It is not recognized by National Health Service and often ignored by doctors.
And the vulvodinia a pathology that affects one in seven women. This is a pathology with a complex diagnosis as vulvar pain can be linked to various pathologies.
Furthermore, vulvodynia does not resolve naturally and significantly compromises the patient’s quality of life, in particular with regards to the couple and sexual sphere. It manifests itself with a burning or pinpricking pain, intermittent or continuous, in one of the most intimate parts of the female body, the vulva. When it lasts for at least 3-6 months and is not attributable to injuries, infections or other specific pathologies, you probably have vulvodynia.
THE DIAGNOSIS
It does not have a specific target. It occurs mainly during childbearing age, but can also occur in other periods of one’s life donnafrom puberty to menopause. In addition to preventing the sexual relations pain hinders study, work and socializing and the possibility of leading a normal life. She is not recognized by the health service, she is often ignored by doctors who tend to dismiss her as a psychosomatic disorder, while she has solid biological bases, she is diagnosed on average 5 years late. And after the diagnosis, many women give up treatment, not being able to pay for it out of their own pocket.
The tools to get back to feeling good are starting to appear on the market. Among these, a gel for topical use, soon available in our country, has been shown to reduce vestibulodynia, the most frequent type of vulvodynia by over 70%. It is the first product developed with a primary indication for this pathology and tested in a clinical study.
THE EFFECTS
«Vulvar pain affects the female external genitalia – explained Professor Alessandra Graziottin, director of the Center for Gynecology and Medical Sexology at the San Raffaele Resnati Hospital in Milan during the meeting Vulvodynia: is it possible to heal?! which took place in the Chamber – We speak of vestibulodynia when the pain, lasting more than 3-6 months, affects the vulvar vestibule and of vulvodynia when it affects the entire vulva. It can affect not only intimate and sexual life, but also all spheres of existence, because chronic pain is a demanding devourer of vital energy and dreams.”
To date, the diagnosis is based on the patient’s medical history and her subjective perceptions. For these reasons these pathologies are often underestimated or ignored, also because the clinical examination often does not highlight any obvious lesions or signs, therefore the medico interprets the disorders complained of by the patient as unspecified psychic or psychosomatic disorders.
THE ASSISTANCE
«Vulvodynia is far from rare – commented Professor Filippo Murina, scientific director of the Italian Vulvodynia Onlus Association and Head of the Lower Genital Tract Pathology Service at the Vittore Buzzi Hospital of the University of Milan – Despite its heavy impact on sexuality and the general quality of life of patients, the disease is not currently included in the Essential Levels of Care. A bill for the inclusion of vulvodynia in the essential levels of care and its recognition as a chronic and disabling condition was submitted to both Chambers two years ago. It is crucial to restart the process.”
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