In this deeply personal and eye-opening conversation, we sit down with Ishta Bhatia, a French woman of Indian origin, as she shares her journey with vaginismus and vulvodynia, two often misunderstood and stigmatized pelvic pain conditions.

We explore not only the physical and emotional toll of these conditions but also what it means to navigate them within the South Asian cultural context, where silence around sexual and reproductive health is common.

From misdiagnoses and medical gaslighting to societal pressure and family expectations, Ishta opens up about her path to healing and reconnection with her body.

In this episode, we explore:

-What vaginismus and vulvodynia actually are, and how they impact daily life

-Ishta’s personal journey from misdiagnosis to treatment

-The trauma of seeking medical help when doctors don’t listen

-How South Asian cultural expectations around marriage and sexuality shape women’s experiences with pain

-The emotional weight of living with a condition that’s invisible to others

-How partners and relationships can either hinder or help the healing process

-Differences between Eastern and Western narratives around women, pain, and shame

-The kinds of questions South Asian parents ask their daughters, and what gets left unsaid

This episode is for anyone looking to understand the intersection of chronic pain, womanhood, relationships, and culture, and how vulnerability can lead to empowerment. 🔔

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