---
title: Stories of Chronic Vulvovaginal and Pelvic Pain
date: 2024-05-01T23:50:00-04:00
author: Missy Moyer
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/stories-of-chronic-vulvovaginal-and-pelvic-pain"
section: "Stories & Conversations"
---
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[Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Stories of Chronic Vulvovaginal and Pelvic Pain

This multimedia zine is a fantastic resource for people with chronic vulvovaginal and pelvic pain (and those who care about them). Sections are Secrets, Desire, Treatment and Healing. Includes first person accounts, poetry, tips, art, and links to more resources. Full name of resource is “Opening Up: Tight Lipped Zine Volume 1: Stories of Chronic Vulvovaginal and Pelvic Pain.”

> "My life begins to revolve around doctor's appointments, arguing with my insurance company, and making time each night to stretch, dilate, and complete my physical therapy exercises. I begin to realize that the pain probably won't just evaporate on its own and that I can't keep hiding this huge secret. I decide it's time to start opening up to my friends and family about what I'm going through."

[Listen to the episode ](https://www.tightlipped.org/zine)

SOURCE: Tight Lipped Podcast •

![Opening Up Zine](data:image/png;base64,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) Image by Tight Lipped

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ sexual anatomies & sexual health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/sexual-anatomies-sexual-health)
- [ vulvovaginal & urinary problems](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/vulvo-vaginal-urinary-problems)
- [self-advocacy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/self-advocacy)
- [pelvic pain](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/pelvic-pain)
- [vagina](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/vagina)
- [vulva](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/vulva)
- [artistic expression](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/artistic-expression)
- [painful sex](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/painful-sex)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesLook

## A Brief History of Periods/Vagina Museum Period Exhibition Print

Illustrator Hazel Mead created A Brief History of Periods to teach about menstruation throughout history.

![A Brief History of Periods:Vagina Museum Period Exhibition Print](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAACSUlEQVRIiZVWS3bEIAyT8nL/m3bX9agL21gGZlHaB4EYy/Ivw9+fHwAQEEv9xWDOBEGSzAUgme9DWspZ0logPOihbf3/0FgAAA8UB2oCS1q6XCl52cZeCVKeC4DeaXhplMNQbF+Q8YqQlC5MaxpKre11G+UYdcqcSpvYh1zGKef6VzPQQtACGl5kaGdChFIRbDEVQEa33Kt0kenG4MmyjoBiUgK6dzqHzPwEffWRS84UCjokJZGFYdImdcGYLrJEMvcAm1IuaoawVCdOeilcpM9myqRQDiGCRGFkZi3tQur3DYC3UmfQGBQEgILoMjSqaWsBLQxIwuvpe9QwscWzsonjkgzD3BRBxmdoPQmgXR+5OYqigK0RjYY2gnwh4Jo4Zg9xJyoGBgBNF92Gu2jtZ4ta/bQw6gQryBcvRd5czT9rpVWPAGg0u0uRtfkbBprWTFPsSzc7+a3B/4Jh1pQvDMi7z+t9aF9S1yyCwPA+7V6qkK+28G5+2Yo5Knk3/5ang4s1nRmDLd4h3V+bjDuzto974365aDqyaWPu2B2bwizl3SRjBryHoCex4GGofod8qO9FWl806LbiAejJo06JcqRq6w/n55WjHBfY+tnCLfvQMPX1s1xvjMsgFjvg8dQ/EyoZqZ72NN7spb+ORHuA4co2b1mOVf/wEh2q2/r+LRg8MgYyUnbBSCyz7tbzeIzkGD8dS+uRo81qIJsuAuTY1uunem8C+ofW+GwFPne0J26HfDQkTg1baE4P8bblmp6vkjvWl5w8x9TzByvIcqBg/EJVAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)

Illustrator Hazel Mead created A Brief History of Periods to teach about menstruation throughout history.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-brief-history-of-periods-vagina-museum-period-exhibition-print)

[ResourcesRead

## A Disabled Person's Guide to Talking With Your Partner(s) About Sex

Disabled writer Carrie Kaufman created this excellent guide for disabled people who want help communicating sexually with their partners.

![Pexels judita tamosiunaite 2026764 scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

Disabled writer Carrie Kaufman created this excellent guide for disabled people who want help communicating sexually with their partners.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-disabled-persons-guide-to-talking-with-your-partners-about-sex)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Infertility

ES describes her journey of infertility as she and her husband tried to get pregnant and a painful procedure with a male doctor while seeking a diagnosis.

![Elena](data:image/png;base64,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)

ES describes her journey of infertility as she and her husband tried to get pregnant and a painful procedure with a male doctor while seeking a diagnosis.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-infertility)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Finding a Perimenopause Specialist

JF recalls the research she did to find a perimenopause specialist in her area who would accept her insurance.

![My Story- Finding a Perimenopause Specialist](data:image/png;base64,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)

JF recalls the research she did to find a perimenopause specialist in her area who would accept her insurance.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-finding-a-perimenopause-specialist)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Advising Anyone Who Feels Unheard by Medical Professionals

EH provides advice on advocating for ourselves when we feel dismissed by doctors. In addition to speaking up, there are networks of support that we can access.

![Elise](data:image/png;base64,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)

EH provides advice on advocating for ourselves when we feel dismissed by doctors. In addition to speaking up, there are networks of support that we can access.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-advising-anyone-who-feels-unheard-by-medical-professionals)

[ResourcesLook

## Beauty in Blood: An Art Exhibit Created with Menstrual Blood

Visual artist Jen Lewis creates works of art using blood collected in her menstrual cup during her period, as seen in these beautiful and striking images.

![Beauty in Blood](data:image/png;base64,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)

Visual artist Jen Lewis creates works of art using blood collected in her menstrual cup during her period, as seen in these beautiful and striking images.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/beauty-in-blood-an-art-exhibit-created-with-menstrual-blood)

[ResourcesLook

## Black Birthing Bill of Rights

The Black Birthing Bill of Rights is a resource for self-advocacy and for prompting policymakers and institutions to better support Black pregnant people.

![Black Birthing Bill of Rights scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

The Black Birthing Bill of Rights is a resource for self-advocacy and for prompting policymakers and institutions to better support Black pregnant people.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/black-birthing-bill-of-rights)

[ResourcesRead

## Choices in Childbirth

A collection of videos, articles, and downloadable worksheets to help pregnant people make pregnancy, birthing, and post-birth choices that are right for them.

![Choices in Childbirth scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

A collection of videos, articles, and downloadable worksheets to help pregnant people make pregnancy, birthing, and post-birth choices that are right for them.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/choices-in-childbirth)