten has created a quiz which has been specifically designed to equip women with the right information and to help improve their confidence; with the end result aiming for a more body positive approach to feminine hygiene, and empowering women to make the right choices for their body.
The quiz has six questions and they are aiming to measure how much you know about your intimate health. I have taken the quiz and I only got 1 out of 6. I thought I knew more about it but apparently, I didn’t! This shows you that sometimes you think you know more than what you actually do! I am glad I took the test because now I feel I have learnt more about my intimate health.
Now, I would like you to also take the test and find out how much do you know about your intimate health! If you do take the test (above), please share it with us and let us know your results!
GIVEAWAY
Now onto the giveaway. I am running a giveaway so that one of you can WIN £50 Amazon Voucher. In order to have a chance of winning, you just need to enter the giveaway below and tell me in the comments section of this post “What have you learnt about your knowledge of intimate health?”. Good luck!
*Terms & Conditions:
- Open to UK residents aged 18 and over, excluding employees and relatives of A Moment With Franca and Bayer Plc
- There is 1 prize of one £50 Amazon voucher.
- ONE winner will be chosen via Gleam and announced on this page.
- The winner will be informed within 14 days of the closing date and will need to respond with a postal address within 28 days or a new winner will be chosen
- All times are GMT.
- The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is offered
- This set will be provided by Canesten
- This is a joint promotion between A Moment With Franca and Canesten
- The prize will be sent within 28 days of receiving the winner’s address
- Incomplete or duplicate entries will be deleted.
- Entrants must leave a means of contact: either twitter handle or email address.
- The winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries
- By entering the giveaway, you agree to your email address being collected and shared with Bayer Plc for promotional purposes. Your email address will NOT be shared with any third parties
- The winner’s name will be available on request
- This Giveaway starts on Wednesday 6th September 2017 at midnight.
- This Giveaway closes on Wednesday 27th September 2017 at midnight.
- Entry to this confirms that participants have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions
*Disclaimer: This post has been supported by Canesten, but all thoughts are my own.
Have a look at all my other GIVEAWAYS
Thanks for stopping by,
Love you all ❤️
Franca 💋
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I took the quiz and got 4/6, so not too bad. However, I had very little idea about BV or how common it is. Worth reading up on as I think it’s easy to fall into the trap of assuming that a problem is caused by thrush, whereas it may well be BV instead.
That is a good score! I was terrible!
I don’t feel embarrassed as long as I see a female doctor, I have heard of both but didn’t know the difference, we use canestan when our five year old daughter suffers with thrush every few months and it clears up within a few days xXx
Interesting! Yes Canesten is great! I have used it too and helped!
I sort of knew the difference. There is much I consider taboo so will talk about most things. Although that said it’s probably a subject I’d save for my girl friends as opposed to my dad!
Yes I guess you are right on that! I wouldn’t discuss that with my dad but I do with my husband! 😉 xx
I think it depends who you are talking to! Some people I’m comfortable with, others, a big no no!
Agree!
interesting, I wish when I was younger would have asked my Parents about things instead of being too embarrassed, glad that more subjects are openly discussed these days, ignorance can be a dangerous thing.
Very true!
It’s important to be educated in self care and every little helps
What a great read and quiz! Learning was taking place, I managed to get them all right, but Im a cheat and work for the NHS so know quite a lot on womens health, but saying that I did learn some new things which I appreciate and will share with collegues! Great write up!
Thank you! 🙂
I scored 5/6 though I must admit most were guesses! If I am to be honest, I know very little about the subject. If I ever experience any ailments I tend to google then visit the chemist!
It depends who I’m talking to. I know they’re different but I don’t know the differences!
I scored 5 out of 6. I’m not too embarrassed about talking about intimate health. I was when I was younger but now at aged 55 it doesn’t bother me. I didn’t know the difference between thrush and BV so you have taught me something I didn’t know. It’s surprising so many people suffer with it and don’t know. I wonder why?!
I managed 5 out of 6 know more that I thought but unlike my mother I will teach my kids all about problems
Luckily information is more available these days. I didn’t realise BV was as common either
Have to admit don’t know much!
My knowledge is very little! I feel its something we should be taught along with sex ed at school so people become more aware of their bodies without having an awkward ‘chat’
I got them all right, but i was a nurse so may have helped xx
6/6 Go me! I do know the difference. I used to be embarrassed but having had thush so many times during my cheap bath bomb addiction, I quickly got over that. It is great that you can just get canesten over the counter – I’m not embarrassed to see the GP but it seems like I’m wasting their time – by the time I get an appointment, Canesten has dealt with it!
Very true!
