Support, Hope and Emotional Impact
Through all of this, Erica has leaned on her husband for support. His love and reassurance have been a lifeline, even though support alone can’t relieve the pain. (If you missed the beginning of Erica’s journey, you can read Part 1 here.)
She has also tried therapy and seen a pelvic floor specialist, though these interventions provided limited relief.
The most hope she’s found has come from educational resources. Books like When Sex Hurts and videos by specialists such as Dr. Babb have shown Erica that her condition could be treatable. While seeing these experts can be costly, their guidance has given her a glimmer of hope that real care exists.
Living with this pain has taken a heavy toll on Erica’s mental health. Anxiety, depression, and obsessive thoughts consume her energy, making even small tasks feel overwhelming. Her relationships have suffered too. Pain and uncertainty make it hard to be present with friends and family, and intimacy with her husband can be challenging. Hobbies she used to enjoy, like hiking, biking, and swimming, now trigger symptom flare-ups. “It often feels like I’ve lost a piece of myself,” she shares.
💬 In the final part of Erica’s story, we’ll explore the care she hopes for and how the right support could transform her life.
*Pseudonym used for privacy
Erica found us through our outreach efforts on Reddit. You can help us continue to offer hope to people like Erica by supporting our Operations fund. The Aziza Project is a project of Visions Made Viable, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit registered in California, making your donation tax-deductible. Donate to our Operations Fund today.
