UK – While idealised images of women’s bodies abound online, anatomically accurate depictions of vulvas are scarce. Tackling this issue, intimate health brand Canesten has launched the The Truth, Undressed, an educational platform intended to dispel common misconceptions and empower women and girls aged 11–18 to learn more about their genitalia.
The platform is part of the company’s Vagina Academy, an ongoing initiative to educate consumers about vulval and vaginal anatomy and health. To dispel the harmful notion that all vulvas look the same, the platform includes a library of images celebrating the anatomical diversity that can exist among women. The platform also focuses on vaginal health and offers educational resources about infections. 'We live in a world where porn is readily available on the internet, yet many young people don’t know the first thing about what kinds of infections there are or even what the vulva is supposed to look like,’ explains Daria Costantini, brand lead for Canesten.
Encouraging people to control of their sexual health and wellbeing, the initiative is part of the Sex Re-Education movement in which young people are seeking more realistic and inclusive perspectives.
Strategic opportunity
How can companies prompt conversations about vulval health? Consider using the word ‘vulva’ openly and directly on packaging or in a campaign to remove stigma and sexual connotations