Brits believe that society’s “new health taboos” include low testosterone, constipation and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
But compared to five years ago, many more people are now happy to talk about issues such as prostate cancer, eating disorders and mental health.
Increased awareness, understanding and attention in the media were commonly cited as reasons for the destigmatization of health issues.
On the other hand, some people believe that celebrities talking about health issues makes them seem more normal in the public eye.
“We know that open and honest conversations about health are essential for individuals to be knowledgeable and confident advocates for themselves,” said a spokesperson for OnePoll, the research firm that surveyed 2,500 adults.
“Our research found that the UK public considers a range of health concerns to be taboo, and that significant efforts would be needed to completely de-taboo all of the health concerns listed.”
The poll also found that other health issues that adults believe are being talked about more now include erectile dysfunction (24%) and fertility issues (20%).
Fewer than six in ten (59%) feel comfortable discussing personal health issues with even a trained medical professional.
However, 43% said they would be happy to open up to a close friend, and just over half (52%) said they would be more willing to open up to their partner.
Other topics that Brits consider “taboo” in modern society include conversations about sexual desire and performance (35%) and urinary incontinence (20%).
However, among those who think open conversations about health issues are changing for the better, 53 percent also believe society as a whole is becoming more open.
Additionally, 48% of respondents believe that access to online information is essential for people to discuss issues that affect them.
Just under eight in ten (78%) believe it is very important to break the silence surrounding health taboos.
Additionally, in the past two years, 37 percent of people have personally witnessed someone having an open and honest conversation about these topics that were previously not commonly discussed.
A OnePoll spokesperson added: “It’s clear there is a societal desire for the silence around health taboos to be broken, and research shows that people feel increasingly empowered to discuss certain health issues.”
“The survey also revealed that the conversation around mental health has been the most successful to date in becoming much more understood, discussed and supported as a health topic across the UK.”
Top 20 health issues that are discussed more now than they were five years ago
1. Mental Health/Nervous System
2. Prostate cancer
3. Obesity/Overweight
4. Eating Disorders
5. Erectile Dysfunction
6. Testicular cancer
7. Fertility
8. Sexual health (e.g., sexually transmitted diseases)
9. Endometriosis
10. Urinary incontinence
11. Hair removal
12. Sexual performance (e.g., decreased libido)
13. Body dysmorphic disorder
14. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
15. Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)
16. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
17. Hormonal Imbalance
18. Constipation
19. Vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis
20. Low sperm count
Gareth Lucey, communications director for the UK and ROI at health and hygiene company Essity, identified additional steps that are now needed to dispel the stigma of harmful health taboos.
He said: “As a society, we’ve gotten better at talking about the importance of having health conversations.”
“Concerns that were previously hidden for fear of stigma are now generally being discussed more openly.”
“But saying it’s important to talk and actually getting individuals to talk about their health are two different things.
“What we need to do now is increase our ability to facilitate these conversations and create safe environments for individuals to open up.
“Safe online communities, less censorship on social media, and easier access to medical professionals will all help create opportunities for individuals to discuss and seek advice.”
