Vulvodynia Matters » E-Newsletter http://www.v-matters.org Vulvodynia Matters is a Boston-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women overcome the pain and isolation of vulvodynia. Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:55:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4 Online Study: Examining Health Care Experiences in Women with Vulvar Pain http://www.v-matters.org/2013/02/online-study-examining-health-care-experiences-in-women-with-vulvar-pain-2/ http://www.v-matters.org/2013/02/online-study-examining-health-care-experiences-in-women-with-vulvar-pain-2/#comments Tue, 12 Feb 2013 17:12:11 +0000 paTOnorato http://www.v-matters.org/?p=2190

Requirements:

  

This study is examining the impact of vulvar pain on different areas of a woman’s life, and related experiences with health care. We are looking for female volunteers over 18 years of age, fluent in English, who experience vulvar/genital pain to complete this secure online survey. The survey takes approximately 60 minutes to complete. It includes questions about medical and sexual history, experiences with health care professionals, as well as   various questionnaires, including measures of pain, psychological function and sexual function. All information is kept strictly confidential. To thank you for your participation, you will have the option of providing your email   address after finishing the survey to be considered for a draw for $50 CAN. Four draws of $50 each will take place at the end of each month while the study is ongoing.

Website:

  

You can also access the survey directly at the following website: https://surveys.psyc.queensu.ca/Checkbox/vulvarpain.aspx

Contact:

If you are interested in participating and would like more information, please contact Stéphanie Boyer, Department of Psychology, Queen’s University (Kingston, Ontario, Canada); 613-533-3276 or email shrl@queensu.ca (Investigators: Stéphanie C. Boyer, MSc & Caroline F. Pukall, PhD)

 

    

 

]]> http://www.v-matters.org/2013/02/online-study-examining-health-care-experiences-in-women-with-vulvar-pain-2/feed/ 0 December 2012 Peer Support Groups http://www.v-matters.org/2012/11/december-2012-peer-support-groups/ http://www.v-matters.org/2012/11/december-2012-peer-support-groups/#comments Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:29:31 +0000 paTOnorato http://www.v-matters.org/?p=2171 Peer Support Group Meetings:  In May there are three support group meetings, one in Dedham, MA, one in North Grafton, MA, and one in Manchester, NH. These meetings are free and are open to all women with vulvar and pelvic pain disorders. Please RSVP to the listed contact.

V Pain Support Group, Dedham, MA:   Saturday, December 15, 2012, 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.  Please RSVP to Allie  at alliecastino@gmail.com.

V Pain Support Group, North Grafton, MA:  Sunday, December 9, 2012, 2:00-4:00 p.m.  Please RSVP to Sandi at rokkett80@aol.com.

Pelvic Pain Support Group, Manchester, NH:   Friday, December 7, 2012, 6:30 p.m. Location:  Riverside Elliot, 185 Queen City Avenue, Manchester, NH. 03101.  Please RSVP to Amber at ancannan@gmail.com.

Join the Peer Support Network email list:  Send your email address to Pat Onorato at patonorato@v-matters.org. You’ll receive:

  • Announcements of upcoming support activities
  • Invitations to events
  • Information about vulvodynia and related genital pain syndromes

For a complete listing of support activities please see Peer Support Network.

]]> http://www.v-matters.org/2012/11/december-2012-peer-support-groups/feed/ 0 Take Action Now! Help Improve Women’s Health: Sign the Harvard Medical School Petition Today! http://www.v-matters.org/2012/07/take-action-now-help-improve-womens-health-sign-the-harvard-medical-school-petition-today/ http://www.v-matters.org/2012/07/take-action-now-help-improve-womens-health-sign-the-harvard-medical-school-petition-today/#comments Mon, 09 Jul 2012 19:08:22 +0000 paTOnorato http://www.v-matters.org/?p=2126 Today many women in our community are suffering unnecessarily from painful, debilitating, and often disfiguring diseases of the vulva and vagina. To lessen their pain and suffering, they need accurate diagnoses when symptoms begin and more effective treatments.

Yet many physicians still remain ignorant about the existence of vulvodynia and similar genital pain conditions! They lack the knowledge to make proper diagnoses and to provide treatments to reduce pain and suffering. The first epidemiological study of vulvar pain conducted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital confirmed that 60 percent of women seeking treatment saw at least three physicians before receiving a correct diagnosis (Harlow BL, Stewart EG, JAMWA, 2003).

The petition, written by Dr. Elizabeth G. Stewart, Director Emerita of the Vulvovaginal Service at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, a faculty member at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Vulvodynia Matters Board, requests that she be allowed to present one lecture for medical students about the female lower genital tract, and more specifically about vulvovaginal disease and genital pain conditions.

Although the petition is written from the perspective of a patient, Dr. Stewart has advised us that other supporters—health care providers, family and friends—may also sign the petition. If you are a patient consider asking your primary care provider or other health care providers treating your genital pain to sign the petition.

