Have you ever just gritted your teeth through pain? You might think it’s just something you have to endure. Many women are taught to silently accept discomfort as a fact of life. But what if that “normal” pain is actually a serious warning sign?
Just Part of Being a Woman?
To begin, many women grow up believing certain struggles are universal. Online forums are filled with stories of shared, silent endurance. People often accept significant pain because they think everyone else experiences it too. This normalization can start at a young age.
For instance, debilitating period pain is a common example. Young women are often told severe cramps are normal. As a result, they may suffer for years without seeking help, unaware of underlying conditions.
“Every adult woman would tell me that period pain was normal. Mine were so severe I would cry, throw up, and one time even pass out. Turns out it was endometriosis.”
Moreover, this acceptance can extend to social pressures. Many women feel they must tolerate physical discomfort to meet certain expectations. They simply power through the pain, assuming it is an unspoken rule of womanhood.
“Wearing heels that hurt like hell seriously thought everyone just powered through the pain like it was some unspoken rule… turns out a lot of women just don’t wear them if they’re uncomfortable”
When ‘Normal’ Is Harmful
However, accepting pain as normal is incredibly dangerous. This mindset can mask serious health issues that need medical attention. Dismissing your own suffering prevents you from getting a proper diagnosis and treatment. The consequences can affect your health for decades.
Furthermore, the harm is not just physical. Many women endure extreme emotional distress, thinking it is just a part of their cycle. They may not realize that what they are experiencing is far from typical.
“Thought that being suicidal during the premenstrual period was normal. Turns out, most people don’t suffer from mood swings that extreme. Didn’t find out until my mid-thirties.”
In addition, this normalization of suffering can bleed into personal relationships and safety. Some women are conditioned to accept painful intimacy. They believe their discomfort is less important than a partner’s desires, which can enable abuse.
“I used to think it was normal for sex to hurt. And that I had to let my now ex-husband have sex with me whenever he wanted it, even though it hurt me.”
How to Stop Enduring
Therefore, the first step is to trust your own body. Your pain is real, and it is valid. You have the right to feel well and to seek answers when something feels wrong. Do not let anyone convince you otherwise.
Consequently, you must advocate for yourself, especially in medical settings. Challenge doctors who dismiss your concerns. Insist on further testing and demand better solutions. Your health is your priority.
“I’ve since had a life saving hysterectomy, and gotten divorced. Sex is actually better when you don’t hurt, and the person is not abusing you for it.”
Finally, you can reclaim your power by setting firm boundaries. You do not have to accept unwanted physical contact or uncomfortable situations. Speaking up for yourself is not dramatic; it is necessary.
“I saw a girl grab a guy’s wrist mid-grope and yell, ‘Try that again, and I’ll break your fingers.’ Queen behavior.”
