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"I imagine the vaginal microbiome as a layer of tiny knights protecting us from harmful invaders," explains a participant in a body mapping workshop. She points to a part of her body map where she has drawn a small bacterium with a sword and shield—beneath it, a heart as a gesture of gratitude for everything it does for her, she says. 

Body mapping is a creative research method that allows individuals to visualize their experiences, memories, and personal perspectives related to their bodies. With just a pen and paper, participants create a visual journey through their menstrual history and their perception of the vaginal microbiome. The method itself is simple: participants trace the outline of their body onto a large sheet of paper. They then respond to specific questions through drawings, words, or any other form of creative expression. In the subsequent reflection phase, they explain their representations, identify connections between different elements, and share personal experiences that came to mind while drawing. 

This open and interactive approach results in a diverse collection of individual responses and narratives. Participants frequently add new elements to their illustrations as discussions progress, leading to a dynamic and collaborative exchange.

The body mapping process introduces a new dimension to studying menstrual health and the vaginal microbiome. It provides participants with the freedom to shape their responses in a highly personal way, allowing them to highlight themes and topics that matter most to them. While qualitative research methods often rely heavily on verbal or textual data collection, body mapping complements these approaches by incorporating visual and creative elements. 

Participating in these workshops is not only scientifically enriching but also deeply inspiring. Each woman brings her unique story—and each tells it in her own way. The diversity of representations and personal reflections offers new insights into the role of the vaginal microbiome in individual health. 

Body mapping demonstrates that scientific exploration is not limited to numbers and written text. Instead, creative expression can provide valuable insights into lived experiences, making hidden aspects of health and well-being more visible.