Millions of British women admit they are ‘dreading’ sex on Valentine’s Day, it has emerged.
A poll of 2,000 women between the ages of 40 and 61 found three million are particularly nervous about the big day, as they worry about potential sexual activity.
The research found over half of women in the UK aged 40 and above – nearly six million in total – will suffer from vaginal dryness at some point in their lives.
A fifth have made up an excuse to avoid sex because of it, and 24 per cent confessed to ‘suffering in silence’ and just hoping it would get better.
The research was commissioned by Vagisil, who have launched the ‘Fearless GP Surgery’ in conjunction with its ProHydrate range.
Despite doctor-patient confidentiality, almost 40 per cent of women who have suffered with vaginal dryness, or other intimate health issues, felt too embarrassed to visit their GPs for expert advice.
Of those who have avoided sex due to vaginal dryness, 52 per cent said they felt like they’d let their partner down, and 33 per cent felt their partners were frustrated with them.
A third revealed not being able to have sex made them feel ‘less womanly’, according to the OnePoll research.
One of the doctors answering questions will be Dr Ellie Cannon, a practicing GP and the face of numerous health focused TV shows, including Health Freaks and Doctor in your House.
Ellie said: “Intimate health issues, such as vaginal dryness, are still such taboo subjects meaning women are suffering in silence, when in fact it is a really common problem.
“What’s more, vaginal dryness often isn’t recognised as a genuine condition by its sufferers.
“This is why I wanted to be involved in Vagisil’s Fearless GP Surgery; it’s an easy way for women to discuss any concerns anonymously, and be reassured that there are safe and effective solutions that’ll help make intimacy comfortable and enjoyable on any day, not just on Valentine’s”.
Between the hours of 5:00pm and 10:00pm on Wednesday 13 February, women can go online to Vagisil’s website and chat to GPs anonymously & confidentially, for free expert advice on how to have a worry-free and enjoyable Valentine’s Day.