Klaudia Opaszowska
(She/ Her)

The Menstruation Conversation project is so important, by bringing menstruation out into the world, we’re letting others know that it’s okay to discuss it. Periods can make us uncomfortable, but talking about them shouldn’t. Lack of menstrual education, gendering menstruation and the stigma attached to periods holds a negative connotation to it. We need to make sure that we are telling everyone’s story. We need to make sure that we are meeting needs of everyone who menstruates, this includes all trans, agender, intersex, nonbinary, female and male menstruators.

 

I wanted to get involved in Georgia’s project as I find it very personal and close to my heart. I started getting problems from my first period aged 12, however I wasn’t diagnosed with endometriosis until January 2021. I remember going back and forth to my doctor and the hospital, with no hope left. No one seemed to listen, which almost led me to giving up. I suffered in silence with what I thought was just heavy, painful periods. I believed that I’m just depressed and it’s all in my head. At least that’s what I was told. I thought rolling on the floor in agony was normal. I was so wrong. My battle with endometriosis has been a wrestle, full of ups and downs, high and lows. At first I was relieved to be diagnosed, but it was really just the start of my new journey. I’ve experienced many years of extreme pain, discomfort and not feeling right and the battle is still going.

 

I wish more people would talk about our struggles to take the pressure away from “acting normal” when everything on the inside feels horrible. We are not supposed to suffer in silence. I always say everyone knows their body best, so I would urge all people to speak up if you are experiencing any of these problems. Remember to stay strong and more importantly NEVER give up, you’re not alone and we’re all in this together.