Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, on other organs. This condition can cause inflammation and adhesions and, in some cases, compromise fertility. The main symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse), and gastrointestinal issues.
Vulvodynia is a medical condition characterized by chronic and persistent pain in the vulvar area, with no apparent cause, lasting for at least 3 months. The main symptoms include burning, itching, a sensation of pinpricks, and dyspareunia.
Endometriosis and vulvodynia are two gynecological conditions that affect millions of women worldwide, yet they are often invisible, not only to society but also to many healthcare professionals.
Statistics show that approximately 70% of women with vulvodynia consult three or more doctors before receiving a correct diagnosis. Women with endometriosis can take up to 11 years to receive a diagnosis. This waiting time is often accompanied by the feeling of not being believed.
But why do these women face such significant obstacles in getting their pain recognized? Historically, diseases primarily affecting women have been long undervalued in medicine. Medical research has long used men as the standard model for clinical studies, leaving women underrepresented. In past centuries, symptoms that we would now recognize as chronic or gynecological diseases were often attributed to “hysteria,” a term laden with gender bias that labeled women as emotionally unstable. Today, even though the language has changed, the echo of those prejudices persists in phrases like "it's all in your head" or "you just need to relax", thankfully, phrases less and less frequently heard from professionals.
The chronic pain associated with these conditions is not limited to the physical dimension. It permeates every aspect of daily life: from the sexual sphere to the work sphere, from the social sphere to the psychological sphere. Many women living with vulvodynia and endometriosis report feelings of frustration, loneliness, and inadequacy. The difficulty of being believed, the suspicion that the pain is not “really” present, creates an emotional isolation that can undermine their self-esteem and sense of identity.
Due to deeply rooted cultural prejudices, many women feel judged, inadequate, and incapable of meeting social expectations of the “ideal woman”. This psychological burden can make them feel as if they are not enough.
Endometriosis and vulvodynia are conditions that require not only an accurate diagnosis and medical treatment but also a deep understanding of the psychological and emotional implications that arise. Women facing these conditions deserve to be listened to, believed, and supported in every aspect of their lives.
Psychotherapy can play a crucial role in the process of legitimizing pain and helping to rediscover a more positive and authentic sense of self. A psychotherapy process can be a valuable support for women living with these conditions, as it allows them to address pain not only from a physical perspective but also from a psychological one. Therapy can help women understand and rework their emotional experiences, assisting them in distancing themselves from the negative judgments society often imposes. It can also be a space to explore relational difficulties, both with partners and with those around them, and to learn how to better manage the emotions related to the condition.
Post from November 7, 2022
POWER & BEGINNING
During this last year in Italy many steps forward have been made in the recognition of this disabling and invisible disease that is vulvodynia.
Last Friday took place in Rome the very first national congress of vulvodynia.
It was an honor to be there for what represented another brick on which to continue building.
There is still a long way to go.
Many professionals shared their knowledge and recent discoveries bringing to life the title chosen for the congress: "the power of information and research".
Many considerations emerged, including the need for a greater involvement of the role of the psychologist in the management of this disease.
Sad truths have been addressed too, such as the reasons why until recently this condition has been poorly researched and underestimated: women health was for too long understudied and women's pain is still normalised.
But as one activist said: THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING.
