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

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With unflinching honesty, Lara Parker, Deputy Director for BuzzFeed, shares her challenges of living with chronic pain from endometriosis in this raw, darkly humorous, and hopeful memoir. Initially hesitant to discuss her condition, she ultimately embraced the reality of her pain, coining the term "Vagina Problems" as a way to confront and normalize her experiences. In April 2014, she publicly revealed her struggle with endometriosis, along with additional diagnoses of pelvic floor dysfunction, vulvodynia, vaginismus, and vulvar vestibulitis. These conditions have caused her excruciating pain since she was fourteen. For five years, Lara faced misdiagnoses and dismissive attitudes from doctors, who often attributed her suffering to psychological issues or merely "bad period cramps." This stigma fueled her determination to challenge a medical community often biased against women, highlighting the widespread ignorance about women's health issues. With candid insights into her experiences—ranging from vaginal physical therapy and the complexities of dating without penetrative sex to managing painful seizures and the emotional toll of feeling unloved—Lara tackles taboo topics with courage, wit, and a commitment to living her best life.