When it comes to women’s intimate health, many of us have had to figure it out alone, with outdated advice, awkward conversations, and products that didn’t meet our needs. Questions like “is it normal to feel shame about my body?” or “are condoms causing irritation?” often go unasked, leaving people to figure things out themselves.

Dr. Sarah Welsh saw this problem up close as a gynaecologist and decided to do something about it. In 2017, she co-founded HANX, a science-backed sexual wellness brand focused on safe, effective contraception (including condoms for sensitive skin), lubricants for menopause dryness, pregnancy supplements, and even a natural libido booster for women.

Alongside her co-founder Farah Kabir, Sarah set out to challenge outdated products, break societal stigma around natural bodily processes, and close the knowledge gap created by inadequate sex education and shame-based messaging.

We sat down with Sarah to talk about myths that won’t die, the problem with mainstream condoms, why lubricant deserves a little more respect, and her take on natural aphrodisiacs for women.

From Doctor to Founder: Why Sarah Left Medicine for Vaginal Care Products

Q: What made you quit your job for sexual wellness entrepreneurship?
As a gynaecology doctor, I saw firsthand how underserved women especially are when it came to intimate health, especially with a lack of products that were both safe and pleasure focused. I co-founded HANX because I was tired of seeing outdated, male-centric products on the shelves that left women with soreness, itching and UTIs. I wanted to create a brand that genuinely put vaginal health first, with transparency, clinical insight, and no shame.

Vaginal Myths, Intimate Shower Gels, and What We Should (and Shouldn’t) Be Using

Q: What’s one myth about vaginal health you wish everyone would unlearn?
That vaginas need to be constantly cleaned or scented. They don’t. Vaginas are self-cleaning! Over-washing or using perfumed products can actually do more harm than good by disrupting the natural balance.

The Biggest Gaps in Women’s Health Education

Q: In your experience, what’s the biggest gap in women’s health education today?
That it’s taught reactively, not proactively. We’re often only taught about our bodies in the context of pregnancy or periods. There’s so much more to understand, from pleasure to hormones to autonomy. The majority of women suffering from illnesses such as Endometriosis or PCOS, are not taught about these conditions in schools nor are medical professionals. Ensuring there is a comprehensive education around women’s health conditions allows for correct diagnosis and compassionate care.

Consent, Communication and Pleasure: How Sex Education Should Change

Q: If you could rewrite sex education in schools, what would you actually teach?
I’d start with consent, communication, and pleasure, because they’re just as important as anatomy and STI prevention. Sex ed should empower, not shame. It should be inclusive, factual, and reflect real experiences, not just textbook scenarios.

Condom Innovation and Hormonal Health

Q: What was the first product you knew HANX had to create - and why?
Condoms. It seemed wild to me that we didn’t have condoms designed with vaginal health in mind. Most were full of unnecessary chemicals or packaged like nightclub flyers. I saw so many women in my clinic suffering from chronic UTIs and irritation from the chemicals found in mainstream condoms. We wanted to offer medical-grade products that people actually wanted to carry in their bags.

Science-Backed Sexual Wellness and Product Development

Q: Has being a gynaecologist shaped how you approach product development?
Massively. Every product we create is rooted in science and safety. My clinical background means we never compromise on quality, because I know what’s at stake when we do. Our community is also one of the most important things we consider when approaching product development. We ask them what they want from us and we do our very best to give that to them! 

Understanding Hormones Beyond Periods and Pregnancy

Q: What’s one thing people get wrong about hormones?
That they’re only relevant during your period or pregnancy. Hormones influence everything! Mood, sleep, libido, skin, energy levels. Understanding your hormonal rhythm is key to understanding yourself.

The Most Underrated Intimate Health Product

Q: If vaginas had a PR agency, what would their rebrand headline be?
Controversial: I don't think vaginas need a rebrand! It's the outdated attitudes towards a very normal part of our bodies that really need reshaping. If I ran a PR agency for vaginas, I'd focus on changing those perspectives: squeamishness, body shaming and ignorance need to go.

Cutting Through the Noise: How to Tell If Wellness Trends Work

Q: What’s the most underrated product or ritual for intimate health?
Honestly, lubricant. It gets a bad rep, and no it’s not just for “dried up old ladies” (thanks for that one, Superbad). It’s not just for sex; it’s about comfort, confidence, and respecting your body’s needs.

Q: How do you separate fact from fad in a world flooded with wellness trends?
I would always ask, is there science behind it? Is it fear based marketing? Is it trying to solve a problem that’s not really a problem? At HANX, we take trends with a healthy dose of skepticism, your health should not be a trend.

The Questions We Should Feel Comfortable Asking

Q: What’s something you wish more people felt confident asking their doctor?
“Is this normal?” So many people worry in silence about discharge, odour, pain, libido. Often there’s a simple explanation or solution. No topic is too small or too embarrassing for your health.

Tackling Taboo Topics and Industry Backlash

Q: HANX tackles a lot of taboos - has there been any backlash, or was the world more ready than we think?
Definitely both. We’ve faced challenges, whether it’s advertising restrictions or the word “vagina” being flagged. But we’ve also seen incredible support and hunger for honest, science-backed conversations. People are ready, they just need permission to speak up.

A Milestone Worth Remembering

Q: What’s one milestone moment in your HANX journey that really stuck with you?
Seeing our products in mainstream retailers for the first time. It felt like a real shift, like the world was catching up with what we knew people needed. Also, hearing from customers who say HANX helped them feel seen or empowered. That’s what keeps me going.

Breaking the Cycle of Shame

Q: What would you say to someone who feels shame about their body’s natural functions?
You are not alone. Shame thrives in silence. But your body is doing exactly what it’s designed to do, and it deserves care, not criticism. Talk about it. Ask questions. The more we normalise it, the less power shame has.

Why Women’s Intimate Health Deserves More Attention

Dr. Sarah Welsh isn’t just talking about better sexual awareness, she’s building it, one science-led, stigma-free product at a time. From condoms designed for comfort and sensitive skin to pregnancy supplements with folic acid and iron, through to lubricants for menopause dryness and a libido-boosting product for women, HANX is redefining what wellness looks like.

Their mission? To tackle outdated products, break down shame, and close the knowledge gap with expert-led resources and innovation that puts women’s health first, from first-time sex to menopause and everything in between.

Her take? Shame has no place in healthcare. And when we stop whispering about things like hormones, discharge, and how to improve vaginal health naturally, we finally get the support we’ve been missing.

Your body isn’t embarrassing. It’s brilliant. It deserves care that works.

Curious to try HANX? Explore their full range of condoms for sensitive skin, lubricants for menopause dryness, pregnancy supplements, and more intimate health essentials here.