Ending the Stigma: Why UTIs, BV, and Yeast Infections are Still Taboo

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Clearly these “lady issues” are very common. So why are we still tiptoeing around them? Society has long slapped a stigma on vaginal care and women’s health. Over time, that stigma has manifested as, well, silence. According to a recent study, 65% of women are uncomfortable even saying the word vagina and 45% avoid talking about their vaginal health altogether.

We’re not here for it. Speaking openly about women’s health does more than normalize it. It helps people understand their bodies better, so they can prevent conditions like UTIs and make more informed decisions about their health.

Let’s ditch the awkwardness and dish about these common conditions, where the women’s health stigma comes from, and how we can overcome it.

UTIs, BV, and yeast infections: What exactly is going on down there?

Each of these health concerns has similar symptoms, which can make it easy to mistake one for the other. Fortunately, all three are treatable and, with the right care, easily preventable. Let’s take a closer look at each.

The unwelcome UTI

Urinary tract infections happen when an overgrowth of bacteria invade part of the urinary system. Painful urination, constantly feeling like you need to pee, and a burning sensation when you do are all signs you might have a UTI.

Although UTIs can occur in any gender, women get them 30 times more often than men. This is largely because of the female anatomy. The female urethra is shorter, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. Case in point: up to 30% of women will experience a second UTI within 6 months of the first one.

Unfortunately, UTIs don’t take hints, so ignoring them won’t make them go away. Without the proper UTI treatment, the infection can spread to the kidneys or even the bloodstream, leading to a life-threatening condition called sepsis. If you notice symptoms, talk to a healthcare professional right away to get tested and treated. Your doctor will likely recommend antibiotics for a UTI already in progress, or a natural cranberry PACs supplement to prevent recurrent infections.

**The very annoying BV**

Bacterial vaginosis is a bacteria imbalance in the vagina. Common symptoms include a fishy odour, thin grey, yellow, or green discharge, and itchiness. Yep, annoying is right. BV can be caused by new sexual partners or an increase in sex, sudden hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause, smoking, or frequent douching.

To treat BV, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics to kill the harmful bacteria causing the infection. You can also use a natural option, like Utiva’s Bacterial Vaginosis Relief, to soothe symptoms and help restore a balanced vaginal flora.

The irritating yeast infection

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida in the vagina. Common symptoms can include thick white discharge resembling cottage cheese, a burning sensation during urination or sex, and itching, redness, or swelling around the vulva.

Just like BV and UTIs, yeast infections can be triggered by having more sex. A weak immune system, diabetes or high blood sugar, and regular antibiotic use are also common factors that disrupt the balance of good bacteria in the vagina.

Although yeast infections and BV can feel the same, they’re treated and prevented differently. Boric acid, for example, is a yeast infection treatment clinically studied for its ability to target the common fungi that cause vaginal infections. See why getting the right diagnosis is key?

Why the stigma still exists (and how to change it)

Now that we’re feeling educated about these common conditions, let’s unpack the stigmas surrounding them. Why does it still feel weird to say “vagina” out loud? And what can you do in your everyday life to challenge the social norm?

The roots of the taboo

A recent study found that 1 in 10 women under 35 struggle to talk about vaginal health with their doctors, and a third avoid the conversation altogether out of embarrassment. Why does talking about vaginal and urinary health feel so difficult for so many? There are a few reasons:

Old school mentality. For centuries, discussions about women's health, menstruation, and vaginas in general have been deemed improper or “unladylike”. As a result, these outdated beliefs have carried into modern society, created health taboos and making many women feel ashamed to speak openly about them.
The “what will they think” syndrome. Vaginal health and sexual health go hand-in-hand. Many women hold back from speaking up due to fear of judgment from doctors, partners, or society. The idea that discussing vaginal health means discussing sex can make women worry they’ll be seen as promiscuous or irresponsible.
Lack of education. Sex education often focuses on pregnancy prevention and STIs, leaving out important conversations about everyday vaginal and urinary health. This knowledge gap can make women feel like they should already know what’s normal, which leads to embarrassment when they have questions or concerns.
Daily discourse. As a society, we tend to avoid talking about vaginas outright in everyday conversation. It can be seen as awkward, oversharing, or even "gross". This negative framing reinforces stigma and discourages open conversations about vaginal health.

Why breaking the stigma matters

Talking about vaginal health may not be your go-to dinner party convo, but it’s about time we normalize it. Keeping things hush-hush can risk turning a simple UTI or yeast infection into a more serious issue.

Around 40% of women delay seeing a healthcare provider when symptoms pop up and another 40% ignore the signs altogether, hoping they will go away. The more empowered women feel to speak up about their health, the earlier they can detect and treat infections.

Education and open conversation also improve prevention. It helps women understand how to enhance their health with powerful natural supplements, like cranberry PACs, which can stop bacteria from causing UTIs. Or solutions like boric acid, lactic acid, and hyaluronic acid, which provide quick relief for symptoms of yeast infection and BV, while restoring the vagina’s natural pH.

Starting these conversations and fostering a supportive community can create a ripple effect. When we speak openly with friends and family, share helpful resources, and address symptoms early instead of ignoring them, we pave the way for real change. It’s not just about improving health. It’s about giving women the confidence to own their well-being with zero shame.

How to change the conversation

It’s time to make discussing women's health a priority. Here are some practical ways to smash the stigma:

Never stop learning. We’re passionate about empowering people to talk openly about what’s going on with their bodies. The Utiva learning centre is packed with expert insights about vaginal health, urinary health, gut health—the works. Investing time into education is a big step toward shifting the narrative.
No more code names. Enough with the “lady bits” or “down there”. Vagina is a medical term for a key part of the female anatomy. Using medical dialogue can help diminish any shame around your vaginal health. Try speaking candidly with your doctor and the people close to you.
Challenge the status quo. If you sense a friend or family member is hesitant to chat about vaginal or urinary health, let them know you’re all ears and will never judge them. Work on building a supportive and open environment so others feel comfortable coming to you. Chances are, it’ll make you more popular. (You can thank us later.)

We’re taking steps toward change

At Utiva, it’s our mission to kick outdated taboos to the curb and make talking about vaginal and urinary health as normal as talking about your skincare routine.

We’re building a community that empowers you to get informed, speak up, and take charge of your health. From our blog to our Youtiva Facebook community, we’re sharing resources and tools for staying proactive and informed. And of course, we’re committed to crafting the most effective natural solutions for UTI prevention, BV, yeast infections, and beyond.

All with one goal: to empower women and inspire a new norm. Because the more we talk, the healthier we all become.

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