Please print out the petition, sign it, and gather as many signatures as possible during the month of July. Our goal is to collect 500 signatures by July 31, 2012! Signed petitions are due at V-Matters by July 31, 2012 (postmarked date).

Please make a copy of your signed petition then send the original to Vulvodynia Matters at PO Box 550096, North Waltham, MA 02455. To print the petition, click Harvard Medical School Petition. For further updates about the petition drive, click Vulvodynia Matters on Facebook.

No matter how many signatures you collect, this initiative needs the support of every health care provider treating patients with genital pain conditions, every patient experiencing  genital pain, and friends and family members!

Let’s take this first step to make sure that women suffering from lower genital tract diseases get an accurate early diagnosis and effective treatments from knowledgeable and properly trained physicians! Make your voice heard! Sign the petition today!

]]> http://www.v-matters.org/2012/07/take-action-now-help-improve-womens-health-sign-the-harvard-medical-school-petition-today/feed/ 0 Art & Healing Workshops: See Artwork by Participants http://www.v-matters.org/2012/04/art-healing-workshops-see-artwork-by-participants/ http://www.v-matters.org/2012/04/art-healing-workshops-see-artwork-by-participants/#comments Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:36:38 +0000 paTOnorato http://www.v-matters.org/?p=1622 The Art and Healing Workshops give participants an opportunity to express and share their strengths and their struggles through making art. This process helps create a supportive compassionate community to stand together to encourage each other and advocate for greater awareness of genital pain conditions.

Here’s a sample of artwork created by particpants in the Art & Healing Workshops! Want to see more great artwork? Go to Art and Healing Workshops to see more images.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

        

 
 

 

]]> http://www.v-matters.org/2012/04/art-healing-workshops-see-artwork-by-participants/feed/ 0 May 2012 Peer Support Groups http://www.v-matters.org/2012/04/may-2012-peer-support-groups/ http://www.v-matters.org/2012/04/may-2012-peer-support-groups/#comments Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:44:47 +0000 paTOnorato http://www.v-matters.org/?p=1786 Peer Support Group Meetings:  In May there are two support group meetings, one in Dedham, MA, and one in Manchester, NH. These meetings are free and are open to all women with vulvar and pelvic pain disorders. Please RSVP to the listed contact.

V Pain Support Group, Dedham, MA
Saturday, May 19, 2012
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Please RSVP to Allie Castino at alliecastino@gmail.com.

Pelvic Pain Support Group, Manchester, NH
Friday, May 4, 2012
6:30 p.m.
Location:  Riverside Elliot, 185 Queen City Avenue, Manchester, NH. 03101
Please RSVP to Amber Nicole Cannan at ancannan@gmail.com.

Join the Peer Support Network email list:  Send your email address to Pat Onorato at patonorato@v-matters.org. You’ll receive:

  • Announcements of upcoming support activities
  • Invitations to events
  • Information about vulvodynia and related genital pain syndromes 

For a complete listing of support activities please see Peer Support Network.

]]> http://www.v-matters.org/2012/04/may-2012-peer-support-groups/feed/ 0 New Peer Support Groups Forming http://www.v-matters.org/2012/04/new-peer-support-groups-forming-2/ http://www.v-matters.org/2012/04/new-peer-support-groups-forming-2/#comments Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:40:18 +0000 paTOnorato http://www.v-matters.org/?p=1774 New peer support groups forming!

Chronic Genital/Pelvic Pain Support Group in Newton, MA
This group is for women suffering from constant 24/7 chronic pain due to endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, pudendal neuralgia and/or vulvodynia. For more information email Atara Schimmel at ataraschimmel@yahoo.com.

Vulvodynia Support Group on Cape Cod
If you live on or near the Cape and are interested in participating or want more information, please contact Pat at patonorato@v-matters.org.

Vulvodynia Support Group in Central, MA
This group is for women suffering from chronic genital pain as a result of vulvodynia and related conditions. For more information, please contact Sandi Copman at rokkett80@aol.com.

]]> http://www.v-matters.org/2012/04/new-peer-support-groups-forming-2/feed/ 0 New Peer Support Groups Forming http://www.v-matters.org/2012/04/new-peer-support-groups-forming/ http://www.v-matters.org/2012/04/new-peer-support-groups-forming/#comments Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:10:25 +0000 paTOnorato http://www.v-matters.org/?p=1575 Chronic Genital/Pelvic Pain Support Group is forming in Newton, MA
This group is for women suffering from constant 24/7 chronic pain due to endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, pudendal neuralgia and/or vulvodynia.  For more information email Atara Schimmel at ataraschimmel@yahoo.com.

Vulvodynia Support Group is forming in Central, MA
This group is for women suffering from chronic genital pain as a result of vulvodynia and related conditions. For more information, please contact Sandi Copman at rokkett80@aol.com.

