A majority (79.9%) of women don’t have adequate knowledge of their own anatomy, according to women’s supplement brand O Positiv, with major gaps also prevalent in knowledge of menstrual phases, the vaginal microbiome, hygiene products, period norms, and more. The supplement brand specializes in several products for women’s health, including a probiotic for vaginal health and a menopause gummy vitamin formulation.

The findings are based on a survey of 3,196 women nationwide, in order to understand their health knowledge and needs related to anatomy, language, symptoms, sex, shame, menopause, and more, the company reported.

“The findings are familiar, yet still shocking: women feel dismissed, misinformed, and underserved, but their resilience continues to drive change,” the company reported.

Knowledge Gaps

Just 1.37% of women could correctly identify all parts of female anatomy, the brand reported, and just 42.1% of women were able to correctly identify all four menstrual phases.

Knowledge of the vaginal microbiome was also quite low, with 46% of respondents telling the company that they didn’t know the vaginal microbiome existed prior to taking the survey.

Women frequently reported using hygiene products in a way that overlooked supporting vaginal pH, such as by using soap inside their vagina (59%), using washes not meant for intimate areas (27%), and douching despite knowing the risks (24%).

Nearly half (46%) of women believed that the average period lasted 7-14 days, when the true norm is 2-7, and nearly a third said that they believed menstrual discomfort is “normal and not meant to be relieved.”

Trust in Healthcare Providers

Only around a third of women fully trust their OB/GYN, according to O Positiv’s findings, and two-thirds have avoided an appointment due to discomfort, shame, or lack of excitement. A minority (35%) of women describe their OB/GYN as “on their side.”

Many women indicated that their concerns weren’t taken seriously (16%), that age bias has affected their care (17%), and that visits with their OB/GYN were rushed (18%).

Sexual Wellness

More than half of women surveyed said that they have felt sexually unsatisfied in a relationship, and 54% said their libido has been lower than that of their partner. Most (68%) of women admit to putting a partner’s pleasure first. Most (78%) of women said that sex could be improved with better communication.