According to a new survey from Talker Research on behalf of Intimina, more than half of women struggle to afford their wellness needs.
“The data clearly shows that financial pressure is forcing women to make impossible choices regarding their basic hygiene and wellness needs,” said Dunja Kokotovic, global brand manager for Intimina. “It is completely unacceptable that the rising cost of feminine care is pushing women toward risky rationing. We want to empower women to take control of their budgets without compromising their well-being.”
The survey revealed that women have a significant financial burden when it comes to their physical health. Some 61 percent of survey respondents say they cannot keep up with all their hygiene needs and often need to choose between financial and physical wellness. Furthermore, 38 percent of respondents say they have monthly concerns about how they will maintain their health necessities for the following month.
On average, women spend 23 percent of every paycheck on their health and hygiene needs. Furthermore, prices for women’s wellness needs are increasing, with more than half of respondents reporting they have seen increases in the cost of hygiene products, skincare, and period products.
To afford their wellness needs, more than four in ten survey participants say they have delayed paying for other necessities. On the other hand, some women reported previously avoiding purchasing pain relief, keeping menstrual products on longer than recommended, and delaying treatment for infections to save money for other expenses.
Nearly two-thirds of women who have had an infection and did not see a doctor about it said that cost was a major factor in their decision. Over a third of women who have had an infection have unintentionally made it worse by trying to care for it on their own instead of visiting a physician.
“Financial strain is unfortunately pushing women into a dangerous game of guesswork with their own bodies,” said Kokotovic. “Intimate health issues, especially infections, require precise professional care. Self-diagnosing or relying on home remedies can easily lead to chronic pain and much more expensive treatments down the line. We strongly encourage women to prioritize doctor appointments and keep professional medical advice at the heart of their care routine. Your health is too important to risk.”