Contraception
Volume 73, Issue 5 , Pages 493-500, May 2006

Attitudes, perceptions and knowledge about the vagina: the International Vagina Dialogue Survey

  • Rossella E. Nappi

      Affiliations

    • Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +39 0382 503846/569; fax: +39 0382 520070.
    • ,
  • Goedele Liekens

      Affiliations

    • St. Amandsstraat 2, 1853 Strombeek-Bever, Belgium
    • ,
  • Ulrike Brandenburg

      Affiliations

    • Klinik für Psychatrie und Psychotherapie, Pauwelstraße 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany

Received 25 August 2005; received in revised form 5 December 2005; accepted 15 December 2005. published online 17 February 2006.

Abstract 

Background

The International Vagina Dialogue Survey examined women's attitudes, perceptions and knowledge regarding the vagina.

Methods

In total, 9441 women (18–44 years) from 13 countries underwent online interviews during April/May 2004.

Results

The majority of the women thought that vaginal health did not receive the attention it deserves (66%) and that society has too many misconceptions about the vagina (65%); indeed, 78% agreed that society's taboos surrounding the vagina contribute to women's ignorance. Only 39% of the women had ever read an informative article on the vagina, although 83% would like to read such an article. Although 79% of the women relied on advice from healthcare professionals (HCPs) when choosing a contraceptive, <50% were comfortable talking to HCPs about vagina-related issues.

Conclusions

A more open and informative approach is needed with regard to the subject of the vagina in order to empower and educate women about their bodies and in matters such as choice of contraception.

Keywords: Vagina, Attitudes, Society, Contraception

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PII: S0010-7824(06)00002-3

doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2005.12.007

Contraception
Volume 73, Issue 5 , Pages 493-500, May 2006

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