I can’t say that I know the difference now but then I’ve never really suffered from any problems!! Certainly not something that I would have had an open conversation about as a teenager.
i still find intimate health embarrasing
I don’t feel embarrassed to talk about my intimate health. I didn’t know the differences between Bacterial Vaginosis and Thrush.
I know of the difference, but wouldn’t be able to tell!
I think it is great there are more adverts for female intimate health products on the TV now as it helps to make them less secretive.
I personally do feel embarrassed about talking about it.
Please don’t be! It is much better to talk about it if you can.
I don’t know much until now x
I’m glad you found out more after this post. 🙂
I’ve had both and think I now know the difference. I’ll happily discuss intimate problems with close friends and my husband x
I always thought that the pH balance should be neutral so am surprised to find that it should be acidic. I struggled with thrush terribly through my early teenage years but didn’t know what it was and was too embarrassed to ask – wish I had known then what I know now but isn’t that always the way?
I also made the same mistake! I thought it should be neutral so I learnt something new too! I know what you mean!
I don’t feel embarrassed but prefer a female doctor, I’ve only heard of thrush! , we use canestan if needs be xx
Yes I guess I prefer a female doctor too!
I knew about BV but didn’t know how common it was! I’m an oversharer so am happy to talk about my intimate bits! I was pregnant with my 3rd child and had just come out of hospital and had got thrush from the antibiotics so I went to get some Canestan on my lunch break at work. I went to the work loo to put it on and saw there was a picture of a foot on it but it said dual action so I thought you must be able to use it on your feet as well. Afterwards, I showed my work colleague the packaging and she said it was the athlete’s foot cream!!! Haha I had to run to the chemist to make sure it wouldn’t harm me!
Oh no! Thank God you didn’t use it! That would have been a disaster!
Having taken the quiz I have discovered I know very little about intimate health! Thank god for the internet!
I agree! Thank God for the internet!
No I’m not really embarrassed to talk about your intimate health. No I didn’t know the differences between Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and Thrush and Thrush and no I’ve haven’t experienced this before.
I feel embarrassed by intimate health, to the extent where I will try to self diagnose than go to the doctor. I don’t know the difference between BV and thrush, I usually buy treatment for both if there is something wrong
I hope that talking about it more will help to feel less embarrass about it!
I would only talk to a close friend or my sister I think
I learned just how common BV is! 1 in 3 is much higher than I thought!
I still struggle with talking about intimate health, even with my doctor!
I didn’t know the difference between the 2, I think its important to know your health
I have suffered with both of these before and I was deeply embarrassed. With BV I was pregnant with my first child and got told I had it while in hospital. I found it mortifying as I was with my partner but at the time I was young. I’m a lot older now and I don’t get embarrassed. We should be more open about it.
If only my mother has been able to discus such things when I was growing up 🙁
I got 5/6 so not totally clueless! I think as a middle age woman I wish I had known things a lot earlier in life. so many less things to worry about!
I got 4 right, I don’t get embarrassed, after having 4 children nothing phases me
I had no idea of the differences and i guess it can be a little embarrassing but not too bad .
3/6. Not surprised, I’ve only ever had thrush once and never BV. I am definitely going to have a read up about it though.
4/6 other than the squalene and acidic ones, which is fab.
2/6 way less than I thought I did!
My partner is a doctor and since being with him I am a lot less fussy about who I see about problems like this. I used to prefer to see a female GP but now I will take whoever is available, they’ve all seen it all before and it is just run of the mill stuff to them. I got 4/6 on the test so I still have a lot to learn. I am currently pregnant and on my 6th course of thrush treatment due to having diabetes and being prescribed antibiotics so I’m a big supporter of Canesten right now!
Canesten is such a great product! 🙂
I got 5/6 on the quiz, although I’ll admit a couple of them were educated guesses. I wish I’d known more about vaginal health when I was younger, its still not a subject that is talked about much.
I got 4/6 in the quiz, I had heard of BV but didn’t realise how common it is
I don’t feel embarrased in context depending on who I am talking too, but I did not know the difference x
I think it depends on whom your talking with on this kind of thing
I didn’t now the differences between Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and Thrush
Intimate health isn’t a topic I would discuss at the dinner table lol but I don’t feel embarrassed to talk about it. I went to an all girls school and we had good sex ed which focused on female intimate health so I was aware of the difference between BV and thrush.
I got 3/6 – not that good! We really need to talk more about this stuff! I didn’t realise how common BV was?
I’d talk to pretty much anyone in the right situation. I got 4/6 which confirms I know something but certainly not as much as I could or should. A really useful and interesting post.
It doesn’t embarrass me but it not something that is generally brought up.
