Jorja discovered what mattered

Jorja (they/them) is a 23-year-old nursing student who had period pain since 13. Their GP put them on the pill, which worked well, however in their first year of uni, they had worsening pelvic pain, bloating, fatigue, and painful sex. Their GP ordered a pelvic ultrasound and referred them to a gynaecologist. The ultrasound showed suspected endometriosis, but their gynaecologist explained that surgery would be more successful for their pain if they addressed other factors first. The Gynae changed their pill and referred them to physiotherapy, which Jorja wasn't sure about, as social media suggested surgery was the only way to go.

Working together, we discovered that years of pain had sensitised their pain system.  The stress of uni, uncertainty about their sexual orientation, coming to understand they might be bisexual and experiencing sexual pain had made everything worse. Jorja had reduced their exercise, was sleeping less thanks to doom scrolling and was holding tension in their abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. With their Physiotherapist's support, Jorja addressed many of these factors and their pelvic and sexual pain significantly improved. During their final nursing year, Jorja experienced worsening pain impacting their studies and clinical placements. They and their gynaecologist decided it was time for a laparoscopy. 

Jorja's Pelvic Health Goals:

• Know that I’ve done everything I can before and after surgery to make sure my pain settles and doesn’t come back. 
• Be able to complete my final year placements and graduate as a nurse – its my dream.
• Return to pleasurable intimacy, whatever that looks like - it’s important to me. 
• Feel confident to return to the gym and yoga – I now understand how important they are for my nervous system and pain.