Vagina Problems: Endometriosis, Painful Sex, and Other Taboo Topics

Buzzfeed deputy editorial director Parker lived with chronic pelvic pain during her teenage years before being diagnosed with endometriosis, vaginismus, and other pelvic conditions after many years of misdiagnosis. Since writing for BuzzFeed about her “vagina problems,” Parker realized that detailing her own past and continual journey in a book could validate the experiences of other girls and women. Parker fervently hopes that her words will help others going through similar experiences not to feel so alone and adrift. Parker’s candid, frank, and raw prose shows the truth of these frustrating health conditions and also demonstrates her frustration toward the gender-biased nature of treatment from the traditional medical community. Chapters explore how to navigate friendships and intimate relationships and working while having a chronic illness. Throughout, Parker acknowledges she has been lucky to have access to health insurance and alternative treatments, and details what has been most helpful in the long run.