When Women’s Health Is Censored — Who Does It Serve?

I recently tried to post on Google about my work with vulvodynia — a chronic pain of the vulva that impacts around 1 in 7 women. My intention was to raise awareness and let women know they’re not alone. But the post was removed almost instantly.

Why? Because I used anatomically correct words: vulva and vagina.

This kind of censorship isn’t just frustrating — it’s harmful. It silences those who are already suffering in silence. It reinforces shame around the most intimate parts of our health. And it keeps necessary conversations in the shadows.

It doesn’t only happen with removed posts. On many social media platforms, simply using the word vulva causes the algorithm to limit how many people see the post — as if our anatomy is inappropriate or offensive.

This censorship means fewer people find support. Fewer people discover treatments. Fewer people feel safe to speak.

Women dealing with chronic vulvar and vaginal pain are often misdiagnosed, dismissed, or told “it’s all in your head.” Many go through years of suffering before finding care that recognizes and respects their experience. When we can’t even say these words online, how can we expect people to find help?

As a Chinese medicine therapist focused on gynecological care, I believe women deserve to be spoken about with dignity, clarity, and compassion. That starts with naming the pain. Naming the body. And refusing to accept silence as protection.

Censorship like this doesn’t protect anyone — it perpetuates harm.

✨Let’s talk about vulvodynia.

✨Let’s talk about women’s health.

✨Let’s talk — without shame.

Orit Zilberman is a Chinese medicine therapist based in Amsterdam, working with women experiencing vulvar and vaginal pain, menstrual disorders, and fertility concerns.