4/6 .. not too bad, but I have learned new things today. Cheers
Apparently not a lot lol I only got 2/6 which is surprising because my mum has always talked to me about everything so I should know these things
Everyone’s different!
I have heard about both before, but have only suffered from thrush. I hate going to the doctor for smears etc as I feel very embarrassed and self conscious.
I’m not usually embarrassed to talk about these sorts of things. I think being chronically ill kind of changes your view on talking about medical things.
Oh no I am sorry to hear that! But definitely I think you are right! 🙂
im not usually embarrassed now im older and have had my kids (not much is embarrasing after that) , i suffered a LOT with Thrush when i was younger, at least 1 flare up in 3 months, always had a tube of Canestan in the bathroom cupboard, spoke to my doctor, and he suggested it was due to me having bubble bath, and certain soaps. (wouldnt have known without asking) i cut out the soap, switched to soap free wash down there, and the flare ups completely stopped. daft thing is, since having my first child 6 years ago, ive only had 2 flareups…. wish i would have done my research sooner and not been so embarrassed to ask the doctor.
Exactly! I really love reading your story! Thank you for sharing it with us! 🙂
I think since having kids I’m no longer embarrassed I only got 2/5 in the quiz so not so good, didn’t know the difference, interesting read
I knew more than I thought, I don’t tend to find those things embarrassing at all!
It was a taboo subject growing up
These days it’s so much easier to talk freely
My knowledge is good on the subject -predominately girls in the family-its surprising how open we all are!
I dont find it embarrassing at all,i think the more a topic or health issue is discussed openly the less stigma there is surrounding it
Agree!
I’m not embarrassed about talking about intimate health, i think its very important, i do know the differences between thrush and Bacterial Vaginosis but am ashamed to say i did rubbish on the test!!
I also did rubbish on the test despite knowing the differences!
after having 3 kids i am not that embarassed anymore lol i use canestan when and as neeeded.
This post has certainly made me more aware of the issues.
I’ve learnt that I didn’t know as much as I thought I did, only got 3/6! It’s a great campaign to bring these issues to light and to bring the topic of intimate health more into peoples awareness.
I got 4/6 on the quiz! Interesting post as I hadn’t heard of BV before – I’d only heard of thrush. I haven’t had it before – at least I don’t think. But always on the lookout as I’ve had to have antibiotics many times for a rare type of ear infection. Also didn’t know Canesten has a quiz on their website – that’s really good to know if I ever have a problem.
Interestingly, I had developed a wee bit of vaginal itching in my 20’s which stopped once I switched to natural cotton pads – not sure what was the cause but that was relieving when it stopped.
Thanks for the info!
Mary
Glad you found this info useful! Interesting re the natural cotton pads!
I do feel a bit embarrassed in some situations, but after all I’ve been through most of my embarrassment has long since vanished!
I had no idea about the differences between Bacterial Vaginosis and Thrush, thankfully I’ve never experienced either!
I’ve learned that there is always a lot more to learn about intimate health!
I think everyone is a bit embarrassed to talk about personal problems but health professionals are excellent at making it easy.
Not at all it’s a natural thing and I am very open about intimate things with my daughter
I did not know the difference when I was younger
Only recently learned the difference but then I’ve never had BV. I love the confidence I have now to know I can treat myself via the pharmacist in the first instance.
I have had babies so not embarrassed now
I know it’s silly as I have had children, but I still get embarrassed talking about personal issues.
Oh, dear. I only scored 3 on the quiz. I did not know about the difference between BV and thrush but I do now.
I am not embarrassed to talk about intimate health but I dislike intimate examinations.
I got 5/6! Some were educated guesses though. I don’t feel embarrassed about it but I wish other people were more open about it too.
It depends who i am talking to, I only got 4 questions right. I don’t really know the difference.
I didn’t know the difference. I wouldn’t be emcarassed talking to my G.P. or soem of my girl friends, but wouldn’t be comfortable talking about it to anyone else.
It usually depends who you are talking to. First I wasn’t sure what the difference was, but the quiz was quite helpful 🙂
im a nurse so doesnt really embarrass me, will be hard when i have to teach my daughter though bt i think my knowledge is good
The quiz was helpful but I am always a bit embarrassed about such personal matters!
Before having children I was embarrassed to talk about intimate health. Now it doesn’t bother me but if seeing a doctor about that area then I do prefer seeing a female .
I used to be shy about talking about these things but as an adult I have become more confident.
Didn’t know as much as I thought I did, 3/6. And I hadn’t even heard of BV before.
Intimate health should never be embarrassing to talk about, its a natural thing and all children should feel comfortable with parents to talk about anything
Not worried about talking about intimate health, interesting to find out the differences between thrush and BV
Talking about things like this should not be a taboo subject all females should be aware of vaginal health issues, I’m quite open to certain people and can quite easily talk about things like this
I’m not normally embarrassed. An interesting article – I didn’t know the difference between the two.
