Reducing clinician and patient biases against vaginal insert therapies

Abstract

Embarrassment and biases against the vagina ��� both real and perceived ��� are key reasons why vaginal contraceptives, menopause treatments and other insertable therapies are often underutilized and misunderstood in the USA. Eliminating the barriers that interfere with appropriate counseling requires a nuanced approach, accounting for the myriad factors that can trigger negative reactions when talking about the vagina. Participants will explore currently available vaginal insert therapies, including indications, efficacy and potential benefits and adverse effects, use of evidence-based resources to more effectively communicate and counter common patient misconceptions about the vagina, and apply appropriate patient-centered communication skills to conversations about vaginal bias.