“What kind of weirdo, freaky exhibitionist wants to post this kind of crap? Keep it between you and your gynecologist. They get paid to hear you whine about your lady parts. Even your husband doesn’t want to read this. Ew. Just stop it.”
This. This is exactly why women are afraid to be open about vaginal pain. This kind of close-minded comment isn’t helpful or necessary. If you don’t want to read about my journey… close the Internet browser.
I want to share my story. Since I posted this blog just a few days ago, I have received 5 messages from women I KNOW, PERSONALLY who have said that they (or a friend) have a similar condition. That they have seen how it affects their lives, marriages, and confidence. That they are stuck and have no idea what to do next in order to find healing. This is why I want to share my story. Because if one woman can suffer for less, it is worth it.
This comment, waiting for me in my blog inbox this morning, came as a surprise. It hurt. For a moment I felt numb, wondering if this was the truth. But then I was filled with a peaceful feeling– your words don’t matter to me. You can’t control me. All you can control is whether you choose to continue to read my blog and keep commenting hateful things or whether you “just stop it” and find something better to do with your time.
… and by the way, my husband does want to read this. We talk about vulvodynia openly and have a wonderful relationship filled with communication, support, love, and understanding. And that is why I am married to him… not you.
You rock, Grace! Don’t let people like that get you down. I admire you and your courage! I’m just sorry your first content was negative .
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Ugh. Trolls. It’s your personal blog, you can talk about what you want. Also, based on the maturity level, I’m doubtful that person even understands how complex the reproductive system is and how many things get ignored by women because “who knows what’s going on *now*?!”
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Yessss, girl! This comment is a perfect example of the sexism that is still so prevalent in our society, even to the point of effecting our (women’s) physical health! People being this uncomfortable with the female anatomy is exactly why people like you should keep speaking out like you’re doing! When I was experiencing what I now realize was probably postpartum hormone influenced vulvodynia, my OBGYN told me there was nothing I could do but wait it out. He was sympathetic and concerned, but so uninformed, and I have to believe sexism and taboo are the main causes of that. These are doctors of the female body! They should be far more aware of this, but they won’t be if were taught not to speak up about it. Luckily my symptoms did go away with time (about a year. I had to stop nursing completely for them to go away.), But I know for many women that’s not the case! I scoured the internet for hours trying to figure out what was wrong with me and in the whole vast internet there was almost nothing to give me hope or direction. I am so glad you are writing this because there are certainly plenty of women who need it.
Also, it never ceases to amaze me how many people on the internet find the time to complain about not wanting to read things they could easily not read. *SMH*
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Such an excellent response!!! You’re beautiful and brave and I want to be more like you every day!
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