Endometriosis is a painful condition that affects more than 1 in 10 women and unknown numbers of transgender and gender diverse people.  It can be challenging to receive timely diagnosis, and people can often go years without effective treatment.  One of the hallmark symptoms of endometriosis, although not always present, is painful sex.  Dr. Bridge-Cook discusses endometriosis in general, as well as the specifics of endo-related sexual pain.  

For more information on endometriosis, The Endometriosis Network Canada is an trustworthy resource and a group where Dr. Bridge-Cook volunteers her time: https://www.facebook.com/TheEndoNetwork, or www.endometriosisnetwork.com

Resources Dr. Bridge-Cook mentions in her interview:  the book Beating Endo, by Dr. Iris Orbuch;  Sex Pain and Endometriosis website https://endopain.endometriosis.org

Another resource:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/NancysNookEndoEd

After 30 years of pain with deep penetration during sex, Annie finally found a solution.  She tells us about the long journey it took to get there, including scores of physicians, multiple surgeries, diagnoses including endometriosis, fibroids, and ovarian cysts, the challenges it presented in her relationship, and how she had lost hope.  Fortunately, she never gave up.  

Annie returns for part 2, describing how a stuck tampon lead them to find her daughter's septate hymen, and the surgical procedure that resulted.  Annie talks about the physical experience, as well as her parenting experience.

50 year old Annie discusses the labiaplasty she had age 17:  what it was like to discover that her vulva was different, how it affected her, why she chose to have a labiaplasty at a young age, and her thoughts since then.  This is part 1 of a 3 part interview.