The first book of The Menstruators Book Club was Vagina Problems By Lara Parker. It was a pretty decent read, I would give it a 3.5/5 stars. I was expecting a more educational read, but I enjoyed the memoir-style read. At times it did give off a complaining vibe, but Lara’s feelings are real and valid, so go off queen! Someone needs to say all these things! I, too, often complain about my pain and problems. 

At times I related to what Lara had written and other times it really brought me down, a lot. It can be hard to hear other people’s experiences with pain. Sometimes it feels invalidating, like my pain isn’t this bad so I shouldn’t complain. But, I want to tell all of you and also myself that your pain matters. There is no competition on who has worse pain. Your pain is valid and real, don’t let anyone tell you differently, not even your own brain! 

In some chapters, I really related to Lara’s words. Like when she talked about her friends and her talking about their periods and when she realized her friends weren’t in the same amount of pain as her. Similar to my friends barely complaining about cramps and me actively thinking I was dying. When doctors didn’t listen to her pain or prescribe her birth control, told her to take Tylenol 3 days before. Similar to a doctor telling me that birth control or getting pregnant were my only options. Explaining your pain to the person you are dating and wondering if they’re going to accept you. Going to pelvic floor physical therapy, the good, the bad, the ugly (Although I only really had a fantastic experience with PT). A lot of her words were emotional and rare and I appreciated that. 

Thank you Lara for this beautiful book! 

Our next book is Period Power by Maisie Hill. You can follow along on Fable. 

Happy Menstruating!