Real Women, Real Stories
We’re proud to be a trusted voice in women’s healthcare, and even prouder that so many women trust us to share their stories with the world. We’re dedicated to making sure women from every walk of life are heard, and our Ready, Healthy & Able program is just one example of that commitment to furthering women’s health.
That’s why we’d love for you to tell your story, too. Real Women, Real Stories are short essays that document your unique health journey. And don’t worry, you’ll be interviewed by a professional writer who will tell your story with care — and you can always remain anonymous if needed.
Have a story you want to share? Please fill out our story submission form to contribute!
It’s Your Period Again? Really?
When endometriosis makes your periods unbearable, navigating a male-dominated career means crossing a minefield of dismissal and disbelief
¿Es tu periodo menstrual otra vez? ¿En serio?
Cuando la endometriosis hace que tus períodos menstruales sean insoportables, atravesar una carrera dominada por los hombres implica cruzar un campo minado de condescendencia e incredulidad.
One of My Hardest Missions in Afghanistan Was Getting Birth Control
The root of the problem? A lack of care for women’s health issues.
Una de mis misiones más difíciles en Afganistán era obtener anticonceptivos
¿La raíz del problema? Una falta de atención para los problemas médicos de las mujeres.
Getting Help for Your Mental Health Is Not a Weakness, but Try Telling My Asian Parents That
As Chinese immigrants, my parents taught me their cultural values of hard work and overcoming challenges through helping yourself — but when the challenge is mental health, that approach doesn’t work.
Keeping My HIV Diagnosis a Secret for a Year Taught Me a Lot About People’s Stereotypes
Managing your health with HIV is hard enough, but facing the stigma of HIV makes it even harder
It Took 3 Decades for Me to Receive an Endometriosis Diagnosis
Even though I had access to comprehensive healthcare and specialists, my symptoms were still dismissed
My Close Friend’s Cancer Diagnosis Helped Save My Life
After losing my close friend to cancer that was diagnosed too late, I knew I had to advocate for myself
Cervical Cancer Taught Me to Talk About My Vagina
In my community, talking about sex and vaginas is taboo – but my cervical cancer diagnosis showed me the importance of sex education and open conversation
I Thought My Heavy Bleeding Was Normal — Until It Almost Killed Me
My fibroids caused severe anemia, and I needed a blood transfusion. But I’ve learned to manage the condition and advocate for the compassionate care I need
