Resources

"At first I was devastated. I thought a diagnosis of vulvodynia meant that I was less of a woman. Less of a person. Something that should be so simple– not being in pain, wasn’t possible for me. At the time, I was in so much pain I was unable to wear jeans or tight clothes, I couldn’t do yoga, and I certainly didn’t feel like I could date or be intimate with anyone. I thought this was my life from now on. My diagnosis consumed me and I forfeited any ideas and plans I had for a future with a relationship."



- Living with Vulvodynia.

"I was never able to insert a tampon and for many years thought there was something physiologically wrong with me. When I lost my virginity, it was painful, but it was something that I expected to be as that’s what 'everyone said' it would be like. We were together for maybe two years and sex was still painful for me. I tried everything I could think of but ultimately thought it was 'all in my head' and after years of trying, I grew to the point where I had pretty much given up. I felt as if my condition was just the way it was going to be for the rest of my life, that I would never get to experience painless vaginal sex."

- Living with Vulvodynia.

"I have learned that sexual interactions don’t always have to be about penetration. I know my limits and am able to voice them."  





- Navigating Sexuality

"I was always so scared that once I was diagnosed, my vulvodynia would be a problem in relationships. I always worried that partners would think that I’m broken, or not enough of a woman. That I’m too high maintenance. That actually has never been the case. I’ve slept with two people since my diagnosis, and it has never been a problem for them."

- Navigating Sexuality

"After many years of dealing with this issue and with no experience of it any other way, I had very little hope that anything would work for me and felt that I would be one of those people who just never found relief. It was not until I had my appointment with the pelvic floor physiotherapist that I finally reached a breakthrough within my own mindset. She walked me through inserting a vaginal insert, something I never had success in. To my disbelief and with her encouragement, I was successfully able to fully insert the smallest one. That was the moment I became fully committed to my self-directed care and self-efficacy. Her guidance and motivation set things in motion for me."

- Breakthroughs