{"paper_id":"bd0bfc1e-bc4a-405e-b645-c711e09433d3","body_text":"Abstract\nShame and normalization of pelvic pain hinder help seeking and promote persistence with role functioning. However, pain can disrupt role functioning and this can challenge identity. Eighteen semi-structured online interviews with people with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) were conducted and analyzed with reflexive thematic analysis from a critical realist perspective. Two themes were developed that explore how minimization and maintaining an acceptable presented self can contribute to identity challenges and create barriers to help-seeking and support. Supporting identity challenge management through improving menstrual health education and awareness, and challenging perceived norms may reduce these barriers and, in turn, facilitate help-seeking.\nAcknowledgments\nWith grateful thanks to the participants for kindly volunteering to take part in this research. With thanks to Pain UK, Pelvic Pain Support Network, Endometriosis UK and Adenomyosis Advice Association for their help in advertising this study. With thanks to Dr Emily Mattacola and Dr Lindsey Roberts for their support in the early stages of this project.\nDisclosure Statement\nNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).\nData Availability Statement\nTranscripts are not available due to the sensitive nature of the topic and the need to preserve participant anonymity.","source_license":"CC0","license_restricted":false}