Women reveal the truth about vaginal infections

Real solutions start with listening to real experiences. Our research uncovers the painful reality of vulvovaginal infections – and what needs to change.

women-reveal-the-truth-about-vaginal-infections

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Women reveal the truth about vaginal infections

Real solutions start with listening to real experiences. Our research uncovers the painful reality of vulvovaginal infections – and what needs to change.

Recurrent vaginal infections aren’t just inconvenient – they’re painful, persistent, and deeply frustrating. Despite how common they are, many women feel dismissed or stuck in an endless loop of ineffective treatments. 

At UVISA, we know the first step in solving a problem is truly understanding it, and that starts with listening. Our research journey began with a simple goal: to understand what women are actually experiencing and how the current system is failing them. Here’s what they told us and what we learned.

Vaginal infections are more common than you think

Back in 2020, we launched our first small survey in Denmark to explore how vaginal infections were affecting women’s daily lives, and the results spoke volumes: 

  • 100% of women had experienced vaginal discomfort or itching 

Vulvovaginal infections aren’t rare or niche; they’re everywhere. So, if you’ve ever struggled with thrush, BV or unexplained symptoms, you’re definitely not alone. Meanwhile, treatments remain outdated, offering temporary relief rather than lasting solutions. This leaves too many women confused and left to cope on their own.

The cycle of repeat infections is exhausting

In 2021, we expanded our research, surveying 146 women to build a clearer picture of what they’re dealing with:  

  • 77% had experienced vaginal itching or discomfort caused by infection
  • 63% reported recurring infections 

That means nearly two-thirds of women aren’t just dealing with one-time issues; they’re stuck in a frustrating cycle. These regular disruptions keep coming back, often with no clear cause or reliable treatment plan. 

While recurrence is common, it definitely shouldn’t be accepted as normal. 

Infections aren’t just physical; they affect your whole life

Vulvovaginal infections may not be life-threatening, but they can be life-altering. 

Women told us about the emotional strain of dealing with repeat infections, especially when they don’t feel believed or supported. That mental load adds up quickly: missed work, cancelled plans, avoiding intimacy and mounting stress. 

One respondent shared:

“Vaginal infections have at times been incredibly disabling for me. Sometimes, it’s been so bad that I could barely walk and it was all I could think about. I experience the problem at least once a month and most of the time I have to get medical help in the form of creams, pills etc. Every. Single. Month. It places a heavy burden on my life!”

This isn’t a minor problem; it’s a serious disruption to daily life that deserves proper care. 

Daily life is full of invisible triggers 

When asked what they think triggers their vulvovaginal infections, women pointed to:

  • Antibiotic use (25%)
  • Being sexually active (50%)
  • Their age, particularly being in their late teens or early 20s (48%) 

Sex, hormones and medication are all normal parts of life. But for many women, they become hidden triggers for infections. Most of us are never taught how these factors affect our vaginal microbiome – or what to do about it. 

Everybody is different. But without access to proper education and treatments that address the root cause of vaginal infections, too many women are left guessing.

Self-diagnosis has become the default

  • Just 17% sought medical help for their vaginal infections
  • 62% self-diagnosed and treated with over-the-counter products
  • 12% simply waited for their symptoms to pass

Let’s be clear: this isn’t because the symptoms weren’t serious. Women are choosing to self-manage because they’ve given up on getting help. 

“Repeat infections ruined my life for over a year. Male doctors kept misdiagnosing me. I was so desperate, I would have tried anything.”

Whether they’ve been dismissed, misdiagnosed or simply worn down by endless repeat visits, women are becoming their own doctors. But becoming your own doctor without the right tools or information isn’t empowerment, it’s a last resort. And it shows just how broken the current system really is. 

Women want better options

We interact with women and clinicians on an ongoing basis and have recorded responses across Denmark and the UK. When we asked women if they’d be open to trying something new, such as UVISA’s light therapy device, the answer was clear. 

  • 53% said yes to an insertable light therapy device
  • 38% of said yes - as long as it works and is definitely safe
  • 9% said no - it’s not for me. 

This isn’t just curiosity about new technology; it’s a strong demand for real, science-led solutions. Women are tired of quick fixes that don’t work. They want treatments that give them back control, clarity and long-term relief.


This is just the beginning

The frustration, the fatigue, the fight for answers: we hear you. 

Everything we’re building at UVISA is shaped by the stories you’ve shared. Our light therapy device is changing the future of vulvovaginal health so that no one has to suffer through cycles of infection and inadequate care. 

Want to be part of the change?

Our survey is still open. Share your story and help shape a real solution.