Me & My Menopausal Vagina
Author: Jane Lewis
Year Published: 2018
Page Count: 116 – 3-4 hour read time
What It’s About:
This true story of one woman’s journey with vaginal atrophy is as funny and insightful as it is shocking. Refreshingly candid and unique, this book provides an in-depth look at what can happen to vaginas and vulvas as a result of the menopause transition and ageing.
Vaginal atrophy has been replaced with the term genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Up to 80% of women will experience symptoms of GSM throughout the menopause experience. And yet, most of us have no idea what to expect. Jane Lewis is trying to change that fact by sharing her funny, and at times heart-breaking story.
“…I’d like to tell you about my own experiences so that you don’t feel alone, isolated, or ashamed. In writing this book, I hope to dispel the shame and secrecy of vaginal dryness and atrophy. And hope to give you the courage to start a dialogue with your friends, family and colleagues, so that you can start sharing your troubles and find help together. Although this book is written from my point of view as a woman, I believe it should be a must-read for young girls, too. If you can learn about good vaginal health when you’re young, you’ll be better equipped to deal with some of the potential effects of ageing.”
The Take Aways:
After reading Me & My Menopausal Vagina you should come away with:
- A better understanding of the signs and symptoms of GSM
- Knowledge of various treatment options for GSM
- A thorough review of the anatomy of the vulva and the vagina
- The confidence to ask for what you need
Consider This:
GSM is a medical condition. Early treatment is important. GSM can cause changes to the tissues that can get progressively worse and become harder to treat. It can become a horrible experience if left untreated.
“…unless you’ve experienced vaginal atrophy yourself and understand just how debilitating it can be, it’s difficult to really get across how it feels to live with every day. I guess it would be like wearing a pair of new leather shoes, with no socks, and being made to run a marathon.
Imagine that at some point along the way, a small stone finds its way down the back of them and start rubbing away at your heel. At the start, it’s just annoying. You make vague attempts to brush the grit from your foot but ultimately you’re OK.
But after a while, when you still haven’t managed to get it out and its dug and dug and dug away at the skin, it becomes a significant problem. Suddenly, it’s all you can think about. It’s taken over your mind and your body. You’re not who you used to be because you can’t seem to think about anything else.”
Why you should read this book:
Many of us can’t properly name the parts of our vulva. Most of us have no knowledge of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Worse, most of us who do encounter symptoms will ignore them. When we do ask for help, our symptoms are often misdiagnosed. Even dismissed. This is unacceptable.
Being informed allows us to be better prepared for potential symptoms. It allows us to present our medical providers with accurate information. Ask the right questions. Self-advocate for the care we deserve. And if we do get dismissed, have the confidence to keep asking for support.
The menopause experience should be a time of growth and opportunity. It should never be about struggle and survival. This should, and can, be the best time of our lives. We just need to right knowledge and support.
Read:
Buy it today: Me & My Menopausal Vagina
