The average woman currently has eight unanswered questions about her health.
That was revealed in a new survey of 2,000 women who experience pelvic floor issues — and results revealed younger women have even more questions.
Gen Z respondents have an average of 11 unanswered health questions, compared to just five for baby boomers surveyed.
Perhaps this is because respondents pinpointed age 40 as the point they’re most motivated to get answers to their health-related inquiries.
Before that, some women are left coming up with their own theories of what’s going on — things they believe might be wrong in their body, but that aren’t proven.
Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Intimina, the survey found younger women were also more likely to be coming up with these “theories.” Gen Z women surveyed had an average of five theories about their health — compared to baby boomers’ two.
These theories may be a result of women needing multiple doctor’s appointments to get answers about their health concerns. On average, it took women three appointments to get the right information about their pelvic floor issues.
And before they had the answers, 71% of women surveyed said there was a period of time they knew something wasn’t right, but couldn’t identify what it was.
“It’s concerning that so many women are left in limbo when it comes to understanding and addressing their pelvic floor health,” said Dunja Kokotovic, Intimina Global Brand Manager. “When women don’t receive the proper diagnosis right away, they can’t get the care they need, which often leads to a decline in their physical and emotional well-being. We are dedicated to educating women about the symptoms and signs of pelvic floor issues, empowering them to seek answers and treatment earlier.”
The survey examined how pelvic floor issues have affected women’s daily lives — and revealed they’ve had a vast impact.
Women said pelvic floor issues have not only affected their physical health and fitness routines (31%) but also their emotional health (42%) and their mental health (39%).
That’s in addition to their romantic relationships (36%) and their social life (28%).
Four in 10 women (39%) have taken time off work due to pain or discomfort caused by pelvic floor issues — and 47% said their pelvic health concerns prevent them from reaching specific milestones.
These issues take a toll financially, too: the average woman surveyed spends $334.50 per month to maintain or improve their pelvic floor health.
This includes physical therapy and exercise regimens ($79.70), medication ($74.70), doctor’s visits ($90.80) and following a specific diet ($89.30).
And there’s also a toll on women’s self-confidence — 35% said their pelvic floor issues have made them much more self-conscious about their body.
“Forty-two percent of women surveyed admitted they didn’t immediately pay attention to the early signs of pelvic floor issues,” said Kokotovic. “We want to help change that. By encouraging a proactive approach to pelvic health, we aim to give women the knowledge they need to recognize these signs, take control of their health journey and feel confident in advocating for their well-being with their doctors.”
WHAT AREAS OF WOMEN’S LIVES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY PELVIC FLOOR ISSUES?
- Emotional health — 42%
- Mental health — 39%
- Romantic relationship — 36%
- Physical health/fitness routine — 31%
- Social life — 28%
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 American women who have pelvic floor issues; the survey was commissioned by Intimina and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Feb. 7 and Feb. 13, 2025.