Vulvodynia Support Group is forming on Cape Cod
If you live on or near the Cape and are interested in participating, please contact Pat Onorato at
patonorato@v-matters.org.

Join the Peer Support Network Email List:  Send your email address to Pat Onorato at patonorato@v-matters.org. You’ll receive:

  • Announcements of upcoming support activities
  • Invitations to events
  • Information about vulvodynia and related genital pain syndromes 

For a complete listing of support activities please see Peer Support Network.

]]> http://www.v-matters.org/2012/04/new-peer-support-groups-forming/feed/ 0 April 2012 Peer Support Group Meetings http://www.v-matters.org/2012/04/april-2012-peer-support-group-meetings/ http://www.v-matters.org/2012/04/april-2012-peer-support-group-meetings/#comments Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:07:29 +0000 paTOnorato http://www.v-matters.org/?p=1573 Peer Support Group Meetings:  In April there are two support group meetings, one in Dedham, MA, and one in Manchester, NH. These meetings are free and are open to all women with vulvar and pelvic pain disorders. Please RSVP to the listed contact.

V Pain Support Group, Dedham, MA
Saturday, April 21, 2012
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Please RSVP to Allie Castino at alliecastino@gmail.com.

Pelvic Pain Support Group, Manchester, NH
Friday, April 13, 2012
6:30 p.m.
Location:  Riverside Elliot, 185 Queen City Avenue, Manchester, NH. 03101
Please RSVP to Amber Nicole Cannan at ancannan@gmail.com.

Join the Peer Support Network email list:  Send your email address to Pat Onorato at patonorato@v-matters.org. You’ll receive:

  • Announcements of upcoming support activities
  • Invitations to events
  • Information about vulvodynia and related genital pain syndromes 

For a complete listing of support activities please see Peer Support Network.

]]> http://www.v-matters.org/2012/04/april-2012-peer-support-group-meetings/feed/ 0 January 2012 Peer Support Activities http://www.v-matters.org/2012/01/january-2012-peer-support-activities/ http://www.v-matters.org/2012/01/january-2012-peer-support-activities/#comments Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:07:40 +0000 paTOnorato http://www.v-matters.org/?p=1452 Peer Support Group Meetings:  In January there will be three support group meetings: one in Dedham, one in Newton, and one in Manchester, NH. These meetings are free and are open to all women with vulvar and pelvic pain disorders.

One-on-one Peer Support:  If you would like to receive one-on-one support by telephone or email, please email Pat at patonorato@v-matters.org to set up a time to talk either with me or with a peer support volunteer.

Join the Peer Support Network email list:  Send your email address to Pat at patonorato@v-matters.org. You’ll receive:

  • Announcements of upcoming support activities
  • Invitations to events
  • Information about vulvodynia and related genital pain syndromes

PEER SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS

Genital/Pelvic Pain Support Group

Meets in Newton, MA
10 Seats
Hosted by Atara Schimmel
Saturday, January 7, 2012 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m
Please RSVP to Atara at ataraschimmel@yahoo.com

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

V Pain Support Group

Meets in Dedham, MA
10 Seats
Hosted by Allie Castino
Saturday, January 21, 2012 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Please RSVP to Allie at alliecastino@gmail.com

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Manchester, NH Support Group Meetings 

Please call Amber at 703-303-7573
or email her at ancannan@gmail.com for dates of upcoming meetings
Location:  Riverside Elliot, Manchester, NH

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Brewster, MA V Support Group

A support group network member is interested in starting up
a V Support Group on the Cape. If you live on or near
the Cape and are interested in participating, please
contact Pat at patonorato@v-matters.org
or 781-790-1813

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

UPCOMING PEER SUPPORT ACTIVITIES

Informal Social/Support Dinners

Meets in Waltham, MA
First dinner in February or March
Day/time will vary
Hosted by Pat Onorato

For more information or to participate, please email Pat at
patonorato@v-matters.org  or call 781-790-1813.
When I have a list of interested women, I’ll work with
them to schedule a convenient date and time.

 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

 For a complete listing of support activities please see Peer Support Network
listed under Resources.

]]> http://www.v-matters.org/2012/01/january-2012-peer-support-activities/feed/ 0 V-Matters Exhibiting at Massachusetts Conference for Women, December 8, 2011 http://www.v-matters.org/2011/12/v-matters-exhibiting-at-massachusetts-conference-for-women-december-8-2011/ http://www.v-matters.org/2011/12/v-matters-exhibiting-at-massachusetts-conference-for-women-december-8-2011/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:37:48 +0000 paTOnorato http://www.v-matters.org/?p=1388 We’ll be exhibiting at the Massachusetts Conference for Women on Thursday, December 8, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, 415 Summer Street, Boston, MA, 02210. If you’re attending the conference, drop by booth number 623 and say hello! For more information on the conference, visit: http://www.maconferenceforwomen.org/.

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