HEALTH
DR CHRISTIAN GIVES HIS TAKE ON THE HOT HEALTH TOPICS OF THE WEEK
‘DON’T CALL IT A TWINKLE!’
Medics are warning that our shyness and embarrassment about naming parts of the female anatomy puts women’s health in jeopardy. Dr C agrees that we need to move on from these outdated taboos
If someone uses aword like “flower” or “twinkle” for their genitals, it’s our job as doctors to question further and work out what they’re talking about. But the bigger worry is that there is so much shame and embarrassment around using the proper words for those body parts that people won’t even make it as far as the doctor because they’ll feel too shy to talk about whatever problem they may have.
EDUCATE KIDS
When it comes to children, I tend to take my lead from my patients, so if a parent brought their daughter in I’d go along with the words they use – but euphemisms like flower, twinkle or noo-noo shouldn’t be the only words children know – they should be taught the proper names for body parts as well. A child only knowing their vagina as their “twinkle” isn’t helpful. We often use childish versions of words with small children, so we say “doggy” instead of dog but, crucially, children know what a dog is. Similarly, if we use “flower” we also need to say “vagina” and “vulva”. That way, when you’re being sensible and serious they have the vocabulary to understand. It’s the same as with sexual education – the more educated people are, the safer they are and the better decisions they make.
LOSE THE SHAME
Using cutesy wording can give the impression that genitals are embarrassing and shouldn’t be talked about. Making anything sexual – including body parts – ataboo like this could discourage children from talking to you about anything serious relating to their bodies. Words like vulva and vagina aren’t grown-up, they’re no different from saying elbow or knee. I also don’t think we have the same problem saying “testicles” or “penis”, and even if we use “willy” or “balls”, it’s very obvious what we’re talking about, so why are women’s bits shameful? They shouldn’t be.
DON’T IGNORE SEXUAL PROBLEMS
This shame can also have a negative impact further down the line. Many women in peri-menopause and menopause may experience vaginal dryness, vaginal itching and/ or reduction in libido, but not feel able to talk about it. It’s not uncommon for patients to wait 10 years to get help because they find it so impossible to address. I suspect that’s down to a few things. Firstly, this may be embarrassment, but I’m also sorry to say that I suspect some doctors aren’t very approachable either. While we’re getting better at it, not everyone is comfortable discussing sexual health. Religion can also be a factor – traditi
