Brinda's Story*
Step 1
Brinda discovered what mattered
Brinda (she/her) is a 27-year-old administrative assistant who had been suffering with debilitating period pain since age 12. After years of being told to "put up with it," multiple surgeries, and worsening symptoms, she was desperate and losing hope. She had pain trying to use a tampon, never slept well because of her bladder and was always exhausted. She dropped out of hockey and stopped going out with friends. When she was 18, a Gynaecologist finally diagnosed endometriosis. After each surgery her pain reduce for a few months and then return worse than before. By age 27, she was missing 3-4 days of work monthly, had stopped dating and felt hopeless. Working together, we discovered that many factors were contributing to her pain - her nervous system, pelvic floor and abdominal muscles tension, poor sleep, diet and constipation, high stress and anxiety were all contributing factors.
Brinda's Pelvic Health Goals:
- Not have to miss work when I have my period - I'm running out of sick leave.
- Understand why I'm still in so much pain when my endo is 'better'.
- Say yes to drinks with friends and actually be able to go.
- Sleep through the night without my bladder pain waking me up.
- Feel confident enough to date again and ultimately enjoy pain-free sex .
- Feel like I can have a future - right now I can't imagine anything improving.
Step 2
Brinda restored what mattered
Brinda learned that many things were contributing to her pain. Her physiotherapist taught her about pain science - how her nervous system had become sensitised and overprotective. She started daily walks with friends, breathing exercises and relaxation practices. She learned that pain is both physical AND emotional 100% of the time. Pelvic floor muscle training focused on awareness and relaxation. Sleep optimisation, dietary changes, movement practices, bladder retraining and stress management became daily practices. She set boundaries around toxic relationships and eventually saw a psychologist to work on thoughts and feelings that were getting in the way of feeling better.
Step 3
Brinda enjoyed what mattered
Eighteen months after starting treatment, Brinda was in control of her pain and life. She was in a happy relationship where intimacy was better than she ever imagined. She hardly ever cancelled plans with friends and had accumulated sick leave at work. She could use tampons comfortably and went swimming with friends - something she'd avoided for years. She sent us a message: "I still have endometriosis, but it doesn't control my life anymore. I control how I respond to it." Brinda became an advocate in the Indian-Australian community, challenging cultural narratives about accepting period pain as normal.