Haute Public Health Announcement thanks to Jean Hailes

The importance of women in society is paramount. We raise children, look after our partners, watch over our friends, care for our parents, manage a career... but who looks after us?! More often than not, our health gets put of the back burner whilst we look after everyone around us.

That's why it's so important that we, as women, not only look haute, but manage our health and well being also. That's why I've compiled this list of "Myths and Facts" to help you stay healthy and happy.

Myth
"Herbal Remedies are safe because they're natural"

Fact
90% of complementary medicines in Australia have potentially misleading labels. Just because it's "natural" doesn't make it safe (after all tobacco, cocaine etc are natural plants). Make sure the specialist prescribing these medicines informs you of ALL the side effects and interactions and don't forget to tell your GP that you are taking them.

Myth
"You don't need a Pap Smear if you've had the HPV (Gardasil) vaccine"

Fact
4/5 women will be exposed to HPV (human papilloma virus) at some point in their lifetime.
Every woman should have a Pap test every two years (once you have become sexually active or over 18 years). Gardisil only protects you against 70% if cervical cancers so you could still develop cervical cancer in the future.

Myth
"It's important to empty your bowels every day"

Fact
If you routinely empty your bowels up to 3 times a day or only three times a week, that's perfectly normal. It's important that when you feel the need to go, you should go as soon as practical. If you find there is any bleeding or pain following or during a motion, contact your GP straight away! I know it's embarrassing but seriously, GPs see problems like this all the time.

Myth
"It's cleaner to shave my pubic hair off"

Fact
Shaving/waxing/lasering pubic hair off has absolutely no health benefits whatsoever. It's more of a personal choice and reflects the "fashion" trends at the time. 
If you do use a razor, be sure to change the blade each time you shave. This reduces the risk of bacterial/viral infections being transferred onto your lady bits.

Myth
"A normal vulva is neat and tidy and "tucked away""

Fact
Each women's vulva is unique in size and appearance including differences in the left and right labia. There is also variation in the size, length and shape between each individual woman. These differences in variations are completely normal!
Often women become anxious about their vulvas due to the unrealistic portrayals the media has on women and the social pressures to have a "child like" vulva. Do not compare yourself to these digitally altered images or media portrayals!
If you are feeling depressed or anxious about your appearance, talk to your GP, partner or counsellor. There are surgical options available (labioplasty), but talk to your doctor about the side effects before agreeing to any treatment.



In the words of Betty White

Need more info?

A very special thanks to Jean Hailes for giving me inspiration to write this post. Please jump over to their site for more incredible information about Women's Health.

Also check out my favourite TV program's site: Embarrasing Bodies.

Follow Dr Christian Jessen on Twitter for awesome health myth busting tweets! @DrChristian
Keep it Haute

Anni xox