The Hidden Health Crisis Women Aren't Talking About—And Why That Needs to Change

A groundbreaking new report surveying over 3,000 women has uncovered a startling reality: the vast majority of women lack basic knowledge about their own bodies, with 96% unable to name the phases of their menstrual cycle and 69% unsure if their period is normal. This comprehensive study reveals systemic failures in women's health education that are leaving millions of women in the dark about their reproductive health.

What Are the Biggest Knowledge Gaps in Women's Health?

The 2026 State of the Vagina Report, conducted by O Positiv Health with 3,169 women ages 18 to 90, paints a concerning picture of widespread health illiteracy. The findings reveal that fundamental aspects of women's health remain shrouded in mystery and shame, even in 2026.

The education crisis begins early and continues throughout women's lives. Only 50% of women were taught about periods before experiencing their first one, and 43% didn't know what menstruation was when it first occurred. This lack of preparation extends far beyond adolescence—more than 70% of women have never received education about menopause, and only 10% feel prepared for pregnancy.

Why Don't Women Trust Their Healthcare Providers?

Perhaps most alarming is the breakdown in trust between women and their healthcare providers. The report found that 68% of women don't trust their obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN), and two-thirds don't have a good relationship with their provider. This mistrust has real consequences—68% of women skip their annual OB/GYN visits entirely, and only 35% describe their doctor as being "on their side."

The disconnect runs deeper than just trust issues. A significant 60% of women consider their OB/GYN out-of-date, suggesting that many healthcare providers may not be keeping pace with current women's health research and best practices.

• Menstrual Health: 96% of women cannot identify the phases of their menstrual cycle, and 69% are uncertain whether their periods are normal
• Vaginal Health: 60% of women are unsure what a healthy vagina should smell like, and 46% were unaware that the vaginal microbiome existed before taking the survey
• Sexual Education: 60% of women never received vaginal health education in school, and 84% say their sex education wasn't helpful for their current relationships
• Menopause Preparation: Over 70% of women have never received menopause education, leaving them unprepared for this major life transition

"This report highlights a persistent challenge in women's health: gaps in research, education, and preventive care leave many women without the guidance they need, often driving them to rely on unverified sources for answers," said Dr. Roxanne Pero, OB/GYN from O Positiv's Medical Board of Directors.

How Is This Crisis Affecting Women's Lives and Careers?

The consequences of inadequate women's health education extend far beyond the doctor's office. The report reveals that 86% of women feel alienated during menopause, and 74% say menopause negatively affected their careers. This workplace impact is driving employers to recognize women's health as a strategic priority rather than just a healthcare benefit.

The shame and stigma surrounding women's health topics create additional barriers to seeking help. Nearly half (47%) of women have experienced at least one vaginal health concern, yet 31% wouldn't tell anyone or seek help for such issues. The stigma is so pervasive that 22% of women admit they wouldn't even say the word "vagina" out loud.

Looking ahead to 2026, healthcare policy changes are beginning to address some of these gaps. New federal guidelines under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will require health plans to cover additional women's preventive services at no cost, including expanded breast cancer screening with follow-up imaging and patient navigation services for cancer screenings.

The workplace is also evolving to better support women's health needs. Fertility benefits are becoming standard rather than exceptional, with 32% of commercially-insured women expecting infertility benefits from their employers. Menopause support is emerging as a critical workplace benefit, especially considering that research shows one in 10 women leave jobs due to unmanaged menopause symptoms.

"My brother and I co-founded O Positiv Health after I experienced firsthand how debilitating menstrual symptoms can be—and how little support or guidance existed to address them," said Brianna Bitton, co-founder of O Positiv Health. "I was told what I was experiencing was 'normal,' yet there were no real options, no open conversations, and too often, my concerns were dismissed."

The path forward requires both systemic change and individual empowerment. As healthcare providers work to rebuild trust through better communication and patient-centered care, women are also being encouraged to advocate for themselves and seek out evidence-based health information. The goal is creating a healthcare environment where women feel heard, supported, and equipped with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their bodies throughout every stage of life.