Chapter 34: Vagina Problems by Lara Parker

In Vagina Problems, Lara Parker describes her struggles with endometriosis, PMDD, vaginismus, vulvodynia, vulvar vestibulitis syndrome, overall pelvic floor dysfunction, interstitial cystitis, fibrocystic breasts, and probable adenomyosis. Parker discusses her journey to a diagnosis, attempts at treating her conditions, and living with chronic pain with humor and honesty.

This is a book I wish I could have written. As someone who also has endometriosis, PMDD and probably vaginismus, I am not at the point where I feel comfortable sharing my sex life in this blog. However, Parker is open and honest about the physical and emotional effects of endo on her sex life.

Another great part of Vagina Problems is the details that Parker shares about the things she's learned in pelvic floor physical therapy, the endo support group she started, and from talk therapy. These are common treatment options for endo patients, but they are often intimidating or fiscally out of reach for some people. When Parker shares the personal details of these therapies, she is removing some of the stigma and the intimidation factor from often misunderstood treatments.

There were chapters dedicated to dating and work life balance- two things that endo makes much more difficult. I related so much to the section about her concerns about finding a partner who will accept her despite her limitations and support her during bad pain days. It's something that makes me so anxious, too.

I've done a lot of research about endo- that's what happens when you have to diagnose yourself and no doctors believe you. This is the best book about endo out there. It's the perfect blend of medical info, personal stories and humor.

This book is obviously perfect for endo patients, who are historically a very ignored community. However, everyone should read this. People who don't live with chronic pain don't get it, but this brilliant book helps explain it perfectly. And everyone could use more empathy.

This is a 5 star read. It comes out in October. Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

Lara Parker is the deputy director for Buzzfeed Follow her on twitter and instagram.