“YOUCARE is about making it easy for women to take care of themselves – in a way that is both professionally based and personal.”
BLUE BOOK
Dorthe Snejbjerg is a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics, Ph.D. and among the country's leading voices within women's intimate health. With many years of experience from both the hospital system and private practice, Dorthe works with a focus on prevention, knowledge and open dialogue to strengthen women's intimate health and break taboos.
What made you start YOUCARE?
In my gynecological practice, I see women every day who come in with imbalances and discomfort from the lower abdomen. In some situations , it requires treatment with antibiotics, but I would like to help women avoid imbalances in the future and help the body regain balance and well-being without excessive use of antibiotics. Without the woman necessarily having to see a doctor. In a more sustainable way. This led to a desire to create an intimate care series with premium products for women of all ages . Created by a woman for women. But also to break down taboos about intimate issues. So that my knowledge can benefit my patients through good , well- chosen ingredients. in my products specifically designed for women's needs.
How has your experience as a gynecologist influenced how you see women's needs in everyday life?
That the need is far greater than I thought. That when you as a woman experience imbalance, it affects your everyday life and is often linked to shame and great discomfort. This applies to all ages. I wanted to remedy this and as a gynecologist I have the insight and knowledge that I think was the right starting point for the series .
What principles from your clinical experience have you incorporated into the development of YOUCARE?
That the products should directly solve a specific problem. That they should also create an experience of well-being and self-care. That they are also nice to have on display and be out in the open. from a sustainable perspective in the choice of materials. Danish produced in relation to credibility and security for the end consumer. It was important to me that it should not be " old wine in new bottles " or create an unnecessary need for increased consumption .
How can YOUCARE help women take care of their health and well-being?
By being aware of how important our microflora is. The body 's balance is important - for well-being, fertility and to avoid imbalances such as itching, burning, odor, razor bumps and ultimately infections.
When you use YOUCARE products, you will help and support your body's natural balance. The pH value in the vagina should be slightly acidic (pH approx. 4.5) and the products contribute to this and to creating an intact barrier in relation to, among other things, redness, irritation , itching, burning and razor bumps. When the skin and mucous membrane are intact, we achieve natural protection against fungi, viruses and bacteria which creates a good flora and thus balance and well-being.
What myths or misconceptions about women's health would YOUCARE like to challenge?
- That water is enough. W ater is neutral which is fine enough. But if you tend to be unbalanced (too high pH value) water just won't help at all. By using intimate soap (with glycerin so it doesn't dry out and with a slightly acidic pH) you help your vagina maintain a good flora. As part of a regular care routine for everyone . The vagina is self-cleaning, but only if the intimate environment is in balance.
- That bacteria are dangerous. We must distinguish between good and bad bacteria. The body is full of bacteria and we cannot live without them. But of course it must be “the good” bacteria. For the vagina, it is lactic acid bacteria. They produce lactic acid which keeps the pH value down and thereby ensures that the bad bacteria do not grow. That you cannot have too many lactic acid bacteria and that the more different types of lactic acid bacteria you have in the vagina, the more resistant you are – to infection with viruses, fungi, bacteria.
- That imbalance and bothersome symptoms from the lower abdomen are rare and that you are alone. No, almost all women have experienced it and I would like to make it completely natural that there is an intimate soap in the bathroom - because you are a woman who takes care of yourself. So that it does not give an association to something bad , but instead to self-care , care and well-being .
- That capsules with lactic acid bacteria should be a completely natural cure after any use of antibiotics . This ensures the recovery of the good intimate flora. Antibiotics will destroy the good flora, which is why it is important to rebuild the flora in the lower abdomen – quickly and with the correct good bacteria.
What has been the biggest challenge in combining medical expertise and entrepreneurship?
That I place such high demands on myself and thus it all takes longer - because I need to be sure before I make choices that directly affect other people's bodies. It can feel like a big responsibility and a cautious path to tread.
What has working with YOUCARE taught you about yourself as a leader and clinician?
To dare to believe in what I see and experience and go with the dream. The dream of really making a difference. For women's fertility chances, women's self-esteem , well-being and body understanding. That my knowledge should become theirs and to run a project with passion and heart. If I as a gynecologist take the lead and dare to talk about the lower abdomen, then perhaps others will use that knowledge, share it, reflect on it and achieve well-being. That together we can start a movement towards better health for and knowledge about - women.
It has taught me that things take time and to have the courage to persevere when things are difficult and I encounter resistance and uncertainty – To maintain faith in myself as a leader, entrepreneur and in the entire project. It goes up and down – but I know I am on the right path.
What are your ambitions for YOUCARE in the next few years?
That the products become a permanent part of every woman's intimate care routine. That YOUCARE becomes the brand you feel secure in and that my professionalism resonates with the user in their choice of brand. To continue to build a community and knowledge sharing - accessible and at eye level for everyone. So YOUCARE will grow as a company for the benefit and joy.
What difference do you hope YOUCARE can make – both for women and in the market globally?
That with professionalism and passion, customers can feel authenticity and credibility . That I created the series because I think a premium intimate care series was missing . A strong brand that really makes a difference.
Follow Dorthe on @gyndoktor
