SAN FRANCISCO – According to Lady Parts IQ, a new survey commissioned by adult toy maker epi24, women still lack awareness about health matters related tp their lady parts. The survey corrects a few misperceptions about subjects including ingrown hairs and “pink balls” — the female equivalent of “blue balls” — to help women maintain their sexual health and wellness.

According to the survey, 73 percent of women do not believe they need to see their OBGYN every time they discover an ingrown hair. But, according to epi24 sexpert Michelle Hope, sometimes women are too conservative in their assessment of their own bodies.

“If you discover an ingrown hair, rash or discoloration, you should go see your gynecologist to ensure it’s not something more serious,” she said. “Often the herpes simplex virus (HSV) can look like an ingrown hair and therefore go unnoticed. It’s important to be proactive about vaginal health.”

Forty-seven percent of women were unaware it’s possible to experience pink balls — a condition that occurs when women don’t climax. In addition to feeling sexually frustrated, pink balls can lead to discomfort or pain, which may be mistaken as signs of a variety of other issues such as inflammation from an infection or an STI. More often than not, however, the pain is caused by a lack of vaginal lubrication during intercourse.

The survey also revealed:

47 percent of women are not aware an orgasm actually can help relieve menstrual cramps.

88 percent of women believe they should reserve sex-related questions for their gynecologist or specialist, when in reality most doctors recommend women talk to their general practitioner.

On the upside, 78 percent know douching a few times a month is not a consistent way to upkeep vaginal health, and 91 percent know porn is not the best visual representation of climaxing.

In a sample subset of 100 women, 50 percent said they orgasm in 60 seconds or less, 80 reported orgasming within two to three minutes, and three-fourths said they experience multiple orgasms.

“It’s important to clear up misperceptions about orgasms and the role they play not just in experiencing sexual pleasure, but also how they contribute to overall health and wellness,” Hope said. “epi’s survey suggests it’s critical that we teach women, especially young women, to learn more about their lady parts and to not be afraid to ask their doctors questions relating to arousal.

“If you’re having trouble climaxing or want to spice things up, you can also try [epi24’s flagship product] the Womanizer,” she added. “It can help you get to know your lady parts and release much-need endorphins, safely.”

More than 300 US residents age 18 or older participated in the epi 24 Lady Parts IQ survey conducted online during July 2016.