Femetry’s Interview with Michelle Milheiras of The Happy Pelvis

Today, we’re thrilled to chat with someone whose voice has become a guiding light in the pelvic health community. Michelle Milheiras is the founder of The Happy Pelvis, a powerful platform she created to shed light on the often invisible struggles of chronic pelvic pain. Through her candid storytelling, educational content, and deep-rooted advocacy, Michelle has helped thousands of women feel seen, supported, and empowered in their own health journeys.

From her personal experience living with multiple chronic conditions—including Interstitial Cystitis, Endometriosis, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, and more—Michelle has built a space where vulnerability meets validation, and where tough conversations around pain, identity, and resilience are always on the table.

We’re so grateful to have her join us for this conversation in collaboration with Femetry. Michelle, thank you for sharing your story, your wisdom, and your heart with our community.

1 – Let’s start at the beginning of your journey. Some people may have a gradual onset of symptoms, while others may be suddenly triggered by a single event or trauma. What was your experience? Can you take us back to the moment you realized your symptoms weren’t “normal”? What was that turning point like for you?

My pelvic pain journey started at a young age with a tailbone injury tobogganing but gradually other pelvic pain symptoms developed… especially at the start of puberty and menstruation. I had weird symptoms here and there like vulvar pain, chronic UTIs that sometimes didn’t culture, painful heavy periods, and overall random pelvic pain but I normalized a lot of it for years because I was told my pain was “normal” by doctors and that there was nothing else i can do but try not to keep getting UTI’s. I thought I just had a “sensitive bladder” or was another UTI. The turning point for me was when my pain became constant and started interfering with everything: work, relationships, even just sitting comfortably. I remember lying on the shower floor one night crying because I felt like my body had completely betrayed me. That’s when I knew something deeper was going on and I couldn’t keep pushing it aside.

2 – What are some things you’ve learned to do, or not do, to help keep your symptoms controlled and mental health protected?

Oh this has been a journey of trial and error! Over the years I’ve learned to really listen to my body. That means setting boundaries with rest, managing stress like it’s my full-time job and having a whole toolkit of therapies. Pelvic physio has been huge for me. Breathwork (trying to regulate my nervous system), pacing, movement (on my good days) and anti-inflammatory eating all help. Lately, I’ve added Femetry into my routine, especially to manage the UTI-like flares and it’s made such a difference. It’s also helped me keep my UTI’s away. But honestly? Protecting my mental health has been just as important: CBT, leaning on support groups and letting myself grieve when I need to.

3 – For you, what is the most challenging part of living with a chronic illness? And how do you overcome that?

The unpredictability. You can be doing everything “right” and still flare. That loss of control is so hard. Also the isolation. Feeling misunderstood or like you have to explain yourself constantly. I’ve learned to give myself grace. I’ve stopped trying to “prove” my pain to people who don’t get it and started focusing on preserving my energy for those who do. Creating The Happy Pelvis honestly became part of how I cope. Turning pain into purpose helps me feel like I’m not going through all of this for nothing.

4 – Chronic illness can shift our sense of identity and change our relationship with our own body over time. How has your diagnosis changed how you see yourself? Both the hard and the beautiful?

Oh, this one hits deep. For a long time I felt broken. I didn’t trust my body. I grieved the “old me” constantly. Over time I’ve learned to see myself in a new light. I’m softer now. More compassionate. I’ve redefined what strength means and it’s not about pushing through pain… It’s about choosing yourself over and over again even when it’s hard. My body might not function the way I wish it did but it’s carried me through a lot. That deserves love, not blame.

5 – What inspired you to start The Happy Pelvis, and what has surprised you most since launching it?

Honestly it started as a way to cope and to not feel so alone. I was desperate to find people who “got it.” I never expected it to grow the way it has. The most surprising and beautiful thing has been how many people message me saying, “I finally feel seen.” That never gets old. I started this because I needed a space like it, but now it exists for all of us.

6 – What role does community play in chronic illness – and how has your online community supported your healing?

Community is everything. Chronic illness can feel incredibly isolating but when you find people who speak your language + who know what it’s like to cancel plans, to cry in doctor’s offices, to celebrate a “pain level 4 day” like it’s a win… it’s life-changing. My online community has supported me through my darkest moments. They’ve taught me, cheered me on and reminded me I’m not alone. We lift each other up and that’s healing in itself.

7 – What advice would you give to someone who is struggling to navigate their health journey? Someone who is developing symptoms without an obvious cause, or frustrated because they are undergoing countless tests without answers, or feeling dismissed and not taken seriously by their doctors?

First: you’re not crazy and you deserve to be taken seriously. Keep advocating, even when it’s exhausting. Document everything, trust your gut and don’t be afraid to seek second or fifth opinions. Also, find your people. Whether it’s a support group, an Instagram page or a friend who listens, don’t do this alone. And know that healing isn’t linear. It’s messy and frustrating, but little by little, you can build a life that works with your body instead of against it.

8 – There’s still so much work that needs to be done… But let’s end on a positive note. What is something that gives you hope these days? For yourself and for other women who live with pelvic pain or other chronic illnesses?

The growing conversations. The awareness. The fact that people are finally starting to talk about things we used to feel ashamed of like bladder pain, pelvic floor issues and the impact of these conditions on mental health. That gives me hope. Also, the younger generation… They are fierce, informed and not settling for being dismissed. And personally what gives me hope is that I’ve been through hell and back and I’m still here. Still showing up. Still creating joy where I can. If I can do it, so can you.

Michelle is a peer health navigator and the voice behind The Happy Pelvis. Driven by a deep passion for pelvic health awareness shaped by lived experience, Michelle collaborates with community members to develop initiatives that support and empower those affected by chronic pelvic pain and illness. Through The Happy Pelvis, their mission is to provide resources, guidance, and tools to help individuals navigate their health journeys, advocate for themselves and build strong partnerships with healthcare providers to make informed treatment decisions.

Find out more about The Happy Pelvis at thehappypelvis.ca

Instagram.com/the.happy.pelvis