Top 10 common symptoms women are left 'embarrassed' about

19 February 2024 , 12:38

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Sweating is the top common symptom that leaves women feeling embarrassed (Image: Peter Dazeley/Getty Images)

Some of the top common female bodily functions that women have been left “embarrassed” about in public include sweating (76%), hot flushes (68%), and heightened emotions (69%), a study has found.

Other normal symptoms that can leave ladies feeling self-conscious include severe period or pelvic pain (67%), period blood visibly leaking onto their clothes (58%), or breakouts of acne or spots (58%). And 62% have experienced dizziness or fainting, and diarrhoea, leaving them feeling uncomfortable.

In fact, the poll of over 4,000 women found that as many as 89% have felt worse about themselves as a result of encountering some of these common symptoms. And 57% believe women's health is still a taboo topic, despite increased awareness in recent years.

More than one in 10 (12%), who have experienced these “Public Displays of Womanhood”, have cancelled social plans as a result, while one in 20 now avoid going out altogether.

Two-thirds also faced comments from others as it happened – leaving them feeling self-conscious, anxious, and even ashamed. And 32% feel generally uncomfortable when talking about the subject, or about symptoms they may be experiencing.

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Top 10 common symptoms women are left 'embarrassed' about

One in 10 have had to rush to buy new clothes after getting caught out in public (Basak Gurbuz Derman/Getty Images)

The study was commissioned as part of the Bupa Wellbeing Index, with Dr Samantha Wild, its clinical lead for women’s health, saying: “In many cases, Public Displays of Womanhood (PDWs) are normal bodily functions which can occur from time to time, and are nothing to be embarrassed about.

“There is still a perceived stigma around women’s health, which is why women feel so ashamed when these things happen. But speaking about experiences – whether with friends, family, or a partner – can help to break the taboo, and normalise PDWs.

“However, when PDWs begin to impact day-to-day life, such as going to work, exercising, or socialising, and lead to mental health concerns, as many women in the study have said, then it’s important to speak to a doctor who will be able to look into whether these symptoms are normal or need further investigation, and guide you through a treatment plan.”

The study found that, of those who have experienced a women’s health symptom in public, other common issues included urinary incontinence (58%), or leaking breasts (34%) – both of which are common during and after pregnancy.

These left 34% forced to abandon what they were doing and go home early, while one in 10 had to rush off and buy new clothes.

As a result, a third are anxious about it happening again – with around one in 20 (6%) choosing to work from home more often to avoid being around others, just in case.

And more than a tenth have even cancelled social plans as a result of their bodily functions (SWNS)

The study also found women feel uncomfortable talking to their male manager (42%), child (24%), and even their partner (12%) about women’s health.

And two-thirds think it is still viewed as an embarrassment if you experience a women’s health symptom in public, leaving 53% worried about suffering one in the future.

Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO for Bupa Global & UK, said: “These latest insights from the Bupa Wellbeing Index show how women’s health needs to be more part of the conversation.

“A lack of understanding leads to stigma, which makes people even more reluctant to talk about the day-to-day health concerns and experiences women face.

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“Bupa’s vision is for a world where no woman is held back in society or the workplace due to health inequality, and we are committed to giving employers, educators, and healthcare practitioners the tools to achieve this.

“We’re starting with a pledge to our own people to create an environment where women feel comfortable speaking about their experiences, as well as offering our Period Plan to all our colleagues in the UK.”

TOP 10 MOST COMMON “PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF WOMANHOOD”: