"I developed Vaginismus & Vulvodynia when I was 22 years old. Your 20's which are supposedly meant to be the best years of your life suddenly became the worst years of mine. After many medical appointments between the ages of 22 - 29 I was still no further on and no-one seemed to know what I had. Finally at age 30 I received the diagnosis that I had Vaginismus with Vulvodynia. I was delighted to receive the diagnosis but by this stage I was so tired of spending all my free time reading up about the conditions and trying to find solutions. I had already been to see two pelvic health practitioners with not much success. So by this stage I didn't think Pelvic Physiotherapy was the path for me. 3 - 4 years passed when I didn't really do anything and then I heard about Chantal Lowry and her practice near Moira. I spent 6 months deliberating as to whether I should go or not. By this stage I had an intense fear of the thought of having an internal examination as I had so many unsuccessful ones with private doctors, at my GP's practice and with other Pelvic Health Physiotherapists. I told myself that it would always be impossible. In the end I made the right decision and I booked an appointment as I had nothing to lose. It turned out to be life saving for me and yes one of the best decisions I have ever made. The first appointment with Chantal, we discussed the problem as there was a lot of medical history to go through but from the outset she was extremely calm, positive and understanding (exactly what I needed)! Then the 2nd appointment was a success and the 2nd appointment turned into a 3rd appointment and a 3rd appointment turned into a 4th appointment and so on. With each new appointment, I kept progressing further and further and I started to become more confident that I could do this. That I could finally overcome vaginismus.

Chantal was able to successfully treat me with face to face pelvic physiotherapy sessions as well as exercises and work which she gave me to do at home. It took time but yes now I am able to successfully have a medical internal or even a smear test should I ever need one. I've learnt through Chantal that your reproductive and vagina health is extremely important so if there are any issues 'down there' it is important to get them fixed as soon as possible and to never be embarrassed. I always thought I was probably the only person who had it in Northern Ireland which of course I have now realised is not the case.

I could have saved a lot of time if I had of gone to Chantal in my 20's - however, would I have been mentally ready at that time? Probably not! I believe everything happens at the right time. And it was the right time for me to find Chantal and her practice when I did. Vaginismus is an incredibility debilitating issue and the power of thinking positively is absolutely crucial but so is having the right people around you.

What I would like to say is for anyone reading this on her website - if you have Vaginismus. Do not hesitate but book an appointment with Chantal. What I loved about her also was you get a proper initial appointment of 60mins which gives her ample time to discuss your pelvic issues and to also work with you on the pelvic physiotherapy side of things. And the most important thing was I NEVER felt rushed during the appointment. I had been to appointments prior to her where the practitioner or doctor was rushing to get to the next patient and this is ABSOLUTELY NOT good enough for someone who has vulvodynia or vaginismus as it is a very stressful condition to have. For years I felt I hadn't been listened to. Chantal was the first person who actually listened to me and she never treated me as a number.

I will be eternally grateful to her forever because since meeting her bit by bit she has enabled me to slowly turn my life around."