BRITS think the 'new health taboos' in society include low testosterone, constipation - and PMS. But many are now happier to talk about issues like prostate cancer, eating disorders and mental health than they were five years ago. An increased awareness, understanding and focus in the media were cited as common reasons for health topics to become destigmatised.
While others believe celebrities talking about health issues helps make them more normalised in the public eye. A spokesperson for research agency OnePoll, which ran the study of 2,500 adults, said: “We know that open and honest conversations about health are vital to ensuring that individuals have the knowledge and confidence to advocate for themselves. “Our research shows that the public in the UK considers a wide variety of health concerns taboo and that there is considerable work to be done to fully destigmatise the full range of health concerns cited.
” The poll went on find other health issues adults believe are now more commonly spoken about include erectile dysfunction (24 per cent) and fertility issues (20 per cent). Fewer than six in 10 (59 per cent) would feel comfortable talking about a personal health issue, even with a trained medical professional. But 43 per cent would be happy to open up to close friends, and just over half (52 per cent) to their partner.
Other topics Brits believe are now ‘taboo’ in modern society including conversations around libido and sexual performance (35 per cent) and u.
