How Stigma and a Lack of Funding Has Set Back Research for Vulvovaginal Disorders

The world of medicine has made remarkable strides in diagnosing and treating various health conditions, but when it comes to many women’s health issues, progress is lacking.

But why is it so hard for women to seek and obtain treatment for issues related to sexual and reproductive health?

We talked with Mass General physician-investigator Caroline Mitchell, MD, MPH, about the many obstacles to treatment—and how she is working to advance the field.

Dr. Mitchell is the Director of the Vulvovaginal Disorders Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, an investigator at the Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, and an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School.

She has dedicated her research career to investigating the vaginal microbiome in hopes of helping those suffering from a variety of conditions find effective treatments.

It has not been an easy path to travel. From a lack of research funding to the overall stigma associated with discussing vaginal health, Mitchell and other researchers still have a long way to go to creating successful and accessible treatments. Read more.