Sex Education: 50% Of Men Unaware Of Where Vagina Is, Study Says

As we enter the Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month, a recent poll reflected upon the alarming levels of unawareness among men about a woman's body. The poll found that 50 percent of men could not label the vagina on a picture of a female body.

The research was published by The Eve Appeal the only U.K. national gynecological cancer research charity as part of Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month, which is September. The poll highlighted that people have very little knowledge about gynecological cancers.

The charity conducted the study among 1,000 men who were asked to point out the vagina on a diagram showing the vagina, vulva, cervix, ovaries, and Fallopian tubes, and found that 500 men failed to do so, the Daily Mail reported.

It was also revealed that one in six men knew nothing about gynecological health issues and that they thought that it's a woman's issue and they need not be bothered about it. For many, vaginal issues are still a taboo subject.

The poll was conducted among a fairly small number of people, so it is possible that the Eve Appeal managed to find 500 men who are not very aware of female genitalia. The ages of the men in the sample size have not been revealed, so there are chances that the younger generations have a better idea about the vagina, according to the Metro.

Another disturbing fact from the poll was that even women are hesitant to approach doctors if they face vaginal problems. One in five women said they would not visit a doctor if they had abnormal vaginal bleeding, which is one of the key symptoms of cancers of the womb, ovaries, cervix, vagina and vulva.

The Eve Appeal's chief executive, Athena Lamnisos, expressed concern about the survey results. She said it is shocking how both men and women have low levels of awareness of the symptoms of gynecological cancer, according to the Daily Mail.

"We know from the many calls that we receive at The Eve Appeal from men, that they can play a vital role in identifying the symptoms of gynecological cancer, prompting their partners to visit the GP. Early diagnosis really is key and can save lives," she said.

Lamnisos added that men should be more responsible when it comes to their partner's health. Gynecological problems should be looked into by both men and women.

A 2012 study found that most women did not know the signs of gynecological cancers, according to Live Science. Early detection of gynecological cancers is possible if women are able to recognize the symptoms of it and consult a doctor as soon as possible.

"Our findings illustrate the need to inform women about gynecologic cancer symptoms, and when to seek care," said study researcher Cynthia Gelb, a health communication specialist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Following are the key symptoms of gynecological cancers:

a) Irregular bleeding

b) Blood-tinted vaginal discharge

c) Persistent bloating

d) Persistent abdominal pain

e) Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly

f) Pain during sex

g) Unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge

h) A lump or swelling on the vulva or inside the vagina

i) An open sore or growth on the vulva

j) A vaginal itch that won’t go away