“You’re Not a Complete Person”: The Interrelationships Among Pelvic Pain, Body Image, and Identity

Sophie Obreza, Janet Conti, Amelia K. Mardon
In: Women's Reproductive Health · 2026 · pp. 1–20 · doi:10.1080/23293691.2026.2752054 · W7225230594
Qualitative OA: hybrid CC0
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Abstract

Evidence suggests that endometriosis influences how women perceive their bodies and sense of self. However, less is known across other pelvic pain conditions. This reflexive analysis of 12 semi-structured interviews from women with pelvic pain in Australia explored the interrelationships among pelvic pain, body image, and sense of identity. Three themes were developed: “the devil within me: the experience of pelvic pain”; “the camouflage that hides me: curating and concealing the pain”; and “the resilience that (re)defines me: surviving the pain”. Findings highlight how pelvic pain simultaneously undermines and redefines women’s relationships with their body and sense of self.

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