I don’t feel embrued to talk about it to the right people… I mean wouldn’t start telling the lady on the till at the soar shop lol
I know the difference now but didnt until a few years back, intimate health is something I can talk about but find it better with strangers for some reason, I guess its still something that makes me feel a little uncomfortable if I’m eing 100% honest
I admit to ignorance in most cases but I think confidence to speak up is the most important thing you can teach anyone. There are many experts out there ready to advise and help.
I had no idea that BV was far more common than Thrush. I would prefer to talk about intimate health with a stranger rather than a friend or family member.
yes its not something you want to discuss
I was amazed I got 5/6! I agree most people don’t want to discuss this but they should. Fantastic prize, thank you x
It depends who I’m speaking to, but I think the more we all talk about it, the easier it becomes. It’s great that bloggers are speaking so openly about intimate health acrss the internet.
That no question, big or small, trivial or serious, is too embarrassing to discuss – it could be life-saving.
Intimate health was just something we did not discuss when I was growing up, unfortunately it is a difficult habit to get out of
I have had several bouts of BV, when i was initially diagnosed i thought it was a STD. Im still not sure totally about it
I’m not embarrassed to talk about it, but it’s not really something that comes up in general conversation and I wouldn’t start the topic, but if it came up then I wouldn’t find talking about it a problem.
Most subjects are never taboo with me, I can talk about anything tbh lol
That is fantastic!
Totally! I think you are mainly only aware when you have a problem! Usually after antibiotics or an illness that has laid you low for a length of time. I am very choosy which GP I see, I don’t care if they are male or female, they just mustn’t be bossy or have an attitude and I’ve seen a lot of those! The best are the ones who are sympathetic and non-judgemental and not bossy! How I hate those bossy types with no bedside manner.
I completely agree with you! I hate the boss ones too!
i scored 3 on the test i can talk to my hubby and 2 friends about anything but most people i wouldn’t
I got 4/6 did learn something today
I am glad you found this post useful! 🙂
I only feel embarrassed if I have to see a male doctor but it’s only a body and I’m sure they’ve seen it all before. I have had experience with it in the past and would definitely say don’t put getting it sorted off just because your embarrassed.
Yes as I’ve experienced this before and they said I’m prone to thrush so they told me to use aqua cream with no smell or stuff normal shower gel would have in x
4/6 I thought I knew more than I did! I guess you learn something new every day!
No, I don’t feel embarassed to talk about it. My mother was very open with me during puberty and explained a lot then too, I’m also lucky to have an pretty amazing G.P who Im comfortable to talk about anything wiht. Never sufferedfrom B.V but thrush quite often especially when prescribed antibiotics! Scored 4 out of 6 on the test..darn it lol
Love this! 🙂
I would feel embarrassed talking about it. Luckily I dont think I’ve ever had it. Maybe once when i was pregnant but I know ladies that get it continuously xx
it depends who your talking too i’m ok talking to doctors about this sort of thing after have 3 children and cervical cancer but other people i fell uncomfortable talking about it
I didn’t know that BV was more common than thrush. I’ve learnt as I’ve got older that it’s fine to talk about intimate health, it’s not taboo and people shouldn’t feel like it has to be x
My mum is a retired nurse and former medic from the army and I am the youngest of 4 with 2 much older sisters – we have never had issues about talking about issues together – I am glad I have had such an open upbringing and both my sisters are bringing their kids up the same way – my nephew actually came to us when he was concerned about an std to get advice on getting tested (he was clear and had thrush!)
This is amazing! Love your story! 🙂
I would feel embarrased trying to describe symptoms to a gp however having more knowledge that it affects 1 in 3 helps realise its a common problem that can be treated easily.
intimate health issues are not something i feel particularly comfortable about discussing. I have children ranging from age 11 up to age 22 and I could talk with my daughters aged 18 and 22 quite happily – either if i had a query or if they had a query. However, if my son aged 20 voiced a concern, i wouldn’t find it as comfortable to talk with him. That said, I would try to make sure I put him at ease and dealt with the problem calmly and quickly as I would want him to know he could always come to me. From previous experience, he is far more likely to speak with me rather than my husband, his father.
This is very interesting!
What a helpful quiz, i was not as informed as i thought i was
I’m not embarassed to talk about intimate helth although I’m not that clued up on different conditions and symptoms
I’m not too bad as l’ve got older about intimate health, the only think l dont like is how their is always someone around within earshop when you want to aske for something private! but hey were all have problems so its natural!