November 25 marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women — a day that calls attention to the very real, often silenced experiences of women and girls who have endured physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological harm. At With Meraki Co., we recognize that violence doesn’t just leave emotional scars — it often has long-term impacts on the body, including the vaginal and pelvic spaces that carry so much of our story.
Today, we’re holding space for the survivors. For those navigating life after trauma. For those still in it. And for anyone ready to reclaim agency over their health and healing.
Why This Day Matters — Especially for Vaginal Health
Violence against women, especially in the form of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and reproductive coercion, is both a human rights issue and a women's health crisis. It can disrupt the body’s natural healing systems, affect hormone balance, damage the vaginal microbiome, and lead to chronic pelvic pain or infections.
More than that, trauma can disconnect us from our own bodies. We may dissociate, avoid gynecologic care, or feel fear and shame around normal sensations like arousal or menstruation. And yet, these are the very areas that deserve our love, attention, and care.
What Happens to the Body After Trauma?
When the body undergoes trauma, especially sexual or reproductive in nature, the nervous system can become dysregulated. This can affect the vaginal microbiome, increase inflammation, lower immunity, and alter how we experience touch, intimacy, or medical care.
Trauma can also contribute to:
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Pelvic floor dysfunction (tightness, pain, urgency, burning)
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Recurrent UTIs or yeast infections (especially when stress suppresses beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus)
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Pain with sex (dyspareunia) or pelvic exams
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Hormonal imbalances from chronically elevated cortisol
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Avoidance of medical appointments or self-neglect out of fear
We’re not meant to navigate these responses alone — and they are not signs of weakness. They are normal reactions to something abnormal.
Reclaiming Your Vaginal Health After Trauma
Healing is not linear. It’s deeply personal, and it doesn’t always look like "moving on." Sometimes, healing is just waking up and choosing to care for your body one small step at a time.
Here are some gentle ways to begin that process:
1. Trauma-Informed Vaginal Care
Find providers who listen, respect your autonomy, and explain everything before they touch you. Trauma-informed gynecologic care prioritizes consent, emotional safety, and your pace.
2. Pelvic Floor Therapy
Working with a trauma-informed pelvic floor therapist can help you reconnect with your pelvic muscles, release tension, and rebuild trust in your body. This can be transformative for chronic pain, urinary issues, or discomfort with intimacy.
3. Support Your Microbiome
Stress and trauma can deplete beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus. Probiotic support (like With Clarity) and a nutrient-rich diet can help restore the vaginal and gut microbiome — an essential pillar of healing.
4. Embrace Mental Health Support
Therapy — especially somatic or trauma-focused therapy — can help you process experiences stored in the body. You deserve to have a space to speak your truth and receive support without judgment.
5. Break the Silence
Whether through journaling, group support, or simply talking with a trusted friend — reclaiming your voice is part of reclaiming your body.
A Call for Collective Healing & Advocacy
At With Meraki Co., we believe that vaginal health is not just about pH or probiotics. It’s about sovereignty. It’s about education. It’s about restoring the relationship between you and your body — especially when that relationship has been disrupted by pain.
This International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we stand with survivors. We stand for informed, respectful, and empowering health care. And we stand for a future where women’s bodies are honored, not harmed.
If you or someone you love has experienced violence, you are not alone. Healing is possible. Your story matters. Your health matters. You matter.
With love, soul, and creativity,
Giana Jarrah
Biomedical Engineer, Vaginal Health Educator & Founder, With Meraki Co.
Share this post with someone who needs to be reminded: there is life, love, and healing after harm