The sense of shame surrounding female anatomy is a complex and deeply rooted social and cultural issue that has evolved over centuries, which is what Vagina Obscura author Rachel E. Gross discussed with us. While it is not universal and varies across different societies and time periods, several factors contribute to the persistence of this shame:

1. Historical context
2. Religious and moral beliefs
3. Social norms and expectations
4. Lack of comprehensive sex education
5. Media and popular culture
6. Gender inequality and objectification.

Efforts to reduce shame around female anatomy and promote body positivity have gained momentum in recent years. Comprehensive sex education, open discussions about body image and sexuality, and challenging harmful cultural norms are steps toward addressing this issue and promoting a healthier and more accepting view of female anatomy. It’s important to recognise that these attitudes are not universal, and many individuals and communities have actively worked to challenge and change these harmful norms.

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So how do we take shame away from women’s anatomy?

Thanks to the following author for participating:

Rachel E. Gross is an award-winning science journalist based in Brooklyn, New York. A former Knight Science Journalism Fellow at MIT and digital science editor of the Smithsonian Magazine. She writes for BBC Future and is a columnist for their “Missed Genius series”, the New York Times, and Scientific American. Her writing has appeared in The Atlantic, National Geographic, WIRED, New Scientist, Slate, Undark, and NPR, among others. “Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage,” tells the story of how early anatomists mapped our lady parts—and how a new generation is wresting them back.

Here are some of the resources from the show:

In this age of clickbait, pseudoscience and celebrity-endorsed products, it’s hard to know what’s best for our bodies. Jen Gunter, ob-gyn and the Internet’s go-to doctor, is dedicated to debunking the myths, marketing and misinformation surrounding reproductive health. While much of the dialogue surrounding women’s health targets the shame or inexperience of women and girls, Gunter aims to educate and empower with both humour and evidence.

Books looked at this week:

Rachel E. Gross: Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage

Dr. Jennifer Gunter: The Vagina Bible: The Vulva and The Vagina – Separating The Myth from The Medicine

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Transcription