Outreach

Pelvic MattersInformation for every body

Created by early-career researchers at the Wellcome Genome Campus, Pelvic Matters is a pocket-size booklet that distils peer-reviewed science into clear illustrations and concise text. Inside you’ll find essential facts on female reproductive anatomy, the menstrual cycle, contraception, menopause and conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary
syndrome, and vulvodynia, all in a format that is easy to carry, read and share.

Why Pelvic Matters?

Classroom teaching often skims over gynaecological health, leaving many people unsure how to recognise symptoms or speak up for themselves. Recent figures from a 2023 YouGov survey for charity The Eve Appeal highlight the gap:

  • Only 7% of respondents felt well informed about gynaecological symptoms before they or someone close to them experienced problems
  • Only 5% believed they had good knowledge of gynaecological cancers

Pelvic Matters sets out to close this knowledge gap within the Wellcome Genome Campus community. By presenting reliable information in an accessible, stigma-free way, we aim to help everyone advocate for their own and their loved ones’ reproductive health and to foster open conversation across campus.

What’s inside the Pelvic Matters booklet?

Gynaecology 101: Anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system

Written by Valentina Lorenzi & Illustrated by Antonio García

How do the brain, ovaries and uterus stay in sync each month? Follow the monthly hand-off hormones from the brain to the ovaries and to the uterus. Quick checkpoints show what “typical” bleeding and discomfort look like, how hormonal contraception interrupts the signal chain and what shifts to expect as menopause approaches.

Read the chapter

Uterine fibroids, Endometriosis and Adenomyosis

Written by Charlotte Cassie & Illustrated by Petra Korlević

Misplaced or overgrown uterine-like tissue can cause significant pain, heavy bleeding and fertility hurdles. Compare the key features of these three conditions, review the main ideas about why they form, learn the early warning signs and see the current diagnostic and treatment routes.

Read the chapter

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Written by Marie Moullet, Ana Paredes & Illustrated by Megan Gozzard

Hormones, energy balance and brain chemistry all play a role in cycle regularity and mood. Discover what distinguishes these disorders, clear up common myths and explore lifestyle, medical and mental-health options that can help restore balance.

Read the chapter

Vaginal dysbiosis, Vaginismus and Vulvodynia

Written by Christina Kim, Ana Paredes & Illustrated by Lia Bote

A stable microbiome, relaxed muscles and healthy nerves keep the vagina and vulva comfortable. Understand how dysbiosis develops, what can trigger vaginismus and vulvodynia, and the range of clinical and self-care strategies that reduce discomfort and support everyday wellbeing.

Read the chapter

Gynaecological Cancers

Written by Rina Sakata & Illustrated by Isabelle Zane

Five main cancers can affect the reproductive tract. Learn the early signs, risk factors and recommended screening schedules for cancers of the uterus, ovaries, cervix, vulva and vagina, and see how HPV vaccination and genetic testing support prevention and early detection.

Read the chapter

The team behind Pelvic Matters

The Pelvic Matters content was shaped by early-career researchers in the Vento Lab with expertise across reproductive biology and genomics, and brought to life through original illustrations by talented artists and scientists at the Wellcome Genome Campus and beyond:

Writers and editors: Valentina Lorenzi, Charlotte Cassie, Marie Moullet, Ana Paredes, and Christina Kim.

Illustrators: Antonio Garcia, Petra Korlevic, Megan Gozzard, Lia Bote, and Isabelle Zane.

Reviewers: Dr Gioia Canciani (consultant gynaecologist and hysteroscopy and menopause lead BPHE, MBBS MRCOG) and Dr Aziza Sesay (MBChB DRCOG MRCGP DFSRH, www.talkswithdrsesay.com)

We’re grateful to everyone who contributed their time and knowledge to making this resource clear, accessible, and visually engaging. Head to each chapter in the booklet to find out more about our creators!

Would you like to bring pelvic matters to your organisation?

If you’d like to discuss adapting or distributing Pelvic Matters at your institution, please get in touch:

[email protected]

We’d love to hear your ideas.