This is my vulva 6 weeks post op having had 2 large endometriomas removed from my ovary and bladder and my tubes unblocked to give me a better chance of falling pregnant. 1 in 10 women have endometriosis and the physical symptoms are debilitating. But what about the other side of endo. The stuff no one says. The part where due to the pain and the constant bleeding you forget how to feel beautiful. You forget sensuality, your sexuality - how to feel feminine. How do you love your vulva, your body - enjoy intimacy with another person when pleasure and climax is no longer enjoyable? Endo can take over.

This has been my hardest journey. To maintain positive mental health and show kindness to my body when to be touched is rarely an option. Learning intimacy in other forms and self acceptance beyond the physical. Finding my femininity again and sensuality and beauty within myself, my sensitivity and my strength. When I stare at this vulva, I don’t think about long labia or short labia or hair or hairlessness. I only want to live pain free. I only want to give kindness and self love to my body after the trauma it has been through. Yoga has been my saviour and the instagram endo community xx

– M.